Latest news with #Gerben
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Steve Gerben Talks ‘Tires' Impact on Dad's Shop, John McKeever Explains That Whole 'McKeever' Thing
Tires season two rolled out on Netflix today, Thursday, June 5. Riding shotgun in the Shane Gillis-vehicle are his friends and creative partners for a decade, co-star/writer Steve Gerben and writer/director John McKeever. (For the sake of the analogy, picture a 1970s Chevy Bel Air front bench seat.) Well, really, it is McKeever (who professionally goes by just 'McKeever') steering the car with Gerben navigating — or vice versa. The 6'3' Gillis is stretched out in the backseat — that's where the celebrity goes — but he's not merely along for the ride. We'll stop forcing the metaphor immediately. More from The Hollywood Reporter Netflix EMEA Content Boss Touts 'Adolescence,' Debunks a "Myth," Talks Ted Sarandos' Acting Debut 'Lost in Starlight' Director Han Ji-won on Blending Romance and Sci-Fi for Netflix's Breakthrough Korean Animated Feature Joe Manganiello, Who Starred in 'Pee-wee's Big Holiday,' Chokes Up Remembering Late Friend Paul Reubens: "I Was His Biggest Fan" Gillis is a co-creator of the series and number one on its call sheet. He's also the guy who paid out of pocket to build the Tires set. Tires was originally shot as a 10-minute pilot for YouTube and sold as a series to Quibi. Unfortunately, Quibi lasted about as long as Gillis did at SNL. (OK, so Quibi made it six months; Gillis' Saturday Night Live stint lasted five whole days, though he's since hosted twice.) Early on in the conception phase, the guys chose a body shop setting for the most pragmatic reason possible: because Steve's dad owns one. Gillis, a successful standup comic and the co-host of Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast, put an addition onto the Gerben family business, a tire shop in Westchester, Pennsylvania. It's where they still film today. (It's also where they pull storylines: Gerben's dad had some trouble with his suppliers over a plan to sell their tires at his cost, which comes to a head in Tires season two.) So Netflix picked up Tires for the price of an oil change, basically. OK, now we're done. I liked the first season, but I loved the second. Would you agree that season two is even better than season one? JM: I think the nature of the first season was— I would almost argue it was a long cold open, and really, our whole goal with that first season was to nail down the tone and the style of the show. We really just honed in on one storyline, and mostly because we didn't have a ton of production, money, time, resources — stuff like that. So we really treated season two like a season one. Season one was famously inexpensive to make… JM: Outside of a found-footage documentary, I feel like this is about as cheap as it gets. SG: As cheap as season one was to make, we'd be remiss not to say that Shane did spend all his own money to make it. This time around, it's Netflix's money. At the time, did you guys view Shane's a bummer or a blessing? JM: When he was auditioning for SNL, I talked to him after he auditioned, and I said, 'You're gonna get it, because they don't have anyone like you.' [Shane's] an archetype that hasn't been around for a really long time. If I'm Lorne Michaels, I would see [Shane] and say, 'God, I can do so much with him' — outside of just the fact that he's mega-talented. I think of him as like Adam Sandler. And I've always thought of Steve as like Jason Bateman. These two guys are very, very good in their lanes. And if we can find a way to mash them together, that's incredible. But yeah, when, when Shane got SNL, I thought of it as like in Good Will Hunting, where Ben Affleck is like, 'I hope I knock on your door one day and you're not there.' It was that feeling where it's like, I don't want to see you go, but I'm happy you're moving on. And then when he got fired, we definitely were like, sweet, we get to do our stuff again. SG: One of the first things Shane did when he got SNL was ask Lorne Michaels if he could still do Tires, which is an insane thing to ask. OK, so what's up with the McKeever one name thing in the credits? JM: I'm so glad you asked that, because I feel like people give me shit about it. As they should. JM: Yeah. It's not the, it's not really the Madonna angle of, like, 'Ooh, mysterious.' It's more that's just what people call me. And because, you know, John is such a common name. My really close friends call me John, but most people refer to me as McKeever. And the other thing that I kind of realized when we started making Tires and when I started doing more behind-the-camera stuff and just writing, I just thought, you know, I have like, a three-second window in every episode for people to remember who I am. And I just feel like I