Are you gonna be back for Season 5 of Community?

I do whatever my friend Dan says, so yes.

I absolutely loved Moral Oral. How the show got darker as it progressed and showing the twisted lives of the people who lived in that town was brilliantly done.

I don't really have a question, I just thought that was magnificently presented and felt compelled to tell you how great a show that was.

Well, let me answer your question with a THANKS!

I discovered the band The Mountain Goats through the show Morel Orel... How did they become such a big part of the show? Edit: I would just like to add for all you mountain goats fans, mark maron does a crazy awesome interview with john darnielle on his podcast.

I liked them and listened to them a lot while writing third season.

I drove by Starburns Industries on a side street in Burbank and was thoroughly stunned/amazed/amused at the same time. Can I come in??

Yes, come in.

Sorry for one of the most over-used questions, but what is your favorite joke on Community?

That Dan Harmon was fired.

You came to my college last year and answered my question regarding any on set Community secrets by playing us the fabled Chevy voicemail to Dan you had saved in your inbox long before the controversy leaked.

Just reminding you you're awesome, thanks for not giving two fucks from all of us working our way into show business.

Hey....that was MY college.

What's scarier:

The Dean riding into your home on a Chariot pulled by 101 Muscular Dalmatian-Men.

-or-

Conan O'Brien riding into your home on a Chariot pulled by 99 Andy Richters and one Louis C.K. eating a Cinnabon?

Your question.

Is Chevy Chase really as difficult to work with/as big of a jerk as he is always made out to be?

I had an easy time working with him because I wasn't in many shows and got to go home early when he was being an asshole.

Who would win in a fight between you, George Stephanopoulos, or George Stroumboulopoulos?

I sure wouldn't. Probably George.

1. any chance of a mr show reunion?
2. can i use this chair?

1. Maybe, but only with the main actors, not me.

2. Thanks for the sketch plug.

What was your reaction to Donald Glover only wanting to be in 5 episodes this coming up season?

I don't blame him, but it's going to make writing 5th season a challenge. But a good challenge. I think the show will change in an interesting way.

A thousand pardons for not posting an actual question here, but I have scrolled passed this a couple times and I just couldn't let the opportunity to let you know this slip away.

I really really really loved Moral Orel. Really really really really. Every time I think about it I feel sad, happy, empty, overwhelmed... it was truly a masterpiece. The episode where Clay forbids Orel from going to church, and the "I'm a church" line, and god, just that whole last season and everything before that. Every single episode was golden...Every character and substory and the fact that all of them changed so beautifully and how that contrasted to Clay's ruin. I really truly have no idea how anyone could have created something so awe inspiringly intricate and perfect. When I heard Beforel Orel was coming out I seriously cried, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more.

Again, I hope you forgive me for going on pointlessly, but seriously man you are my fucking hero. Allah bless you

Forgive you? I love you!

Did you realize when you were working on Mr. Show that everyone involved would become famous? Also what's your favorite sketch either you wrote or in general from the show?

No, when I worked on Mr. Show I just thought I was making money to eat and drink with. My favorite sketch that I wrote always changes, but right now I really like PHILOUZA.

Hey Dino, I'm a huge fan of yours and your work on Community! So happy you're returning for the 5th season.

Could Star-Burns--I mean Alex--bring back the "cool study group," with JB, and Owen Wilson, and the cute Asian girl. Let's get a JLA v. Legion of Doom thing going on between the study groups!

More importantly, I just love "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas." It is one the the best Community episodes, and for my money, one the best sitcom episodes of all time. Are you bringing another awesome show idea like that to season 5?

I don't think the cool study group will raise it's lovely head again.

As for your second question, there WILL be an animated episode and I will probably write the first draft after we all break the story. Then Dan will rewrite everything and I will make thousands of dollars.

What were some of your favorite moments working for Conan O'Brien? Also, did you have a hand in creating/writing for Starburns or was he solely the creation of Mr. Harmon himself?

I loved it when Conan came in and interrupted us from working to make us laugh for hours while production was waiting for us to write a sketch. Conan wasted more time than anyone on that show, but it was a lot of fun.

