To Die is Brosnan: A Family Guy Spec Script
by Wrestling Team
(PDF format, Adobe Acrobat required.)

In August/September of 2004, Wrestling Team founders Mark Bisi and Andrew Beckerman decided to try their hand at honest screenwriting. In an experiment to determine whether or not they could adapt their distinct (see: retarded) writing style to an established format while still maintaining their sensibility and the integrity of the characters, they decided to write a spec. They chose one of their favorite shows, Family Guy, for the literally boundless possibilities the animated format provides, and the show's decided penchant for wringing comedy from inconsistent characters (a favorite technique of Wrestling Team). They think it is fair to say that they struggled a bit working within the show's style of pop cultural humor, but reached a new high point in terms of sheer absurdity and elliptical plotting (in Wrestling Team history, if not that of Family Guy). Long story short: they are proud of it. Along the way they caught wind of the Other Network TV Writing Contest. Enticed by the prospect of having their script read by their official comedic hero (Bob Odenkirk), the two enthusiastically submitted their finished script (and the $40 entry fee). A month passed with no word, and Mark's check was returned because it was made out to "The Other Network" and not "Un-Cabaret." Mark quickly sent another one, and four days later Wrestling Team found out that they lost to two Everybody Loves Raymond and Will and Grace spec scripts. We can all agree there is no real room for innovation in these two shows, right? So are you telling me that smart, unconventional comedy can't be recognized even by a self-described "alternative" comedy institution like the Un-Cabaret? Maybe it would have been different had Bob Odenkirk been one of the judges and not a "prize" for the winning scripts (the winners got feedback from Odenkirk and others). Or are you telling me that the script just isn't very funny?



Vun Kleinlin's Comedy Cavalcade Flyer #1

Vun Kleinlin's Comedy Cavalcade Flyer #2 (Joke Bandit)

Wrestling Team has poked and prodded the bloated corpse of Pittsburgh's live comedy scene, appearing at the Lava Lounge and HAHA Night at Club Cafe (and considering going to the open mics at the Funnybone and the Improv). For better or worse, Wrestling Team didn't fit in there. Wrestling Team wants to create a safe haven where their brand of comedy, and the brand of other alternative acts in Pittsburgh (are you out there?) can flourish. Wrestling Team wants to organize a monthly comedy showcase for "alternative"/"experimental" standup comedians, sketch performers and other vaguely comedic roustabouts, where they can get up in front of a receptive, willing audience and feel free to try anything. And maybe fail.