should probably get rid of half of the stuff they have to remember. So if I can get them to get rid of 'John,' which is probably the most forgettable name out there…and I think a lot of times when people read 'John,' they almost don't even read the second part. My fear was like, it would be viewed as, like, 'Who the fuck does this guy think?' That's definitely how I viewed it. JM: I totally get it. But it was more like I have three seconds for people to remember who I am… Steve, you just did … SG: Shane wanted me to do Late Night and wouldn't do it without me. Hats off to Seth for taking that risk. But anyway, I was telling Shane, like, 'I'm very nervous.' And the way that this whole thing goes down, you know, it's very like, bing, bang, boom. You're in the green room, then hair and makeup, Seth's doing the monologue, they bring you out, 'They're like, stand here, Steve you're gonna sit there. Get together, take a picture.' And they go, '20 seconds.' And so then I'm just standing there…and I look at Shane and I go, 'I'm having some pretty bad fight-or-flight right now, man.' And he just looks back and he goes, 'fight.' I don't think I've ever heard something that cool, that badass. JM: It was so cool to see Steve be Steve, and now the world gets to see that. It is a true one-of-one. I think the nice thing about Tires is it's a true Trojan Horse. Shane gets everybody in the door, and Steve falls out. Shane plays 'Shane' and Kilah Fox plays 'Kilah' — most of the cast uses their real names — but Steve plays Will and Chris O'Connor plays Cal. When do you use real first names and when don't you? SG: Very early on I told Shane, 'Do a different name, like Sean or something.' He's like, 'Just call me Shane.' I don't know why we kept 'Kilah'… but Shane was just like — he didn't want to be bothered. JM: It was honestly a nightmare when we wrote the first season, because I would write some scripts, and I put 'Steve' because I couldn't get used to the 'Will' thing. Now it's very easy. SG: Shane does not like that I'm Will because he does not like that I'm acting. I wanted to act. I wanted, as small as it is, to separate from me the person. How's your dad's shop doing? Has the show been good for business? SG: No, he's not doing, like, better. He's not doing any worse. The [Tires shop and real shop] have different names, and— shops are just, they're tough to run. It's just really hard to hire right now, he's just, like, chronically understaffed. You would think, next to this set [it would get a boost], but it hasn't changed for much. But he's fine. Did you work at the shop? SG: I was trying to work for him, I would work the counter, and I was awful. And so, for the past 16 years, I've been working for my brother. But yeah, I just wasn't cut out for for [the shop] business, honestly. What does your brother do? SG: He is a trademark attorney. Are you a attorney? A paralegal? SG: Paralegal. (Laughs) But now, Tony, I'm an actor! The show, especially season two, covers a lot of topics that can be dicey to approach comedically. This season, Shane brings a gun to work — and that's just the first episode. Is it a purposeful choice to go hit on all of the subjects you're not supposed to joke about in polite company? SG: I'm going to take that one because John would be too modest to answer this. It's John. He knows how to walk that line, and he will also— sometimes it's very hard in the moment when everybody's pitching, like, funny ideas or whatever, to be the bad guy and be like, 'That's too far.' And yet he makes those decisions. And it is John. That is a very specific thing where it's like, he— Shane can walk a line too, we've all seen that. But insofar as the writing process, John is just so good at that. JM: Steve and I, we spend a lot of time on that. There's a few rules that we we follow and that we generally believe in. And one of them is like, 'Is this funny or is this mean?' If it feels mean, it's got to go. If it's to make a point, you know, if it's to make some lame political point — one way or the other — where you're trying to get people watching, not to laugh, but to go, 'Hmm, I agree with that.' Then that fucking sucks. We've spent a lot of time talking about, like, what we can and can't say. And I think we can say anything. I think anything's on the table, but it's that whole thing of, 'Are we making sure that the right person is the butt of the joke here?' And we are ingratiating our characters to the audience enough for them to grant us forgiveness. When we do those jokes, if you have a bunch of characters that are jerk offs and they're sitting around like, 'I can't stand trans people,' it's like well, your show's gonna suck. If you set it up the right way, I think you can do anything. This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chips Ahoy and Oreo maker Mondelez sues grocery chain Aldi over similar packaging