What is the story behind the creation of Starburns. You're awesome on community btw

Dan had the idea. He liked the idea of a guy who took the time to look ridiculous and then having the guy hating being called ridiculous.

Hi Dino, I'm a huge fan. Community is one of my favorite shows, and Moral Orel is brilliant as well.

Have you watched any of the episodes of season 4 of Community? Which is your favorite and least favorite episode from that season?

How did you meet Dan Harmon and what was the first project you guys made together?

"Have you watched any of the episodes of season 4 of Community? Which is your favorite and least favorite episode from that season?"

No.

"How did you meet Dan Harmon and what was the first project you guys made together?"

We met at a bar and our first project was drinking vodka.

How are things going with Anomalisa?

Is Barack Obama going to show up on Reddit again tonight, like he did the last time you did an AMA? Why can't he wait his turn? Goodnight.

1. Everything's going great. Slow, but great. But slow is good with stop-motion.

2. I can't answer your other questions. But he'll answer them in two minutes, here.

I don't have a question, but will you acknowledge my existence so I can brag to my friends about it?

You don't exist!

No question but Pre-Taped Call in Show is the best sketch ever written.

THAT'S NOT A QUESTION!!!!! Oh...that's what you said. Thanks.

As someone who grew up with a heavy evangelical background, Moral Orel always spoke to me and my experiences. Where did you draw that level of realism? Was it pure comedy or based on your experiences?

It's based on me going on vacation for two seconds in the Bible Belt. What a crapfest.

I did grow up Greek Orthodox, so I guess that colored my opinion of hypocrisy in organized religion.

Hi, Dino

I'm 14. I'm interested in becoming a writer. You and Dan Harmon are two of my heroes. First off, I love Moral Orel. I first caught Moral Orel on Adult Swim when I was 6. Up until then, I had no idea that Adult Swim existed. I was watching Cartoon Network that night and fell asleep with the tv on. I woke up and...the animation just...fascinated me. I was far too young to appreciate it's genius. Up until a few months ago, I had no idea YOU created it. I also religiously watch Community. After you were "killed off", I began taking interest in you as an actor. That's when I realized you're a writer and you've written all this amazing stuff. Anyways...

1. Why does Joel pronounce it Star-burns instead of Starburns?

2. How long does it take to produce an episode of High School USA! (which is really funny by the way)?

3. What was it like working with Chevy?

4. Who wrote this genius bit?

5. Is it true Britta made out with Starburns?

1. Because he's dumb.

2. I don't know. I've never really produced one. It just says I do on the credits so I get more money.

3. Answered above.

4. That was me.

5. Yes she did, but I didn't...

[deleted]

Always be miserable. Life lasts longer that way.

One of the last scenes in Moral Orel has always made me tear up:

"Today's sermon is about.. family. What is family?

Well, a lot of times family is just a bunch of people forced to be together just because they came out of each other. But every so often....

A miracle happens. A loving family. Just like that! Out of nowhere! Now how does this happen? A belief in God? A strong moral structure? Blind luck? Who knows, who cares?"

I know you know that because you wrote it, but I just wanted to tell you that it was beautiful and painful and perfect. On such short notice, you ended the show with a miracle.

Thank you, Dino, and have a wonderful night.

No problem! Have another great night.

Is your daughter in High School USA?

No, she is 13. She hates my shows, now.

What are you drinking this fine evening?

Had vodka at work, but I NEVER drink during AMAs!

My Fiancé Emily won't let me grow out my facial hair because it is "gross". Could you give her a well thought out reason why having facial hair is in fact awesome and worth putting up with!

It's awesome because it covers up at least some of your (my) ugly face.

Were you surprised Morel Orel was on air for as long as it was?

Is that an insult?

DINOLICIOUS

I was afraid to click that link.

How involved is Charlie Kaufman in Anomalisa at this point? Still on schedule?

He's involved in every aspect of the production except the raising of the money. That is STARBURNS INDUSTRIES job.

have you ever moon

Only with other boys.

Have you ever got back lash from the religious community for Moral Orel? Btw did you watch a lot of I Love Lucy as a kid?

