Podcast | 'Trust Us, This is All Made Up' Episode Recap
In this episode of Imbibe Cinema, hosts Jonathan C. Legat and Tricia Legat, along with producer Michael Noens, discuss the 2009 improvisation documentary 'Trust Us, This Is All Made Up.'
– TJ Jagodowski
Alex Karpovsky’s documentary, Trust Us, This Is All Made Up, centers on legendary improvisers TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi (TJ & Dave), and their long-form show at the Barrow Street Theatre in New York. This unconventional documentary dissects the craft of long-form improv by showcasing both the performers’ point of view and the audience’s. The film incorporates interviews with the improvisers before and after their show, book-ending an uncut recording of the live performance itself.
Improv is often associated with fast-paced, joke-driven game shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway? Long-form improv shown in this documentary is an entirely different type of improvisation. People who study the art form will tell you that long-form improv draws from the Harold structure pioneered by Del Close and the IO Theater in Chicago. And that long-form treats improvisation as an organic, multi-scene theatrical art form. While these people need to get out more, obviously, they are not wrong.
Embracing the art of improv, Jon created the "Yes, And." cocktail to pair with this feature. Presenting you, the imbiber, with a ‘choose your own adventure’ as those present during cocktail creation choose the ingredients on the spot from what is available at the moment.
Yes, whether you're a seasoned improviser, a film buff, or curious about the creative process, Trust Us, This Is All Made Up remains an essential watch and delivers an equally fascinating rewatch.
Remember to imbibe more of these podcast episodes responsibly. The Imbibe Cinema podcast is brought to you by the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival.
Episode Beverage Pairing
Ingredients for Yes, And...
Select a base for the beverage: malt, spirit, wine or a non-alcoholic option. Turn to another person in the room and have them choose the next ingredient for the beverage. Continue this until someone decides the beverage is complete.
Please Note: The goal is to make a delicious beverage as a group. When mixing alcoholic beverage ingredients, you should always be mindful of chemical safety, consumption pacing, and ingredient compatibility to prevent accidental poisoning, rapid intoxication, or severe illness. As always, imbibe responsibly.
