David Wain, Role Model for the Kids

David Wain holds a nice-sized slice of the American comedic pie: He directs feature films (Wet Hot American Summer, considered a classic in many social circles); he has a web show about his fictional life (appropriately dubbed Wainy Days); and he was part of the comedy trio Stella and the MTV hit, The State. His most recent directing task came with Role Models, the slap-your-knees-funny, Apatow-esque story that follows Danny and Wheeler (Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott), two confused twentysomethings employed by an energy drink company, through their side-splitting and often trying volunteer experience with Sturdy Wings (a youth mentoring program). If for some inexcusable reason, you didn't catch the flick in theaters, you now have the chance to redeem yourself and watch it on DVD or Blu-Ray. The mastermind behind it all talks about working with Paul Rudd, McLovin and, of course, that crazy, awesome, medieval experience that is Live Action Interactive Roleplaying Explorers (LAIRE).

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The screenplay for Role Models started with the Big Brothers concept; how did it evolve once you came on board?
We added most of the characters separate from the four main guys. So it was the Jane Lynch character and the Elizabeth Banks character and Joe Lo Truglio’s character, and we were just trying to create the larger world. We also built the side of the story involving the main characters going to jail and trying to find out where all the comedy was within the scenes. We took the basic story idea and then built a movie around that.

How was the transition with Paul Rudd—from your actor/director relationship on your film The Ten—to your co-writer relationship with him in Role Models?
It was very natural because Paul has always been this great collaborator and this super-smart friend. It didn’t seem like, “Oh suddenly we’re in different positions with each other” at all. We continue to just do what we do on anything we work on together (which is to get ideas). Paul is, no surprise, a great writer. We had a lot of fun deepening our creative collaboration on this one.

Did he contribute any of his ideas to directing in this film?
Not more than any actor or anybody I trust. I’m a very collaborative director, so I’m always interested in people giving feedback on anything. Ultimately, the director has to be the director. And I did that job.

The character Augie Farks was a great way for Christopher Mintz-Plass to break out of the McLovin stereotype. Who was the McLovin of your generation?
I think Rat from Fast Times at Ridgemont High was the guy I related to a lot. He was the guy who worked on the not so coolest side of the mall and always wanted the pretty girl, and for some reason, didn’t have the tips to get it right. 

Anything in the he deleted footage or the outtakes on the DVD that you’re thrilled to share with fans?
I’m just excited that people get to see everything. There are a lot of little story lines that got cut for time or because we just went in a different direction. The bloopers are really funny, and then there’s a lot of extra material that we created for the DVD, and then I did my commentary. If you’re a fan of the film, the DVD will be a truly expansive experience that I worked very hard on. If you—for some reason—didn’t see the film, it’d be a good introduction to it. Everyone that’s seen the film was so surprised on how original and funny it was.

Where does your knowledge of LAIRE come from?
The name LAIRE is something we made up. I never really knew much about it all until we got involved with Live Action Role-Play (LARP). Then I started researching it. I went out to these events and then met the people who do it and learned from the people who actually do it every day. I started really working on getting a sense that it’s not just something to make fun of ... but I got a sense that it’s something really cool.

So is this a new hobby for you?
I’d like it to be. As a filmmaker, I don’t have a lot of free time, but if I ever do have some free time, it’d be something I definitely would love to try.

Are you a big KISS fan?
I was definitely the guy who had KISS posters all over my college dorm room, and you know, had the action figures as a kid. I think I was a big fan of KISS even before I heard their music.

When Ronnie says, “You white, then you Ben Affleck,” are there any Kevin Smith undertones in that?
No, not intentionally. It was more like, who’s like a white actor that has no resemblance to Paul ...

Did recently becoming a father contribute to the views on parenting in the film?
There are good parents and bad parents, and it has a huge effect. So, I’m trying to be the best parent I can; I know I wont be perfect. But hopefully my kid will turn out well. And if he doesn’t, it won’t necessarily be my fault and whatever.

How old will your son be before he’s allowed to watch Role Models?
I haven’t thought about those things yet because he’s so little ... once he starts looking at a computer, I feel like all bets are off.

What’s your energy drink of choice?
Oh gosh, I don’t drink that stuff, it’s too sweet for me. I cant imagine ... I drink coffee.