Old School Lane Casual Chats Episode 108: Interview with Mathew Klickstein and Mike Reiss

In this episode of Casual Chats, Patricia interviews Mathew Klickstein, the author of Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age and director of On Your Marc, and Mike Reiss, longtime writer of The Simpsons and co-creator of The Critic in honor of their newest book Springfield Confidential: Jokes, Secrets, and Outright Lies from a Lifetime Writing on The Simpsons.

Click on the link below to purchase Springfield Confidential.
https://www.amazon.com/Springfield-Co...

Follow Mike on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeReissWriter.

Check out Mathew's website down below.
https://www.mathewklickstein.com

Old School Lane Casual Chats Episode 94: On Your Marc w/Marc Summers and Mathew Klickstein

In this episode of Casual Chats, Patricia discusses about the upcoming documentary On Your Marc alongside special guests Marc Summers, host of Double Dare, What Would You Do?, and the main star on the documentary, and Mathew Klickstein, author of Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age and the director of the documentary.

Check out On Your Marc's links down below
http://www.marcsummersmovie.com
https://www.facebook.com/marcsummersm...
https://twitter.com/marcsummerstime
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChi3...
https://www.instagram.com/marcsummers...

Follow Marc's links down below
http://www.marcsummerstv.com
https://twitter.com/Ibatvmc
https://www.instagram.com/therealmarc...

Follow Mathew's links down below
http://www.mathewklickstein.com
https://twitter.com/NickOralHistory
https://www.facebook.com/NickOralHistory

Thank You for 1000 Subscribers + Special Giveaway

It's official! The Old School Lane YouTube channel has hit 1000 subscribers. It's all thanks to you that we were able to hit this huge milestone. As a special thanks, Patricia will giveaway a copy of Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age by Mathew Klickstein and a Nicktoons DVD to 4 people.

To get a chance to win, email us at oldschoollane86@gmail.com to let us know your name, how you got introduced to Old School Lane, and what were your favorite podcast, video, and interview.

The names will be drawn in two weeks from now on January 22, 2017 and if your name is drawn, PM your address so that the book and DVD will be sent to you. Good luck.

How the 3 Original Nicktoons Influence Pop Culture with Mathew Klickstein and Caseen Gaines

Continuing with 3 Original Nicktoons Month, Patricia interviews book authors and pop culture enthusiats Mathew Klickstein and Caseen Gaines discussing about how Doug, Rugrats, and The Ren & Stimpy Show influence pop culture.

Check out the 4 part oral history of the 3 original Nicktoons that Mathew and Caseen wrote for Decider.

http://decider.com/2016/06/14/the-oral-history-of-nicktoons-part-i-how-the-storied-animation-block-came-to-be/

Check out Mathew's links down below

http://www.mathewklickstein.com

https://www.facebook.com/NickOralHistory/?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/NickOralHistory

Check out Caseen's links down below

http://www.caseengaines.com

https://www.facebook.com/caseengaines/?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/caseengaines

Old School Lane visited the You Can Do That on Television Slimed! book event

Hey guys, Patricia here. Last year, Kevin and I went to the Slimed! book event at 92Y Street in New York City. If you haven't read my article discussing about it, check it out right here.

Before I get to discussing about how the event went, I'll talk about what happened around 24 hours before the event started. It was originally suppose to be called A Night of Nickelodeon Nostalgia at the Hammerstein Ballroom at New York City, but when Mathew Klickstein was being interviewed by Pilot Viruet from flavorwire.com discussing about diversity, things didn't exactly turn out so well. It started out pretty normal with discussing about how late 80's and early 90's Nickelodeon were still fondly remembered today with the advent of nostalgia and the Internet. But then they were discussing about diversity in 90's Nickelodeon shows and that's when things began to crash and burn really fast. Mathew stated that diversity didn't matter to shows just as long as the writing and acting was good, in fact he found it to be rather pointless. Long story short, there were so many negative comments on Mathew's opinion and New York Comic Con officially cancelled the event. It had gotten many people who were excited so angry and disappointed, especially those who were traveling out of state with hotel rooms booked and buying VIP tickets. But Mathew and his friends miraculously pulled through and we had gotten You Can Do That on Television at the Treehouse Theater at NYC.



Kevin, his friend James, and I had difficulty finding the place since it was very small and the sign was practically hidden. We were lost for around 20 minutes until we accidentally saw Mathew being interviewed by some journalist. When we got inside the building, it was super crowded with at least 100 people crammed in waiting to get in the main stage. Then after 10 minutes of waiting, we got in and got front row seats (again) and Mathew came in and introduced the host of the evening Nick Arcade host Phil Moore. While he was no Marc Summers, he was as manic and zany as ever. He briefly talked about loving classic Nick, Nick Arcade, and his son appearing in a few Nickelodeon shows in brief roles.



