The Laugh Factory is making its foray into feature film production with the establishment of Laugh Factory Entertainment. The division’s inaugural project is “Toad,” a stoner comedy directed by Adam Rifkin, as first reported by Deadline.
Laugh Factory Entertainment will be spearheaded by Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer, Head of Entertainment John Weiser, and the company’s founder Jamie Masada. The new division aims to extend the brand’s reach beyond its comedy clubs into film, television, podcasts, digital content, and live events.
“Toad,” directed and co-written by Rifkin with Piers Ashworth, centers on two hapless slackers, Sam (James Paxton) and Alex (Oliver Wyman), who are tasked by a crime boss to transport a box of psychedelic toads from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. After the toads suffer from heatstroke, the duo unwittingly experiences a hallucinogenic adventure when they administer CPR to the toads.
The film is produced by Brad Wyman (Monster) and Michael P.J. Gerstein (Last Train to Fortune), alongside producer Mike Kolko.
David Fuhrer commented, “Toad is the ultimate project to launch our film expansion. We’re excited to collaborate with Adam Rifkin to bring this comedic road trip to life and create new opportunities for comedians across various media.”
John Weiser, with over three decades of experience at Sony Pictures Entertainment, described “Toad” as a “laugh-out-loud script” and the ideal film to debut the new division.
Jamie Masada, founder of the Laugh Factory, compared the script’s energy to his past success in casting Jim Carrey, expressing confidence that “Toad” will spotlight emerging comedic talent.
Adam Rifkin, known for “Mousehunt” and “Detroit Rock City,” expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I’m thrilled to work with The Laugh Factory and hope I’m not hallucinating this opportunity.”
Sales for the film will be handled by Calum Gray and Max Pirkus of Architect, with executive producer Mark O’Sullivan at DLNQNT. “Toad” is set to begin filming on January 6th in Arizona.
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