Never got any backlash from Christians because they don't watch my little shows. I did watch I Love Lucy.

I'm gonna be greedy:

• Do you think [as] is ever going to quit being jerks, and actually allow you to produce the lost episodes of Moral Orel (I'm sorry, but you had to know somebody here was going to ask you this). And if not, is there ever a chance you might try and produce it yourself and coast it on DVD sales? (I'm sorry, that probably won't pay for itself)

and

• At the end of Moral Orel, you say that the show is dedicated to, I believe, your father, "the head of a truly loving family." If this is true, where was it that you gleamed your inspiration for Clay Puppington? Was it drawn from real life or wholly invented?

Thank you so much for taking the time, effort, and energy to deal with us tonight, you are amazing. Looking forward to High School USA!!

1. No, and no. I don't own the show.

2. Clay is the father I would be if I stayed married. I'm not a good husband. What?! Are you?!!!

Hey Dino, you have an awesome history and you were awesome on Community. My question is, how did you get started in comedy writing? Do you have any advice for aspiring sketch comedy writers? Thanks for doing this AMA

I got started in comedy writing because i would write serious things and people laughed. My advice is growing up exactly like me with my brain and body.

Have you ever taken a role and later regretted it? Which one and why?

Yes, the role of a husband in my real life. I like being a father, though.

Can you write other stories and publish them separately? or is everything you create under contract? thanks in advance

I'm writing a lot on my own now. Have a graphic novel that may come out sometime this year.

Moral Orel is the most affecting piece of entertainment I have yet seen. Thank you for creating it.

Thanks!

My mom and I are huge fans of Morel Orel. Can we expect anymore Morel Orel specials in the future, like Beforel Orel?

No, Mike Lazzo hates me. But I'm sure he loves you and your mom, as I do.

His name is Alex!

Hey, Dino! Thanks for doing this! Do you prefer writing for animated shows or live action shows? And why?

I like animated shows better because I hate living people who act. They always make fun of my crooked teeth.

I wanna warn you this is gonna be super-specific.

"The Audition" from Mr. Show is one of my favorite things in the entire universe. It's right up there with my mothers Sunday dinner, Venus dimples on a woman's lower back, & Lee Hazlewood's music/mustache as the things I'll miss most when I exit this moral coil.

I know it's super pedestrian to ask this but where did the idea for that sketch come from? Was there a point where you were going out on a lot of auditions & just wanted to make fun of the whole process? Was it just a weird little idea you wrote the hell out of?

I wrote a play that I directed in Chicago at the Annoyance Theater. After the show, my friends and I would do fake auditions to make each other laugh. That was one of the bits that just flew out of my head. That was the best way to write. Just hang out with friends and make each other laugh. Scott Adsit was always there. I remember tons of funny things coming from those nights.

Do you have any Mr. Show horror stories?

How has fox been so far with HSUSA as far as meddling and promotion? Loved the episode they showed.

Fox has been great with what they let us do on the show. They're not as conservative in entertainment as they are with their awful news.

Big Moral Orel fan here, seems like you've been gearing towards less depressing shows as of late. Will you ever get back to making something soul crushing?

I want to, but no one will let me. But I will write more serious, dark comedy on my own. You may see it some day if you buy my Graphic Novel when it is released. I might make a stop motion movie out of it. It's called TRENT.

I heard this guy was your standin.

http://www.reddit.com/r/community/comments/1ijomb/remember_how_the_study_group_didnt_notice_buddy/

Did he really get fired for this:

http://i.imgur.com/tKVxW.gif

Yeah, he's my stand in. The only stand in better looking than the actor. I don't think he got fired, though.

Here goes nothing.

Me in high/middle school was me being a moody pastors kid that got moved around constantly because the Methodist church doesn't think it's a good idea for a church to get too attached to one pastor. I would go to a new school and take about a year to make new friend. As a result I became very introspective and loved anything emotional and cathartic. The Mountain Goats and Moral Orel where big parts of my moody teenage years. I started listening to the mountain goats and then heard about moral orel from my sister. Both those things were just so amazing to me. I don't want to get too sappy or whatever but their is something about your show and the mountain goats I can't explain (I'm bad with words so that might be it.)

