Where did the concept for The Green Light Boys come from?
Scott: It was inspired by a series of weird Instagram photos where Angus would pitch a movie and then I would leave incredibly earnest responses about the cast and who was available and who wouldn’t work with who. Then we decided we could annoy more people if we just recorded the conversations and put them in a podcast.
How did you become authorities on the straight-to-DVD genre of filmmaking and scriptwriting?
Scott: On the job training combined with a love of horrible movies. I’ve never seen the original American Pie movie but I can quote you lines from the straight to cable 5th installment, The Naked Mile. I’m alright with that.
Angus: Here’s a little ‘Hollywood 101’ for all of the would-be sharks out there. Everyone is saying ‘physical media is dead, it’s all about streaming and Internet TV’. We say sure. Ok then. Fair Enough. Then we pounce on said dying media. And voila.
What would you say are three key elements that make for the perfect straight-to-home-entertainment movie?
Angus: Strong family values. Deceased spouses (no better way to earn the audience’s sympathy [sympathy = $$$). Hairbrained schemes. Ex-Full House actors. Single dads (see: deceased spouses).
Scott: I’d say predictable plot, bright colours and a cast member who’s name makes you laugh the second you hear it. The soccer-themed Ladybugs starring SeaQuest DSV’s Jonathan Brandis (RIP) and Rodney Dangerfield is a good example.
Scott: I try not to play favourites, it can cause trouble on the set, but really if you look good in an Hawaiian shirt, you’re going to be Green Light Boys favourite.
Angus: There are certain ‘masters’ of this style of filmmaking who always come to mind. Good thing they’re only a page away. Kevin James has been hanging around so much he’s started jokingly calling himself ‘the 3rd Green Light Boy’ which is simply not true, Kevin. You work for us. Not with us. Everything gets back to us, pal. Your Sean William Scotts, Jason Biggs, Tara Reids (or any American Pie alumni for that matter) always put their hands up for a line or two in a GLB feature.
