News and Updates

The Groundlings School is a renowned improv and sketch comedy theater that has been entertaining us for over 40 years, and has produced comedy greats such as Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Maya Rudolph, Jon Lovitz, Will Forte, and more! Of the Groundlings grads is one of our favorite Groundlings teachers, fellow military veteran Guy Stevenson. Guy is a seasoned teacher, comedian, actor and writer, whose involvement at Groundlings helped him gain a position writing and producing for the Fox show, ‘Mad TV’. He’s made other appearances in ‘Punk’d’, ‘Reno 911’, ‘The League’, and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ to name a few.

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This year has been a non-stop growth spurt for the 501(c)3 non-profit, Veterans in Media & Entertainment (“VME”). There are a ton of exciting developments in the works thanks to some very interested parties who want to work with VME. All these new developments couldn’t have come at a better time for the organization’s new management, we’ve been working very hard to stand up new programs for our members, so we’re thrilled to work with veteran-friendly Hollywood. 

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Last fall, based on a concept I had submitted along with more than 50 of my VFT peers, I was selected to write and direct a national public service announcement for Easter Seals Dixon Center. I was told there were some pretty solid concepts and ideas considered, but that I had struck a chord with the Easter Seals reps and their ad agency with my spot concept about a veteran who had no qualms about meeting all the challenges he might encounter in the corporate world save one … what to wear to work each day.

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American Sniper is an upcoming film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper.  It is based on Navy SEAL Chris Kyle's autobiography of the same name.  The film premiered at AFI Fest on November 11, 2014 and will receive a limited release on December 25, before opening wide on January 16, 2015

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By Mark Semos

Lone Survivor is a work of unique filmmaking, and tells a true story born of the harrowing perseverance and teamwork of the nation's most reticent heroes. The concentration of emotion and passion born out of Operation Redwings resides daily in the hearts and minds of the family and friends who survive the fallen. For the families and teammates impacted by the operation, and the survivor, the film is the memorializing end to the story that it tells. It is told to inter the honor and sacrifice of Marcus' Teammates in the nation's consciousness. 

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