Then afterwards, the majority of the event was dedicated to Doug composer Dan Sawyer and Livewire host/Doug voice actor Fred Newman singing all the songs from The Beets as well as playing other songs. It was super fun and entertaining with everyone singing along to "Killer Tofu", "I Need Mo Allowance", "Shout Your Lungs Out", and the Doug theme song. Then, there was a very short Q&A where people ask questions and the event was over. There were suppose to be other guests such as Danny Tamberelli and Mike Maronna from The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Polaris from Pete & Pete, Michael Bower and Trevor Eyster from Salute Your Shorts, Kelly Brown from Hey Dude, and Marty Schiff from Out of Control, but when the event was cancelled, most of them didn't show up and Danny, Mike, and Polaris performed in The Bell House in another part of the city very late at night. It was very inconvenient and a huge let down since that was the event I wanted to see the most. I even bought a Polaris t-shirt for the occasion and bought the two songs from their new album to get prepared. But, sometimes, things don't always work out.



While Kevin, James, and I had a blast at the event, we knew coming in that it was going to be inferior compared to last year. It was planned more with so many guests and a bigger venue. He did his best to try to outdo himself and I give him credit for it, but it couldn't be matched. Maybe it never will. While I'm sure he'll throw more book events, there's something about last year's event that felt very special. A reminder that classic Nickelodeon is still fondly remembered by so many people at a time when even Nickelodeon didn't really cared about their humble roots. With that, I thank Mathew so much for it.

As for the controversial article, I'll discuss about it sometime in the future, so stay tuned for that. Did you go to the You Can Do That on Television book event? If so, what did you think of it? What are your opinions on the controversial diversity article? Post in the comments below.

That's all for now. Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Thanks for reading.

-Patricia

Discussion/Review of Slimed! An Oral of Nickelodeon's Golden Age by Mathew Klickstein

In honor of the 1 year anniversary of Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age's debut, Patricia gives a discussion on the book. Is it still worth checking out? How well does it hold up?

Old School Lane visits the Slimed! and A Christmas Story book events

Hey guys, Patricia here. Just got back from my trip to NYC where Kevin and I went to two book events: the Slimed! book event at 92Y and the A Christmas Story book event at Solas Restaurant. Both events were a lot of fun in different ways. First the Slimed! book event.



When arriving at 92Y, the line was already long. It was crazy because Kevin and I wanted to get there a few hours early to get good seats. Now that's what I call true old school Nickelodeon fans.



Next up, we went inside to see if we could get some VIP tickets, we were so lucky to get the last two. With that, some of the special guests who were appearing at the event were already there talking, mingling with other people, or getting drinks at the small bar. Kevin and I knew who we were going to see first.



Marc Summers, the host of Double Dare and What Would You Do? was going to be the showrunner for the book event. Kevin and I interviewed Marc last year for the Nickelodeon tribute discussing about his years hosting Double Dare, What Would You Do?, and being an executive producer for a couple of Food Network programs. He remembered us interviewing him and we once again thanked him so much for the wonderful thing he did hosting Double Dare. He is one of our childhood heroes and it was amazing meeting him face to face.

The next person we met was Harvey, who was the announcer of Double Dare. Not only was he just the person who would announce the show and tell the contestants what they won, but he also would interact with the audience and tell a bunch of funny jokes alongside with Marc and Double Dare assistant Robin Marella. Robin made it to the event, but unfortunately, we weren't able to have met her. But it was great meeting Harvey nonetheless. Plus we got Harvey's autograph.





Next we met two cast members from one of our all time favorite Nickelodeon sitcoms The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Michael Maronna who played Big Pete, and Hardy Rawls who played the dad. We also got their autographs.





Next we met Vanessa Coffey, who was the vice president of animation for Nickelodeon and was the main forerunner for the original three Nicktoons Doug, Rugrats, and The Ren & Stimpy Show. Not to mention, she was the one who came up with the concept of 11 minute cartoon segments, which is now a staple in cartoons. We didn't recognized her, but she was impressed with Kevin's Doug doll. Since there never was an official Doug doll for Nickelodeon, Disney released Doug merchandise when they bought the rights from Jim Jinkens, the creator of Doug. But speaking of which, Jim Jinkens showed up and Kevin was absolutely floored! As you know, Kevin is a huge Doug fan and he was so excited to finally meet the man who created one of his all time favorite cartoons.

