LUCIDMEDIA

Chappelle's Show Star Teaches In Toronto

Written by Catherine Kustanczy Wednesday, 03 December 2008 10:04

“It’s funny,” he says, “my bad teachers, those who did not work for me, instructed where they put fear in us –“You have to be great to make it, and you are probably not going to make it” or “This is tough.” All through my twenties in film school, I thought of everything as difficult. Then after working with Nichols (on the 1994 Wolf), I started meeting new kinds of teachers. His friends, and everyone, were like, “Oh it’s not that hard” and “You can do it.” It’s a different approach. Those who’ve worked in the business know it’s possible. They figure if they’ve done it, anybody can. They also enjoy the work, which is the point.”

Perlstein has also written a number of screenplays, including the comedy-thrillers Cabin Fever and Cabin Fever 2. He is on the faculty of the Peoples Improv Theatre in New York City, and lectures across North America. In addition, he’s twice led seminars for the Directors Guild of Canada.

Still, many remember Randy Perlstein for his regular turn on Chappelle’s Show from 2003 to 2006. He has his own theories on what made the show so popular. “What worked, from my perspective, were Dave and his partner Neil (Brennan),” he says, “(them) sharing their philosophies on life. They were clear with the audience about how they were feeling about a certain topic, even if it was screwball comedy and played really broad, it wasn’t condescending.” Equally, the way cast and crew were treated, and in turn, worked collaboratively, aided in making the show a big success. “Actors on set were saying “What should I do in this scene?” and they were told, “Do your best” –meaning, you’re a pro, you got the part, you want to look good, so be good… we’re here to help you be good. Nobody was giving notes or creating an atmosphere of tension. It was one of complete freedom. There was always a sense of, “Oh, if we can joke around at the restaurant, then we can bring that atmosphere on the set.” That was our job.”

Perlstein’s time in the business allows him to transfer and share his knowledge to a new generation, something he says he relishes. In addition to professionals, Perlstein says teaching allows him the chance to meet “wonderful people who never even considered writing. We had one gentleman in his sixties who was new to Canada, and wanted to write a movie as a fun hobby. He sat next to a sixteen-year-old kid from Etobicoke. (They) had a great time, in-class and at the restaurant afterwards. They’re buddies, they shared something.” The actor/writer says it’s proof that in such a setting, “there’s no status –it’s a writers’ room, and everyone is equal.”

Perlstein says the trips back to his hometown remind him of “how funny people are, and how much people love art and film and theatre of all kinds.” On his last visit to Toronto, he caught the annual Sketch Comedy Festival, and in addition to thoroughly enjoying the work of such acts as The Imponderables and Picnicface, he was struck by the city’s numerous ads for upcoming plays and shows, thinking such signs are proof positive that Toronto is “an artistic place.” The Film Lab, he says, is part and parcel of that creative renaissance. “It’s such a great city, and I think the people who come, they want to learn, as I do. We all want to learn and share and have a community –that’s what this is all about.” He laughs. “Who knows, maybe one day those folks I teach will hire me!” Info: Film Lab Courses with Randy Perlstein: Film Lab Professional Screenwriting Intensive – Dec 6 Film Lab Professional Television Writing Intensive – Dec 6 + 7 All classes at Ryerson University – 350 Victoria St. Reservations can be made online http://www.filmlab.ca/ For more information on Randy Perlstein, go to http://www.randyPerlstein.com/