David Mandel, whose credits include directing five episodes of the HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm starring Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, has joined Green Dot Films for commercials and branded content. Mandel also earlier served as a writer and producer on Seinfeld from 1995 until the show’s conclusion in ’98.
In addition, Mandel wrote and produced the Sacha Baron-Cohen film comedy The Dictator (2012) alongside Alec Berg and Jeff Schaffer. His most recent writing and producing work is the HBO movie Clear History (2013), which stars Jon Hamm, Kate Hudson, and Larry David that premiered this month.
Mandel brings to Green Dot an affinity for scripted and improv-centric comedy. He was a key writer on Saturday Night Live from 1992-’95, a period which included working on a wide range of commercial parodies as well as such memorable skits as “Bill Clinton at McDonald’s.” Mandel’s subsequent work on Seinfeld earned multiple Emmy and Writers Guild of America (WGA) award nominations for writing–most notably for his work on the popular “Bizarro Jerry” episode–as well as a WGA award win for the episode “The Pool Guy”. He’s also written for The Simpsons and is an alumnus of The Harvard Lampoon.
Over the years, Mandel’s work has yielded multiple Emmy, WGA and Producers Guild of America award nominations.
“David Mandel has written and directed some of the funniest things I’ve seen from the last 15 years. He consistently creates the type of funny that hits your brain and belly at the same time,” said Darren Foldes, executive producer and head of sales at Green Dot Films. “That fact alone would be enough for Green Dot to be excited to represent him, but he has also shown his talent in a variety of media, successfully telling comedic stories of varying lengths, and has worked closely with many of the true comedic giants of our time.”
Mandel joins a Green Dot directorial roster that includes: Rebecca Baehler, Alain Briere, Mark Coppos, Richard Farmer (formerly of the directing team HAPPY), Rafael Fernandez, Kim Jacobs, Robert Jitzmark, Minivegas, Luc Schurgers (founder of Minivegas), Brent Thomas and Claire Thomas.
New 2025 Laws Hit Hot Topics–From AI In Movies To Social Media
Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another.
Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges.
On the entertainment and social media fronts there are several notable state laws taking effect, including:
Hollywood stars and child influencers
California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use.
Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so.
Social media limits
New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges.
A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February.
A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult... Read More