Plus, we also met the voice of Skeeter Valentine, Mr. Dink, and who did the Doug soundtrack, Fred Newman. Fred was also the host of a kids' talk show host from Nickelodeon called Livewire back in 1980 and he's currently the sound effects man for the popular radio show A Praririe Home Companion. He even did the Skeeter voice and honked at us. It was amazing! Plus we gotten Jim and Fred's autograph.




The next following people we met were Jessica Gaynes from Wild & Crazy Kids and Sean O'Neal from Clarissa Explains it All before we were called to take our seats for the main event. Plus, we gotten their autographs as well.





For the next three hours, Kevin and I sat in the front row seats watching the people behind the #1 kids' network. There were a few panels that occured: there was the panel that contained the people who brought Nickelodeon from being almost bankrupt to the #1 network with the first creative director Scott Webb, the director of various Nickelodeon shows Bob Mittenal, the half of the advertising company Fred/Alan Inc. Alan Goodman, and more. The second panel had the co-creator and cast of You Can't Do That on Television, the third panel had the cast of Doug, which included Jim Jinkens, Vanessa Coffey, Doug creative director and creator of Clarissa Explains it All, Fred Newman, the voice actress for Patti Mayonaisse Connie Shulman, and the voice of Doug, Roger, Ren, Stimpy, and hundreds more Billy West. Afterwards, Fred Newman and Doug musician Dan Sawyer played music from Doug which everyone sang out loud. Next, the panel of Clarissa Explains it All, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, and a misc. panel concluded the event with joyous cheers from 900 people on their teens, 20s, and 30s reliving their childhoods. For those who missed the event, watch it right here! You can even see Kevin and I on our seats.

Next was the afterparty where we met Nick Arcade host Phil Moore. Despite Kevin and I making fun of him in Casual Chats episode 1, he was one of the funniest person on the event.


Next, we finally met the man himself, Mathew Klickstein. At the event, we slowly became good friends with him. He also autographed our book.



Next, we met and talked to Nick Arcade creators Karim Miteff and James Bethea, Salute Your Shorts actor Tim "Trevor" Eyster who was Sponge and Are You Afraid of the Dark? actor/meterologist Ross Hull who was Gary. He told us that not only did he remember our interview with him last year, but our interview was his all time favorite. It was a long 4 hour event, but it was worth it and one of the best nights I've ever had.



Next was the A Christmas Story book event at Solas Restaurant. It was small, informal, and much more quiet. It was much needed since being around over 1000 people for 4 hours was very tiring. I met Caseen Gaines for the first time face to face. As some of you know, he was the first person we've ever interviewed for Old School Lane when he talked about his first book Inside Pee-wee's Playhouse. Surprisingly, Mathew Klickstein and Jessica Gaynes showed up at the event and for the next 3 hours, we were talking about the movie, the book, and their upcoming projects. It didn't feel manipulating, it felt like I was talking with real friends. With that, I truly felt like I made some while I was there.



That's all for now. Tune in next time as Kevin and I discuss about the two books, our experiences with the events, and continue with the Nickelodeon tribute.

Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Thanks for reading.

-Patricia

Old School Lane Casual Chats Episode 20: Interview with Mathew Klickstein

In this episode, Patricia and Kevin interview the author of the upcoming book Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon's Golden Age Mathew Klickstein. In it, they discuss about the contents of the book, the Nickelodeon shows that almost had a feature film, how Nickelodeon was almost bankrupt,the changes Nickelodeon made to become the #1 kid's network, and Nickelodeon today.

Check out Mathew's links to find out the latest news of his upcoming book.

facebook.com/NickOralHistory

twitter.com/NickOralHistory

splitsider.com/user/5531/matt-klickstein

To buy the tickets to the event, go to 92y.org

Old School Lane's Nickelodeon Tribute: Interview with Mathew Klickstein

As we’re heading into the 2000’s Nickelodeon shows and movies, let’s talk about one more thing regarding the 80’s and 90’s Nickelodeon. If you’ve been enjoying the history behind the #1 kids’ network and all the shows that used to air around the golden era, then you’re in for a real treat. Coming soon in Fall 2013 is a new book called Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age written by Mathew Klickstein. 



You’ve probably heard his name before since I used a few references from his posts from splitsider.com. The book covers the origins of Nickelodeon and has many interviews from the former presidents, vice presidents, creative consultants, writers, producers, directors, actors, and creators of Nickelodeon shows and the network itself. Joining us today is the author himself Mathew Klickstein. Enjoy!