Snack brand giant Mondelez is suing grocery chain Aldi, alleging that the grocer's store-brand snack packaging 'blatantly copies' Mondelez. The maker of Oreo, Triscuit and Chips Ahoy filed the lawsuit on May 27 against the German grocer, which has US headquarters in Illinois, in the federal court for the Northern District of Illinois. Chicago-based Mondelez said in the lawsuit that Aldi's cookie and cracker packaging was 'likely to deceive and confuse' customers. Aldi did not respond to CNN's request for comment. The discount supermarket chain primarily sells store-brand versions for lower prices than popular name brands, such as those owned by Mondelez. Mondelez said in its filing that it previously contacted Aldi about 'copycats' of the Oreo cookie design, Teddy Grahams, Belvita biscuits, Triscuit crackers and Tate's Bake Shop cookies. Aldi eventually 'discontinued' and 'changed certain of these infringing products,' Mondelez said. Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben, who is not involved in this case, said the law is designed to protect consumers. 'I can go to the store and reasonably assume that I recognize the name, and that's who I'm buying from,' Gerben said, but some customers 'think that they might be buying something from the Oreo brand or Wheat Thins, but they're actually getting a substitute.' The lawsuit claims Aldi's peanut butter creme-filled cookies, chocolate chip cookies and Thin Wheat crackers have packaging similar to Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy and Wheat Thins, among other similarities. Mondelez said in the lawsuit that 'if not stopped,' Aldi's packaging threatens to 'irreparably harm' Mondelez and its brands. Mondelez is seeking monetary damages as well as a court order to prevent Aldi from selling such products, according to the filing. Mondelez did not respond to CNN's request for comment. This is not the first time Aldi has faced a lawsuit over its store-brand products looking overtly similar in name, color and design to other brands. Last December, an Australian federal court said Aldi was liable for copyright infringement over children's snacks packaging that resembled Hampden Holdings' Baby Bellies puffs packaging. 'You want to fly close enough to the sun because you want the benefit of something,' but not too close, Gerben said. He added that such lawsuits are a case-by-case analysis and there's no 'bright line test' that would decide Aldi's liability. Aldi has over 2,400 locations in the United States. In February, the chain announced plans to open 225 stores in 2025. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Axios
12-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Chicago reacts to Pope Leo XIV with "Da Pope" trademark frenzy
After the initial shock that Pope Leo XIV was from Chicago wore off, several budding entrepreneurs rushed to trademark "Da Pope" to profit off the trending nickname. The big picture: A trademark would give owners the ability to sell all sorts of merchandise, including T-shirts, coffee mugs and bumper stickers. Yes, but: Hold your horses, folks. What they're saying:"The answer is most likely no," Gerben IP Law founder Josh Gerben tells Axios. "The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denies trademark applications that reference living individuals, especially if that living individual has not provided consent." Gerben says this is why the USPTO denies registering anything with the word "Trump" in it. Gerben says another reason it would be denied is the massive use of the nickname. Zoom in: Several Chicagoans applied to register "Da Pope" within hours of the announcement. Gerben says the USPTO usually gives precedence based on whoever applied first, but in this case, the phrase is so widespread that it's hard to grant one person ownership. "The trademark office would just Google 'Da Pope' and it'll see every media report that's out there. That would lead to a refusal pretty quickly." Zoom out: It's not uncommon for trademarks to be filed on trending messages or nicknames. After the Boston Marathon bombing, several rushed to the trademark office to capture #BostonStrong. Those applications were denied. " Trademark law is meant to protect consumers, not a company," Gerben says. "The law is meant to make sure you know who you're buying the product from." Yes, but: Entrepreneurs could still hock merchandise without a trademark, but they run the risk of the Vatican issuing a cease and desist or demanding licensing fees. Media companies could also be subject to this. The Sun-Times is selling its "Da Pope" newspaper cover, slapped on mugs and tote bags, while other companies are using it to sell T-shirts, bobble heads and fast food. Then again, there's never been "Da Pope."