So thanks for helping me think my way through religion in way that wasn't what my parents preached from the pulpit. Also question since this is what this is for: I know that John Darniel had a pretty rough life that definitely encouraged his music. Did profound life events influence you to create a show like moral Orel where the show is so introspective and investigates so thoroughly religion, morals, and it's effect on a town?

My childhood was pretty happy. It's getting old that's making me miserable.

Why should I check out your new show in 10 words or less?

DON'T!!!!

Hi Dino! I just wanted to ask, what was your dream job as a child?

A fireman in outer space dressed like a clown.

Yes, over here, n'hey, n'hey. In episode 2x12 Starburns is listed as being 46 years old (making him born in 1965), yet in the very next season in episode 3x18 Abed's memorial shows Starburns was born in 1972, clearly making him 40 years old! Please do explain it!

Bad writers and writer's assistants and script continuity people and WHO CARES!!! I was born in '64. I am slowly dying.

milas ellinika?

Also, when did you decide you wanted to become a writer?

Ne.

I never decided. Still thinking about it.

Dino, I saw you during my first time at little Dom's. Your 'burns weren't starred.

If you had to choose between sex or teleportation, which would you choose?

Can I do them both with my clothes on?

You tweeted a couple days ago that Adult Swim has forsaken you. What happened?

Edit: Quick edit to say I'm not just living in the past and that I'm looking forward to the rest of the High School USA season.

They won't pick up any of my shows.

... You got the goods

;(

I stopped watching 'community' after they fired Dan Harmon. Now they've hired him back.

Dino, why should I start watching 'community' again?

Because he's back, dummy.

how would you compare writing for live action, to writing for HS USA?

With cartoons you can be a lot darker with the humor because animation has a more distancing emotional quality. It's that reason that makes me want to test the boundaries and write really serious shit for animation.

Was it annoying to make Mary Shelley's Frankenhole (In the way of animation)? Was it mostly made of paper or were there a few parts of regular clay-mation as well?

It wasn't annoying for me. I just click-clacked on a computer. I had nerds animate it for me. They are all very nice and underpaid.

1) FAVORITE MOVIE 2) FAVORITE TV SHOW 3) FAVORITE MEAL OF ALL TIME

1. The Celebration
2. Fawlty Towers
3. It was probably at Bouley in New York,

Why don't you wear the starburns in real life?

Because my sideburns are so gray that it would just look like more of my ashen, gray, dead face. And I don't like that.

I want to thank you very much for Moral Orel, it is one of my favorite shows of all time. The Camping episode has to be one of the darkest quarter hours of television yet, "It's because you become a bad person when you drink" still is stuck in my mind. Does the pain Morel feels come from personal experience? if not where?

No, it's the pain I imagine people around ME feel.

Who are your comedy heroes? Is there anyone you are still afraid to meet that you haven't met or worked with yet?

The Marx Brothers. I'd be really afraid to meet them because they're dead. Albert Brooks. He's not dead. I met some of Monty Python and only yelled at one of them.

Even though he's not answering yet, it's still better than only talking about Rampart.....

Is this better or worse now?

Hey Dino ! I love your own work when not being bad ass starburns the one true student body prez and cant wait to see your new show. I just wanted to say that when I first saw morel orel it was maybe 4 am I was high as a kite and my friend looks at me and says wtf is this crap. 3 mins in we were hooked and got it all the next day to watch the rest. It was so hilarious and I just want to say thanks for giving me some OC late at night. Also how did you get the idea for morel's dad's study that was the best part?

It's a common sitcom trope. Look up "trope."

What is Nathan Barnatt like in real life?

Very nice and healthy. He just broke his leg really badly and refuses to take pain pills. I mean, I love pain, but I love pills even more.

How important was Mr. Show to you in your career? Do you have any plans to work with Bob and/or Dave in the future?

No plans but it really helped hone my writing skills. I learned a lot on that show. Also I think it got me a lot of respect and Dan Harmon approached me at a bar because of Mr. Show and we became friends.