Patricia- What made you decide to write the articles on the little-to-know behind the scenes stories on shows from Nickelodeon?

Mathew- I'VE BEEN WANTING TO DO A BOOK ABOUT NICKELODEON FOR SOME TIME NOW. AFTER LEAVING LA IN 2008, I MOVED TO PORTLAND FOR A WHILE WITH AN OLD FRIEND AND MET REGULARLY WITH A WRITER'S GROUP IN THE AREA, NAMELY FOR SOME GOOD BEER, BAR FOOD, AND NICE FOLKS TALKING ABOUT WRITING. ONE OF THE GALS WHO WAS PRETTY COOL HAD A BOYFRIEND WHO HAD JUST WRITTEN A BOOK ABOUT STARBUCKS BASED OFF OF AN ARTICLE HE WROTE, AND I THOUGHT, "I COULD DO THAT." I STARTED TELLING FOLKS I WAS GOING TO DO THE "NICKELODEON BOOK" AND EVEN BEGAN READING TOM WOLFE VOLUMINOUSLY TO PREPARE, SEEKING OUT THE BEST WAY TO WRITE ENGAGING, NARRATIVE-BASED CREATIVE NON-FICTION ABOUT NOSTALGIC AMERICANA. BUT THEN LIFE TOOK OVER AND I DIDN'T THINK I WAS READY TO DELVE INTO DOING WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO ACTUALLY MAKE IT HAPPEN. I DIDN'T EVEN HAVE AN AGENT YET BACK THEN, SO I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR SOME NOBODY LIKE ME TO WRITE A BOOK OF THIS NATURE ABOUT SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT. WHY WOULD MELISSA JOAN HART TALK TO SOME IDIOT WITH THIS CRAZY IDEA AND NO CREDENTIALS ASIDE FROM SOME LIGHT FILM AND FREELANCE JOURNALISM WORK? I'LL TRY TO SPEED IT UP HERE WITH A FOUR YEAR OR SO FAST-FORWARD...

I DECIDED TO HIT UP A FRIEND OF A FRIEND OF MINE WHO HAPPENED TO RUN THE SOUND STUDIO WHERE "DOUG" WAS RECORDED. I ASKED THE GUY IF HE COULD HOOK ME UP WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH JIM JINKINS, JUST TO SEE IF I COULD WRITE AN ARTICLE ABOUT "DOUG" AND HIM. I DID THE INTERVIEW, DID NOTHING WITH THE RECORDING FOR A FEW INTERMINABLE MONTHS, AND THEN WAS LAID OFF FROM MY JOB AS THE ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER FOR THE DAILY NEWSPAPER WHERE I'VE BEEN LIVING IN BOULDER THE LAST THREE YEARS. I SUDDENLY HAD SOME TIME ON MY HANDS AND SOME QUICK MONEY FROM AN OPTION ON A SCRIPT AND PROFESSIONAL THEATER PROJECT -- A PERFECT STORM OF OPPORTUNITY -- AND DECIDED TO ACTUALLY GIVE THE "DOUG" STORY A CHANCE. I WROTE IT, LIKED IT, AND SUBMITTED IT TO A FEW PLACES -- A FEW OF WHOM WANTED TO RUN IT. I DECIDED TO GO WITH SPLITSIDER BECAUSE I LIKED THE EDITOR, ADAM FRUCCI, AND EVEN THOUGH I HAD NO INTEREST IN WEB PUBLISHING AT THE TIME, IT WAS A BIG ENOUGH SITE TO GET THE ARTICLES OUT THERE BUT NOT SOME HUGE CONGLOMERATE THING THAT WOULD BULLDOZE OVER MY STORIES OR NEVER EMAIL ME BACK IF I HAD ISSUES WITH EDITING. I STARTED CONTACTING OTHER NICK FOLKS, AND IT STARTED WORKING. AND NOW, 100 SOME-ODD INTERVIEWS AND SIX MONTHS LATER, HERE WE ARE. MORE TO COME, TOO.

Kevin- What were your favorite Nickelodeon shows? What were your least favorite?

