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The epitome of a cult TV show, Mystery Science Theater 3000 was probably the first time that most people watched people on TV watching movies. This naturally preceded ESPN’s Cheap Seats, MTV’s Beavis & Butthead, and VH1’s I Love The 70s. After MST3K parted ways with the Sci-Fi Channel, head writer Michael J. Nelson – also known on-air as host Mike Nelson – continued as a prolific force of creativity, writing books (e.g. film essay collection Mike Nelson’s Movie Megacheese, novel Mike Nelson’s Death Rat) and for TV and radio (e.g. “The Film Crew” segments for NPR, Let’s Bowl on Comedy Central).
In 2006, Michael began working with the San Diego-based Legend Films. RiffTrax – which are essentially movie commentary tracks in the vein of MST3K that users can download to play along with movies – was created during Michael’s tenure with Legend Films. It was eventually purchased from Legend by Michael, fellow MST3K writers Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett, and RiffTrax CEO David G. Martin. Contrasting from MST3K altogether, however, is that RiffTrax also sells iRiffs – fan-uploaded commentary tracks – and that it has a live event series known as RiffTrax Live.
In partnership with Fathom Events, RiffTrax Live’s next event will be a Jan. 28 showing of The Room; the commentary was produced last year. Participating local theaters for The Room include the Union Square 14 (850 Broadway) and the Empire 25 (234 West 42nd St). Other 2015 productions from RiffTrax Live were Sharknado 2, Miami Connection, and Santa And The Ice Cream Bunny. Downloads, live events and everything RiffTrax-related can be found at www.rifftrax.com.
In advance of the Jan. 28 event, I had the opportunity to conduct some Q&A with Michael J. Nelson himself. For the record, The Rifftones is a musical trio featuring him, Kevin and Bill, and given their successful history with crowdfunding campaigns, never say never on a Rifftones world tour.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
Michael J. Nelson: It changes all the time, of course, but Casablanca always stays near the top.
Do you have a favorite movie theater?
M: No. Any theater I don’t have to share with people in front of me texting is good enough.
When did you first realize that goofing over movies was more than something to do at home?
M: I’m still surprised and delighted that I can get away with it. But I think the time we had a small party for the first season premiere of Mystery Science Theater 3000, when I saw a small group of strangers really laughing at the show.
Who was it that came up with the realization that what you were doing would be legal if just providing the audio tracks?
M: We’d known that for quite some time, it was really just a question of the technology of putting them together.
Before doing commentary on a movie, what sort of research do you do?
M: Quite a bit, both about the movie itself, the actors, the director, and trivia, etc. But also you end up doing a lot of research while creating the jokes. There are so many jokes during a riff you sometimes have to educate yourself just to have something to draw from. For instance, I’m writing a riff for a movie that contains a LOT of skiing. I don’t know much about skiing, so I have to dive into research just to give me something to go on.
Are there other movies in the pipeline for an upcoming live event?
M: There are, though the titles are still being worked out.
Are there any plans for RiffTrax to produce original content beyond commentaries?
M: We have a lot of things to the side that we’d love to do if we ever got a moment. Making our own movie and having others riff on it is one I’d like to get to before I die. It seems only fair.
Is your site still accepting iRiffs submissions?
M: Absolutely. The more the merrier.
What’s ahead for The Rifftones?
M: No one has yet demanded it, but I insist we go on a world tour. I want to march around like Bono into a sea of shrieking fans.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
M: Free time?! When there are Transformers movies being made at this very moment?
A lot of people avoid their career as much as possible when they’re at home. In your home life, do you feel pressure to provide witty comments while watching TV?
M: No pressure, no. Though it is something that’s difficult to shut off. However, if I’m watching something of quality, then I’m silent as a church mouse.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
M: Kids, your best years are ahead of you. Except, you, kid — you know who you are — you’ve peaked. It’s over.
-by Darren Paltrowitz