Key Insights
Why did Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone choose to create a scripted podcast like 'Hildy, The Barback, and the Lake of Fire'?
They wanted to explore the podcast space in the hardest possible way, focusing on a comedic Game of Thrones-inspired story with a high production value and a visual world that listeners wouldn't see but could imagine.
How did Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone first meet Octavia Spencer?
They first met Octavia Spencer at the Groundlings, where they were all part of the same writing lab. Octavia would come to watch their shows, and her infectious laugh made the performances better.
What was the turning point in Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone's relationship that made it public among their friends?
Their relationship became public when Mike McDonald, a friend, noticed them at a gathering and made a scene, staring at them and making suggestive hand gestures, effectively outing them to their friends.
How does Melissa McCarthy feel about working with her husband Ben Falcone?
Melissa McCarthy finds working with her husband satisfying because it allows for constant improvement and compromise. They combine their ideas to create something better than either could have done alone, focusing on the good aspects of each other's ideas rather than a battle of wills.
Why did Melissa McCarthy stop writing scripts for a while?
Melissa McCarthy stopped writing scripts because she found the structure and the process of relearning the same structural notes for each new script maddening. She also didn't enjoy feeling like she had homework due everywhere she went.
What is Melissa McCarthy's favorite memory from her time at the Groundlings?
Melissa McCarthy's favorite memories from the Groundlings are of the bombs, or failed sketches, where she and her peers would acknowledge how bad it was together in the green room, creating a shared moment of camaraderie and humor.
Chapters
- Melissa wore a lime green unitard with dragon scale-like overlay and finger bedobbles.
- Ben wore a learned man outfit from the Middle Ages with a big cross section of leather across the breasts.
- The costumes were inspired by their comedic Game of Thrones-style scripted podcast.
Shownotes Transcript