Mathew- THAT'S A TOUGHIE BECAUSE NOW I'VE BECOME RATHER FRIENDLY WITH A LOT OF THE CREATORS OF THE SHOWS ON NICK AND IT'S HONESTLY AFFECTED MY FEELINGS ABOUT A LOT OF THESE PROGRAMS. I'M GETTING TO KNOW THEM BETTER AS PEOPLE -- THEY'VE ALL BEEN VERY OPEN WITH ME -- AND IT'S MADE ME SEE THEIR SHOWS IN WHOLE NEW WAYS. THAT MAY SOUND TRITE, BUT IT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS (HOW DOES A CLICHE BECOME A CLICHE?). AS CLICHE AS SAYING, "I REALLY LIKED 'EM ALL FOR DIFFERENT REASONS." I DON'T THINK I COULD DO THIS OTHERWISE. IT'S OVERTAKEN MY ENTIRE LIFE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. IF MASTERS DEGREES WERE GIVEN FOR EXPERIENCE AND DIRECT PRODUCTION RATHER THAN ROTE MEMORIZATION, MEANINGLESS TESTS, AND COSTLY SEMESTERS, I WOULD DEFINITELY BE EARNING AT LEAST TWO RIGHT NOW -- ONE ON NICK AND ONE ON CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN TELEVISION/CABLE HISTORY. WHAT JOB I COULD GET WITH TWO SUCH MASTERS DEGREES, YOU GOT ME. TEACHING AT SOME LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE IN UPSTATE NY? ACTUALLY, THAT MIGHT BE KINDA FUN. I COULD HANG WITH WHOEVER MIGHT BE TEACHING THE GAMEBOY CLASS OR THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK CLASS.

Patricia- There are currently two other books about Nickelodeon: What makes your book different from the others? What do you hope to accomplish with your book?

Mathew- I'M ACTUALLY WELL AWARE OF THE TWO OTHER BOOKS OUT ON NICK, AND HAVE BEEN FRIENDLY FOR A FEW YEARS WITH THE EDITOR OF THE FIRST, WHICH IS A COLLECTION OF ACADEMIC ARTICLES WRITTEN ABOUT NICK (ONE SUCH ARTICLE SAID EDITOR, HEATHER HENDERSHOT, WROTE). I CONTACTED HER WAY BACK IN 2008 WHEN I FIRST STARTED HAVING AN IDEA I MIGHT DO THIS SOME DAY. WE TALKED ABOUT TALKING CATS AND THE LIKE, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY. THE SECOND BOOK IS ANOTHER ACADEMIC TEXT WRITTEN BY ONE OF THE WOMEN WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRST. I HAVE THAT ONE NOW, TOO. HER NAME IS SARAH BANET-WEISER. I'M TRYING TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT NICK THAT IS FOR MORE OF A MAINSTREAM AUDIENCE -- FANS OF THE SHOWS AND CHARACTERS AND ACTORS -- WITH A KIND OF NARRATIVE THROUGHOUT; SIMPLE BUT THE STORY OF NICKELODEON AS A CHARACTER ITSELF. IT WILL ALSO BE AN ORAL HISTORY, SO THE STORY WILL BE TOLD BY THE VERY PEOPLE WHO CREATED IT AND ITS SHOWS. SOME OF THESE FOLKS HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT THESE SERIES SINCE THEIR FIRST RUN DECADES AGO.

Patricia- Can you briefly explain what can we expect from this upcoming book on Nickelodeon without spoiling it? How many shows are you going to cover?

Mathew- YOU CAN EXPECT TO READ ABOUT AND LEARN ABOUT JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I WOULD HOPE ANYONE WOULD WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE SHOWS. I'M 30. I'M FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I'M A NICK KID. I GREW UP ON THESE SHOWS. I WATCHED THEM AGAIN WHEN THEY WERE RE-RELEASED ON DVD. I CHECK THEM OUT TO THIS DAY. I KNOW THEM PRETTY WELL IN DIFFERENT WAYS, AND NOW I HAVE THE CHANCE TO FIND OUT WHAT MADE THEM SO INDELIBLE AND SINGULAR. AS MUCH OF WHAT I JUST SAID THAT WILL FIT IN A BOOK WILL BE THERE ON THE PAGES.

Patricia- In your opinion, what shows put Nickelodeon on the map as the network to see? What shows do you think started the downhill point to the "Nickelodeon Golden Era"?