REALTALK who in comedy do you hate?

So so many. Start naming and put a yes after their names.

Be on the Chris Gethard show again!

Ok. I love New York. And CG.

Do you actually have starburns?

Only when I make 825 dollars a week, pal.

Please tell me starburns will make a return this season on community...

Probably.

What is the funniest thing that happened on set... out of all the sets you've been involved in?

A duck once took a shit in my mouth. Wasn't funny to me, but the duck loved it. I swear it's true. It happened on TV FUNHOUSE. I was working a duck puppet under a stage that had a bunch of Duck puppets on it. One duck looked down into the hole my arm was going through and the rest is history.

Hey, huge fan here. I really dig your writing on Moral Orel and Frankenhole. You're pretty damn talented.

What's the status on Charlie Kaufman's Anomalisa? I'm looking forward to it

Anomalisa will probably be finished shooting in November. Stand by!

High School USA was hilarious. Do you have faith that fox will keep this Saturday night block?

Yes, I do.

how would you compare working on High School USA! to working on other animated shows?

I have to write "High School USA!" a lot more on "High School USA!"

How/when did you realize that you wanted to be a writer? What did you do after that?

I wanted to be a writer very early in life. Like around 12. After that, I masturbated,

I will name my first born child after you.

Name her Dino. Ha ha ha! First and only time I used that one!

If you could hook up with any of the characters you've ever written for, who would it be and why?

Clay Puppington, because why make anyone else miserable?

Do you get sick of people asking you about Mr. Show? How did you like working on Mr. Show?

A little sick of it, but it was a great, fun time.

who's your mortal comedy enemy?

Adam Sandler

Okay. Fox is a major network. Adult Swim is not. How does working at Fox compare? Are they way more touchy feely tryna get involved in your project than Adult Swim might be?

No, they're about the same. So far. Until I start trying to ruin the show with characters people care about.

Big fan of the showcant wait for season 5 .How do you feel about the past few seasons? Alot people don't like then as much as first two.

Which show?!!!

Oh, I know. The one that's gone 5 seasons.

I really don't watch Community. I hear it's good though. Except for season 4. It was like watching Dan's family getting raped.

Did you choose 'Star Burns' because of John Hodgman's list of facial hair styles and their corresponding difficulty levels?

No.

High-fives or low-fives ?

Could I get either? Both?

Both and yes....Too late!

if you could be in any other line of work, what would it be?

An AMA asker.

What bands are you into right now?

I don't have time for music or laughter. I'm in show business!

do you project any of your characteristics on any of your High School USA! characters? Are any of the characters modeled after you? Or any characters in any of your shows?

All my characters have a little bit of me in them, except the nice ones.

Marsh from High School USA! is a lot like Orel. Only a teenager.

how do you feel about High School USA! airing? are you jaded about the process or does it still excite you to see your stuff come to fruition?

It's always exciting to see what I wrote air. Now if old men like me would stop writing about hating it in newspapers, I'll be happy.

how's the toon poon from groupies? your answer will heavily affect my future career choice.

No good. Stay away from my toon poon!!!

Big fan of the Ben Stiller show, Mr. Show, and Moral Orel. You kick ass in a comedic fashion. Thanks for being awesome.

No further questions.

Actually, no questions at all.

what's your favorite memory of working at ADHD so far?

Eating this food right now.

I know I'm late to the party, but hey Dino . . . you got the goods!

Tee hee

Thanks for doing this AMA! Big Fan!

If you had to get a "real job", what would you do?

Wiping your baby ass.

#unfuck Sony? Hmmm I don't know if I'd go that far.

Why? You'd be a hero like me. I also coined the phrase "fuck Sony." Coward.

1. Moral Orel is such a unique and perfect show, I love it.

2. What is the name of your new graphic novel and do you know when you will be releasing it? So I know what to look out for.

Also you were pretty hilarious at the Community Comic-Con panel.

"Is Meltitude coming back?"

My new graphic novel is called Trent. The info for it should be up now at starburns.com but I just looked but it's not!!! Keep checking, though.

