The Business
Creators and Stars of 'Portlandia;' IMDB and Ageism
The creators and stars of 'Portlandia' talk about turning their comedy videos into IFC's biggest hit. Plus, does IMDB perpetuate ageism in Hollywood?
By Kim Masters • • 28m ListenFred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, the creators and stars of IFC's hit show Portlandia, sit down with The Business producer Darby Maloney, while in L.A. on their Portlandia Tour. For years, Armisen (long-time cast member of SNL) and his best friend, indie rocker Brownstein, made comedy videos under the name Thunderant. Just for fun. Just for friends. But at one point, they realized these could maybe be a TV show. They talk about working with Lorne Michaels and IFC and their crew in Portland, Oregon to create what's become the hugely successful off-beat sketch comedy show, Portlandia.
Debbie Haeusler, an agent who has repped below-the-line talent for decades, shares her opinion that the website IMDB perpetuates ageism for crew members working in Hollywood.
Today's Banter Topics:
- Outlook on the Sundance Film Festival is optimistic but cautious
- Hollywood studios and the MPAA lose the PR war over SOPA -- and its efforts to crack down on piracy -- with Internet companies
- The Center for the Study of Women in Film has grim 2011 numbers on the number of women working behind the scenes in Hollywood
Banner image: (L-R) Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen in IFC's Portlandia. Photo by Chris Hornbecker/IFC