Mathew- AGAIN, I THINK WHAT MADE AND IN FACT STILL MAKES NICKELODEON SUCH A SUCCESSFUL FORCE IN BOTH COMMERCIAL AND CRITICAL REALMS IS HOW PROTEAN ITS PROGRAMMING IS. IT HAS BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN SUCH AN IMPORTANT BRAND -- "THE FIRST KIDS NETWORK" -- WHILE OFFERING SUCH DIVERSE MATERIAL, FROM LIVE ACTION TO ANIMATION, FROM SITCOMS TO SOAP OPERA DRAMAS (MANY MAY NOT REMEMBER "FIFTEEN," BUT IT WAS NICK'S OWN "DEGRASSI" FOR A SHORT STINT). THEY ALL BROUGHT SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO THE TABLE. ONE THING I'M LEARNING: ESPECIALLY IN THOSE EARLY YEARS AND THEN THROUGHOUT THE NINETIES, HAD ANY ONE OF THOSE SHOWS NOT BEEN AIRED, THE CHANNEL WOULD BE VERY DIFFERENT TODAY. THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAGIC INGREDIENTS: CONSISTENCY OF BRAND, VARIETY OF PROGRAMMING.

Patricia- A few months ago, Kevin and I interviewed Caseen Gaines, who is the author of Inside Pee-wee's Playhouse. The book covered some fascinating and shocking stories about the entire phenomenon of Pee-wee Herman from the stage shows, the movies, and the TV show. What were some of the most shocking stories that you heard when interviewing former actors, creators, and behind-the-scenes crew of the Nickelodeon shows and movies?

Mathew- NICE TRY, PATTI! YOU'LL HAVE TO READ THE BOOK!

Kevin- Who were the people that you were the most excited to interview? Who were your favorite people that you interviewed?

Mathew- I KNOW THIS MUST BE GETTING ANNOYING AND SEEM LIKE I'M TRYING TO SELL BOOKS HERE (PS: I AM), BUT THE TRUTH IS THAT CHANGES SO OFTEN THAT I CAN'T SAY ANYMORE. IT HAS BEEN WEIRD, STRANGE, INTOXICATING, AND A LITTLE VERTIGINOUS TO RELIVE SO MANY MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD THROUGH THE TV I WATCHED AT A VERY DIFFERENT TIME IN MY LIFE. IT FEELS AS THOUGH I'VE KIND OF REACHED THROUGH NOT ONLY WHAT HARLAN ELLISON HAS REFERRED TO AS "THE GLASS TEAT," BUT ALSO THROUGH TIME IN THIS QUIXOTIC QUEST TO TRACK DOWN AND TALK TO THESE FOLKS. I'LL TELL YOU THIS, I'VE BEEN SURPRISED MORE TIMES THAN I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT AS REGARDS WHO MAKES FOR A BETTER AND MORE ENGAGING INTERVIEW. SOME OF MY BEST STUFF HAS BEEN COMING FROM FOLKS I WOULDN'T HAVE EXPECTED.

Kevin- Which people that you wished that you would have had the chance to interview, but couldn't get a hold of for whatever reason? What questions would you have asked them?

Mathew-  I DON'T THINK I WOULD BE ABLE TO DO THIS BOOK IF I WASN'T ABLE TO GET EVERYONE I WANT AND FEEL IS NEEDED TO MAKE IT WORK. IF I WERE DOING A WEBSITE OR COMPOSING A SONG, IT WOULD BE THE SAME CONCEPT. I'M DOING THE ORAL HISTORY OF NICKELODEON BECAUSE, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, I'M GOOD AT GETTING IN TOUCH WITH AND INTERVIEWING SUCH PEOPLE. THIS IS ONE OF THE THINGS I DO AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GOOD AT. I'VE GOTTEN MOST OF THE FOLKS I WANT ALREADY AND AM STILL MOVING SWIFTLY TO GET THE REST.

Kevin- Do you own any Nickelodeon memorabilia?

Mathew- I THINK THAT'S RELATIVE.  

Kevin If you could be any Nicktoon character, who would you be and why?

Mathew- I ALWAYS LIKED THAT DOUG FUNNIE COULD PLAY THE BANJO. I WISH I COULD DO THAT. MAYBE I WILL SOME DAY. 

Kevin- How you do feel about Shout! Factory releasing the Nickelodeon shows on DVD?

Mathew- I LIKE SHOUT! THEY RELEASED A GUY I KNOW'S MOVIE CALLED "HOW'S YOUR NEWS?" HE WENT ON TO ALSO DIRECT THE RECENT "SOUTH PARK" DOCUMENTARY. I ONCE APPLIED FOR A JOB THERE DOING THEIR LINER NOTES. I DIDN'T GET IT, BUT I WAS YOUNG AT THE TIME. YOUNGER THAN NOW. THAT WOULD BE A GOOD NAME FOR A BAND: "YOUNGER THAN NOW."

Kevin- If you can spend time with two voice actors known for voicing iconic characters on Nickelodeon, who would it be and why?

