Show Previews, Arts, Film & Music, Interviews

Director’s Cut: Rob Cohen & “Being Canadian”

June 9, 2016 PBS Wisconsin Leave a Comment

This week on Director’s Cut, it is my pleasure to welcome accomplished writer/director Rob Cohen to discuss his very funny documentary Being Canadian. Rob’s body of work as a comedy writer is impressive. His writing credits include The Simpsons – he wrote the ‘Flaming Moe’ episode –The Ben Stiller Show & The Big Bang Theory. Most recently he was working on podcast phenomenon Marc Maron’s show as both writer and director.

Being Canadian is Rob’s love letter to his homeland but was educational for him as well. It is an extremely well-directed and well-produced film, and as with most of Rob’s creations, it’s very funny and very dry. Rob interviewed tons of celebrities, most from Canada and a few from here in the States. The interviews are interesting, funny and set in some crazy locales. As a comedy writer and self proclaimed student of the craft myself for many years, even I was surprised at how many great comedians and writers are from Canada. Their ratio of great comedy writers to actual residents probably far outweighs what we have here and it hurts at little. Well, okay a lot. But at least it’s a little warmer here?

As great an interview as Rob is, he was a great sport too, hanging out to riff and do some improv with me as we delved into his mysterious Hollywood legend that he always downplays. We explored the ‘myths’ of his career like – Is the Milhouse character from the Simpsons really based on you? Did Aimee Mann really write a song that was inspired by you? Is there an action figure from Austin Powers 2 based on your character? And of course Did you really have a classmate named, Peter Poontip? Be sure to check out the web extras for the answers.

It was a thrill having Rob on Director’s Cut and spending some time with him in Madison. He thoroughly enjoyed his visit by having a bratwurst and his first Spotted Cow. That alone should have made the trip from L.A. worth it.

Tune into Director’s Cut this Saturday night starting at 10pm. Then stick around for Being Canadian on Director’s Cut Presents immediately following. It all takes place this Saturday on Wisconsin Public Television. Your home for independent film!

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Alyssa Beno

I am the editor of Airwaves, our monthly program guide for members. When I’m not highlighting our incredible programs, I’m pedaling the countryside, hiking at a state park, making soy candles, thrift shopping or hanging out with my husband and miniature schnauzer.

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Pete Schwaba

Pete Schwaba is a stand-up comedian, writer, director and host of "Director's Cut" on PBS Wisconsin. His writing and directing credits include “A Guy Thing” and “The Godfather of Green Bay.” Pete’s TV writing credits include “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?” as Jeff Foxworthy’s writer/producer and the sports comedy show “Sports Soup.” Pete is married with two children and splits time between Los Angeles and the Midwest.

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