Fearless Comedy Genius

Since I only try to read hand-me-down magazines, I'm just now getting to the a great article in the July 14th issues of Rolling Stone. It's a piece about Judd Apatow, the brains behind "Freaks and Geeks," The 40-Year-Old Virgin and most recently Knocked Up.

It included a telling quote from an actor who has worked with Judd before:

Apatow finds writers, actors and directors who share his tastes and keeps them around in what former Freaks star Jason Segel calls "an insulated little world,' inviting improvisations and suggestions. "He creates an atmosphere of openness--anyone can say anything," says [Seth] Rogen.

This is again proof of the need to foster a cultural where failure is not just tolerated--but embraced. I expect this to be a recurring theme.

Now, as part of your research rent his series "Undeclared" on DVD. Trust me on this one.