First of all I'd like to say I loved Mary Shelley's Frankenhole but a question, How often do people make fun of you because of your name?

Just you.

You've performed more than one live sketch. What's your favorite moment as a performer?

Going home.

Absolutely love Moral Orel. Season 3 is one of my favorite things I've ever watched.

On that note, was there any particular reason that Season 3 of Moral Orel (and the end of Season 2) took a huge turn for a more serialized, experimental, and dramatic feel? Were you always thinking of leading the show up to that point? It's just amazing to me that a little weekly comedic parody of religious culture and hypocrisy turned into one of the most dramatic things I've ever seen.

I always wanted it to get to that level. I love when little puppets make you cry.

but why?

questions questions questions!!!!!

How were you inspired to write the 3rd season of Morel Orel? What was the inspiration? Did you have teh story arc planned before teh show was produced? Did you get to meet John Darnielle?

A lot of season 3 just fell into place. I always liked the idea of going back and expanding on little moments I barely thought about the first time around.

John is a very nice guy. I met him once at one of his concerts. I went to ask him if I could use one of his songs (LOVE LOVE LOVE). He looks a little concerned and said, "I don't know. It's such a personal song..." I didn't want to press him so I said, "That's okay, I would't feel comfortable using it if you didn't feel comfortable." He just smiled and said, "Go ahead. Use it."

How often does Allison Brie freestyle rap on the set?

Like all you damn kids! No melodies!

Oiy, Dino. Do people recognize you on the street?

Any rabid fan stories you wanna share?

Btw, if I ever win the lottery, I'm gonna fund the shit outta your projects.

Sometimes I get recognized. No rabid fans.

Is it okay if I name my first born child after you?

Yes, name her Dino

What do you do on the weekends?

My whole life is one big, long, miserable weekend.

how did you come up with Moral Orel? Do you practice a religion? I am a Christian and I've got to say I love the show.

Look up one of my other interviews or my last AMA. Or ask Obama. He loves my AMAs.

I heard your first episode of Andy Dick's Shit Show. Do you guys have stuff together that people can see?

http://www.cinefamily.org/films/everything-is-festival-iv-the-dreamquest#eif-an-afternoon-with-andy-dick-orel-puppington-and-dino-who

August 18th!

How did you come up with some of the ideas for Mr. Show? Everyone I know says they were on acid, but you can't write good on that stuff (I don't think anyway). Altered State of Drugachuchettes, The creation of the American Flag design, Story of Everest. That show was insanely funny, and still holds up well I think. Thanks for the AMA!

The only sketch I know that was written on acid was YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR COMPANIONS because I was camping with a friend and we freaked out that we would get lost. My friend (BRENT FORRESTER Co-Writer of the sketch) said "I can see it in the headlines tomorrow 'TWO YOUNG PEOPLE GET LOST IN THE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST.'" I said, I'm too old to be a young person. Have them call me your "companion." We laughed about how specific that was and wrote it as a sketch.

On a scale of 1-26 shots, how drunk were you at the Park West last month?

1. Too much pizza.

What was it like working for Adult Swim back in it's glory days?

I still remember watching old school swim when all they played was Anime and Home Movies.

It was great! They let me do what I wanted and look what happened...

Dino I have been a fan of yours for years, can you tell me where the inspiration for Morel Orel came from?

The characters are all so fleshed out and real feeling it just seems like some of them are based on people you know, especially Clay.

If you're such a big fan, look up the million interviews where I answered that question. Thanks, though! I still love you.

hey thanks for the great shows i have a question where do you get your ideas they are some of the most entertaining shows on tv

I wish I knew, then maybe I'd get some sleep once in a while.

What is your best memory from the Mr. Show days?

Bill Odenkirk would always get really giggly after lunch.

Who do I gotta blow to get something as good as Morel Orel Season 3 on TV again?

Mike Lazzo. Then me. But wash your mouth in between us.

Is the food they give you on set good?

Sometimes.

Kiss the pan?

That was first season. I wasn't there yet, so I don't give a shit.

I'd love to know, what is a project you'd like to be a part of?

I'm very lucky in that I always get what I want. Why do you think I'm so miserable?