Mathew- I'VE ALREADY SPENT TIME WITH A BUNCH OF THEM. THEY'RE ALL GREAT. MANY OF THEM ARE LIKE CARTOON CHARACTERS THEMSELVES. TALKING WITH THEM ON THE PHONE IS FANTASTIC AND I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET A FEW OF THEM IN PERSON WHEN I MOVE TO NYC IN JUNE.

Kevin- What advice and steps would you give to someone who wants to write a book based on a particular topic?

Mathew- I ALWAYS GIVE THE SAME ADVICE WHENEVER PEOPLE ASK ME HOW TO WRITE BOOKS OR SCREENPLAYS OR WHATEVER IT MIGHT BE: DON'T. UNLESS YOU'RE DOING IT FOR YOURSELF AND FOR FUN AND BECAUSE YOU LIKE DOING IT. MAYBE BECAUSE YOU NEED TO DO IT. UNLESS YOU'RE INDEPENDENTLY WEALTHY OR HAVE A LAST NAME THAT WE ALL RECOGNIZE, THE REALMS OF FILM, MUSIC, PUBLISHING, AND COMMERCIAL ART IN GENERAL IS IN A REALLY SHITTY PLACE RIGHT NOW, ON EVERY LEVEL. I FIND GAMBLING INCREDIBLY BORING (EVEN CARD GAMES, ETC.), BUT SPENDING TIME, ENERGY, AND OFTENTIMES YOUR OWN MONEY IN DEVELOPING A PROJECT LIKE WHAT I'M DOING NOW IS THE BIGGEST GAMBLE OF ALL (ASIDE FROM RUSSIAN ROULETTE) BECAUSE YOU'RE BETTING WITH YOUR LIFE. I GOT LUCKY WITH A GREAT IDEA, I HAVE AN AMAZING AGENT I EARNED THROUGH A PREVIOUS FAILED ATTEMPT AT ANOTHER PROJECT, AND I'VE LEARNED BY BEING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DOOR HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A BOOK LIKE THIS THAT MADE IT CLEAR TO PUBLISHERS I WAS THE GUY FOR THE JOB. BUT IN THE BEGINNING, I WAS JUST SOME KID WHO WANTED TO ONE DAY TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT NICKELODEON. 

THEN A FEW YEARS LATER THOUGHT TO PUT SOME TIME AND EFFORT INTO SOME ARTICLES THAT MIGHT REAWAKEN THAT DREAM. AND IT WORKED. IT MIGHT NOT HAVE, THOUGH. BUT THOSE FUCKING THINGS STILL TOOK A LOT OF TIME, ENERGY, AND -- YES -- MY OWN MONEY TO COMPLETE WITHOUT ANY GUARANTEED COMPENSATION OR REFUND FOR SAID TIME, MONEY, ETC.. MORAL: IF YOU REALLY WANT TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS, KNOW IT MIGHT NOT MAKE YOU ANY MONEY AND THAT YOU MIGHT LOSE SOME IN THE PROCESS, THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE TO SACRIFICE TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DO IT. AND THAT IT MIGHT LEAD TO "NOTHING." WHICH IS WHY YOU HAVE TO JUST DO IT BECAUSE YOU SEE EVEN THE PROCESS OF MAKING IT AS SOMETHING FAR BETTER THAN "NOTHING."

Kevin- What was it like working with Steven Seagal and screenwriting one of his movies?

Mathew- I DIDN'T WORK WITH HIM. HE JUST APPEARED IN A MOVIE I WROTE. I'VE SPOKEN ABOUT THIS BEFORE ELSEWHERE AND ALL I'LL SAY NOW IS I'M GRATEFUL STEVEN WAS IN THE FILM BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T HAVE BECOME SUCH A COMMERCIAL BLITZ FOR ABOUT A YEAR WITHOUT HIM ON THE DVD BOX'S COVER. IT WASN'T THE FILM I ORIGINALLY WROTE, BUT I WROTE IT TO SELL AND NOT TO BE A DREAM PROJECT FOR MYSELF. I SUCCEEDED. YAY.

Kevin- What are your favorite movies?

Mathew- THE TRUTH IS "BERLIN ALEXANDERPLATZ," "SALO," AND "IDIOTERNE." BUT BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE HAVEN'T HEARD OF THOSE FILMS AND I ALWAYS AM WORRIED ABOUT SEEMING LIKE A SNOBBY FILM DOUCHE IF I SAY THAT, I'LL GO WITH MORE STANDARD FARE: "NATURAL BORN KILLERS," "NASHVILLE," AND "BRAZIL." MAYBE THE MONKEES' "HEAD" SHOULD BE IN THERE; IT'S WAY BETTER THAN IT SOUNDS (DIRECTED BY BOB RAFELSON AND CO-WRITTEN BY JACK NICHOLSON -- IN 1968.)

