Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Episode Summary: Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone Release Date: November 13, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, the hosts delve deep into the personal and professional lives of the acclaimed actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy and her husband, filmmaker Ben Falcone. The conversation offers listeners an intimate look at their journey in the entertainment industry, their collaborative projects, and the dynamics of their creative partnership.

Meeting and Relationship

Dana Carvey and David Spade explore the origins of Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone's relationship, highlighting their meeting at the Groundlings, a renowned improv and sketch comedy troupe. The couple shares anecdotes about their initial interactions and the development of their romantic relationship amidst their professional endeavors.

• Melissa McCarthy (00:02:34): "We met in the Groundlings and our love relationship really happened in one class, one time."

• Ben Falcone (00:04:21): "We just kept hanging out and having way too many because we wanted to hang out, but we should."

Collaborations in Film

Fly on the Wall delves into Melissa and Ben's collaborative efforts in filmmaking, particularly focusing on their work together on films like Bridesmaids and Tammy.

Bridesmaids

Melissa discusses her pivotal role in Bridesmaids and how it served as a significant turning point in her career. The hosts reflect on the film's success and its impact on Melissa's trajectory in Hollywood.

• Melissa McCarthy (00:02:16): "Bridesmaids just blew my catapult, exploded because I was so good in that movie."

Tammy

The conversation shifts to Tammy, Ben Falcone's directorial debut starring Melissa. They discuss the challenges and creative freedoms encountered during its production, emphasizing the importance of improvisation and the chemistry on set.

• Ben Falcone (00:07:00): "We wanted to make a funny movie, but navigating the more or less wanted to make a funny movie."

Only Murders in the Building

Melissa shares her experience working on the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, highlighting the camaraderie among the cast and the unique storytelling approach.

• Melissa McCarthy (00:05:42): "Being there with Marty and Steve felt like a fever dream."

Approach to Comedy and Filmmaking

The hosts and guests discuss their philosophies on comedy, the importance of authenticity, and the balance between scripted content and improvisation. Melissa emphasizes the necessity of clear and impactful humor, while Ben talks about the complexities of directing and producing comedic films.

• Melissa McCarthy (00:10:00): "I would rather take harder swings and get real laughs than be clever."

• Ben Falcone (00:08:35): "It's really a fully produced show called the Barback and the Lake of Fire. It's a comedy medieval radio play."

Experiences and Anecdotes on Sets

Melissa and Ben share humorous and insightful stories from their time on various sets, illustrating the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the importance of a supportive crew. From dealing with unexpected moments to navigating creative differences, their experiences shed light on the realities of producing comedy.

• Melissa McCarthy (00:05:05): "She was like, I don't know why I found it the funniest thing that she... it turned into Mike McCarthy."

• Ben Falcone (00:10:05): "There are eight episodes in season one. They're about 30 minutes long each."

Discussion on Comedy's Role in Film

The episode includes a thoughtful discussion on the state of comedy in the film industry, addressing challenges faced by comedians and the evolving landscape of comedic storytelling. Melissa and Ben advocate for the enduring relevance of comedy and its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

• Dana Carvey (00:72:20): "Comedies don't work anymore. I'm like, that's just not true."

• David Spade (00:72:37): "People need comedies. It's what people want."

Conclusion

Fly on the Wall wraps up with heartfelt reflections on Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone's enduring partnership, both personally and professionally. The hosts commend the couple for their contributions to comedy and filmmaking, celebrating their ability to create meaningful and entertaining content.

• Dana Carvey (00:74:25): "What you said gives me chills... It's just like a magic human."

• Melissa McCarthy (00:75:00): "It's been really interesting and really fun."

Notable Quotes

• David Spade (00:02:08): "One of my favorites, Melissa McCarthy, she and Ben Falcone came in with lots of good hard laughs."

• Dana Carvey (00:04:07): "We met at Groundlings. That was the first problem."

• Ben Falcone (00:08:00): "It's literally a fully produced show called the Barback and the Lake of Fire."

• Melissa McCarthy (00:10:26): "There's lots of swearsies in it."

This episode offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone's journey in the entertainment industry, providing fans and newcomers alike with valuable insights into their creative processes, collaborative efforts, and the dynamics of their relationship.