PHIL ROSENTHAL: No.
He told me about the characters involved with making the show over there.
They came from the world of soap operas to work on it.
I said, Why soap operas?, and he said, Because its also a half-hour.
It didnt matter whether it was funny or not funny.
They had some sketch show people there, and some people who came from the world of science.
The Head of Comedy had worked in laser beams.
I said, Oh, that could be good.
He said, Oh, I love that idea!
Would you be the guy?
And, like an idiot, I said, Yes, and then had to go.
ROSENTHAL: I thought about that the moment I landed.
What was your first reaction to Russia when you got there?
ROSENTHAL: Get me out of here!
I felt lucky to have Eldar.
But then, they convinced me to go and I went.
They told me I could have this security guy, so I said, Okay.
So, I had him, and after awhile I said to him, Im glad I have you.
Youre terrific, and I feel very safe with you.
First of all, why are we saying gun?
Second, why dont you have one, if you should?
And third, I guess I wasnt worth it.
ROSENTHAL: Thats a good question.
You start to realize things, maybe not as theyre happening, but when you start thinking about them.
I didnt know what I was going to get.
You never do, when youre filming something for real.
I was lucky, even with my parents.
Theres no guarantee that theyre going to be hilarious, when you turn the cameras on them.
They just happened to be.
I feel very blessed that I had all this good luck.
Its so hilarious how youre suffering.
Are you surprised at how much people who arent involved with the industry seem to be loving this movie?
That happens in my house with my kids.
So, I think people can relate to that.
Of course, my whole theory of comedy is based in reality.
The funniest stuff comes from real life.
ROSENTHAL: That is a liability, maybe.
It makes for a funny movie, but I can never play poker.
That joy is gone from my life.
I guess I happen to have one of those faces that just says everything Im thinking.
I guess its a gift, but I see it as a potential liability.
It keeps me honest.
What surprised you the most about how the TV industry works there?
ROSENTHAL: Im surprised it works at all.
The truth is, Im surprised it works here at all.
Thats really one of the points of the movie.
Its not the Russians that are so terrible.
Its the business thats terrible, and the business is the same wherever you go.
Only the accent changes a little.
At what did you realize thatEverybody Loves Raymondwas not necessarily as universal as you thought it was?
ROSENTHAL: The moment I went to the first production meeting and the costume lady offered her opinion.
Everything in the movie is real.
I said, Really?
That never crossed my mind when we did the show.
You know that, right?
Yes, but shes on television, she would say.
I would say, Yes, but she doesnt know shes on television.
She thinks shes cleaning.
Why would that be bad?
Weve had some success with it being relatable.
Its not what they think is funny.
Its what they think the audience will laugh at.
The first test of anything is, Do you think its funny?
If you ignore that instinct, I think youre dead.
I cant say the Russians are the only people on earth guilty of that.
ROSENTHAL: It taught me not to go to the other countries.
Im not going to Poland.
Im not going to Israel.
Ive been to Israel and I found it to be a lot like Hebrew school.
I like the people that are doing the show.
I like the food over there.
Theyre all very nice.
But, Ive been already.
I declined, politely.
And, I think the Netherlands are doing it.
I think that England wants to do a version.
So, there are countries that want to pick it up.
Im thrilled if they do.
I hope they dont need my help.
How did this entire experience change the way that you view the industry now?
ROSENTHAL: I actually learned that the industry is somewhat universal.
But, I also found that its not limited to show business.
Its the short-sightedness that could be the end of all of us.
Did this project renew your love for being in front of the camera?
Is that something you want to do more of?
But, I always loved it.
I loved every part of the business, except for the business.
I love writing, producing, directing and the acting, too.
That was actually my first love.
I do enjoy it all.
I did an episode of30 Rockrecently cause Tina Fey said, Ive got a part for you.
Would you like to come on?
I said, Of course!, cause its fun.
Do you have any idea what youre going to focus on next, in your career?
ROSENTHAL: Its all stuff that Im writing.
Ill only go in front of the camera, if somebody asks me.