NBC News
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
NBA may bring back iconic highlight show 'NBA Inside Stuff'
The NBA is quietly preparing to bring back its iconic show 'NBA Inside Stuff.' On Monday, the league filed two trademark applications for 'NBA Inside Stuff,' the name of the long-running NBA highlight show that has aired on three different networks during its history — most notably from 1990 to 2006 on NBC and ABC. The show was briefly resurrected from 2013 to 2016 on NBA TV. NBC is considering bringing back a 'refreshed version' of the program, according to a person familiar with the matter. NBC will once again air live NBA games next season after losing the broadcast rights in 2002. No decision has been made on whether to renew the show, the people said. An NBC spokesman declined to comment. The NBA did not immediately respond to a request to comment. However, a source close to the league said the filing is part of the NBA's routine trademark process. The league previously owned multiple 'NBA Inside Stuff' trademark registrations, but let them lapse, likely because it was no longer using the trademark. 'Weddnesssssday!' 'NBA Inside Stuff' was initially hosted by sportscaster Ahmad Rashad, who aimed to popularize and humanize NBA players with behind-the-scenes access. The show's 'Rewind' segment, featuring game highlights and Rashad yelling out days of the week, became a staple of the show. The league's two trademark filings indicate the league aims to use the 'NBA Inside Stuff' name for a television show and to produce branded merchandise. Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney at Gerben IP, said television doesn't necessarily mean linear TV. It could be in the form of a YouTube or TikTok show. 'This is great intellectual property for the league,' Gerben said. 'I think it makes a lot of business sense right now.' The league would likely try to license the IP to one of its media partners, Gerben said. In July, the NBA signed a 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal with The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal and Amazon that kicks off next season. NBC may be trying to tap into nostalgia from its past run showing NBA games. In November, composer Josh Tesh revealed on CNBC that he's working with NBC to bring back his famous 'Roundball Rock' song.
NBC News
31-01-2025
- Business
- NBC News
WNBA files trademark application to bring back 'Detroit Shock' as city submits expansion bid
As cities across the country vie for the next Women's National Basketball Association team, the league quietly filed a trademark application this week for the name 'Detroit Shock.' The filing, dated Thursday, notes the intended use is for a basketball team, merchandise, jerseys and in-arena signage that could appear on TV or radio broadcasts. It could offer clues into the league's ultimate decision for the location of a new franchise. On Friday, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores submitted a bid for the Motor City to host a new team. The ownership group would be led by Gores and also includes Detroit Lions principal owner and chair Sheila Ford Hamp; former Detroit Pistons stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber; General Motors CEO Mary Barra; and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. 'Detroit is a sports town that loves its teams deeply and consistently shows up with unwavering passion,' Gores said in a statement. The WNBA and Detroit Pistons did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the trademark application. The new trademark application by the WNBA is the only submission from the professional women's basketball league since early December, according to Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney at Gerben IP, who is not involved with the specific filing. Unlike other professional sports leagues where individual teams own their own trademark filings, the WNBA holds the rights to all names and logos for the league's franchises, according to Gerben. 'Circumstantial evidence would be that [Detroit's] is a winning bid and they're very much planning on getting this going to have filed that trademark application,' Gerben told CNBC. However, Gerben said the filing could also be a way for the league to protect itself against 'squatters' or others trying to use the name. Another trademark application was filed for the 'Detroit Shock' by an individual named Ryan Reed in July 2023, but that trademark has yet to be approved. A person with the same name, purportedly based in Detroit, identifies as the founder of a women's basketball league on LinkedIn. The Detroit Shock were a WNBA team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, from 1998 to 2009. The team won three WNBA Championships in 2003, 2006 and 2008. In 2009, the franchise moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they played until 2015. Today, they play in Arlington, Texas, as the Dallas Wings. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said at the WNBA Finals in October that at least 10 cities had expressed interest in launching an expansion team. 'We're not in a huge rush. We'd like to bring it in '27 or no later than '28,' Engelbert said at the time in regard to adding a 16th team.
