With the Warner Bros. comedyThe Houseopening this weekend in theaters, I recently sat down with directorAndrew Jay Cohenfor an exclusive video interview. He talked about the challenge of editing a movie when your lead actors are such gifted comedians, what he learned from test screenings, his three-hour first cut, the way he likes to work on set, what extras will be included on the eventual Blu-ray, and a lot more.
If you haven’t seen the trailers,The HousestarsWill FerrellandAmy Poehleras a married couple who, after losing their daughter’s college fund, become desperate to earn it back. As a result, they team up with their neighbor (played byJason Mantzoukas) to start an illegal casino in their basement.NeighborsandMike and Dave Need Wedding Datesco-writerAndrew Jay Cohenmakes his feature directorial debut on the project, working from a script he co-wrote withBrendan O’Brien. The House also starsNick Kroll,Allison Tolman,Michaela Watkins,Ryan Simpkins,Jessie Ennis,Rob Huebel,Cedric Yarbrough, andJeremy Renner.
Check out what Andrew Jay Cohen had to say in the video above and and a breakdown of what we discussed below, followed by the red-band trailer and some images.
Andrew Jay Cohen:
Here’s the official synopsis forThe House:
After Scott and Kate Johansen (Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler) lose their daughter Alex’s college fund, they become desperate to earn it back so she can pursue her dream of attending a university. With the help of their neighbor Frank (Jason Mantzoukas), they decide to start an illegal casino in the basement of his house.