Kevin- What books on screenwriting would you recommend?

Mathew- I DON'T RECOMMEND ANY BOOKS ON SCREENWRITING. I HAVEN'T READ ANY. EVER. EVEN IN FILM SCHOOL, ACTUALLY, NOW THAT I THINK ABOUT IT. OR MAYBE I DID READ THEM FOR CLASS. I JUST DON'T REMEMBER. CHRIST, THAT WAS 10 YEARS AGO, ALMOST, AND I WASN'T PAYING MUCH ATTENTION IN CLASS. I WAS BUSY READING OTHER BOOKS AND WATCHING MOVIES OUTSIDE OF CLASS, WORKING ON FILMS, ETC. I WAS IMPATIENT (STILL AM). I WILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND TWO FILM BOOKS, THOUGH: JANE HAMSHER'S "KILLER INSTINCT" ABOUT THE MAKING OF "NATURAL BORN KILLERS" FROM START TO BEYOND FINISH (IS ACTUALLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME, AND READS LIKE A NOVEL: JANE IS NUTS). AND THE OTHER IS SOMETHING OF AN OBVIOUS ONE: RAY CARNEY'S "CASSAVETES ON CASSAVETES." ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TAKE A LOOK AT THE COVER. IT'S A FILM SCHOOL IN ITSELF. 400 SOME ODD PAGES OF PURE, UNFILTERED IDEAS ABOUT MORE THAN FILM. I DON'T THINK ANY BOOK I OWN IS MORE MARKED UP THAN MY COPY OF THAT ONE. IT'S AN INCREDIBLY FUN READ, TOO. CASSAVETES WAS ALSO NUTS.

Kevin- What shows on Nickelodeon are you currently watching?

Mathew- THAT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU MEAN BY CURRENT. I LOOK BACK ON A FEW OF THE OLD SHOWS JUST TO GET SOME IDEAS AND TO REMEMBER THINGS I MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN, BUT NOT OFTEN. I DON'T REALLY WATCH TV ANYMORE AND HAVEN'T SINCE JR. HIGH SCHOOL. MOST PEOPLE I'VE TALKED TO DON'T OR HAVEN'T MUCH IN THE PAST EITHER. I THINK THAT'S WHAT MADE NICK SO SPECIAL: IT WAS DONE BY PEOPLE WHO WERE DOING SOMETHING SO NEW BECAUSE THEY WERE PRODUCING WHAT THEY WANTED TO SEE AND NOT NECESSARILY WHAT THEY HAD SEEN BEFORE.

Patricia- What changes do you think would get Nickelodeon back to its former glory that we experienced in the 80's and 90's?

Mathew- AGAIN, THIS IS EXTREMELY RELATIVE. NICKELODEON AND VIACOM BEHIND THEM IS DOING AMAZING THINGS NOW WITH THE CHANNEL. THINGS THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. NICKELODEON HAS ONLY BEEN GLOBAL FOR A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THAT'S INCREDIBLE! COMMERCIAL SUCCESS IS A TALENT IN ITSELF. YOU MAY NOT HAVE RESPECT FOR BRITNEY SPEARS OR MILEY CYRUS OR WHOMEVER, BUT YOU ALSO PROBABLY CAN'T SELL $10M COPIES OF SOMETHING IN A WEEK. THEY CAN (SURE, THEY'RE PART OF A SYSTEM THAT SELLS IT WITH THEM, BUT THAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT MANY ORGANIZATIONS AND EVEN "FINE" ARTISTS WHO HAVE GALLERIES AND AGENTS AND MANAGERS AND PUBLICISTS AND DID EVEN BACK IN THE DAYS OF THE IMPRESSIONISTS; MICHAELANGELO WAS COMMISSIONED TO DO THE CISTINE CHAPEL, LEST WE FORGET; THAT WAS A COMMERCIAL JOB). AND I KNOW THERE ARE LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS OUT THERE WHO LOVE THE SHOWS THAT ARE ON THERE NOW.

MAYBE SOMEONE IN THE FUTURE WILL WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THE "GOLDEN AGE" BEING NOW? I READ AN ARTICLE WITH THE KID WHO WAS ONCE UPON A TIME THE AMPHIBIOUS INFANT ON THE COVER OF "NEVERMIND" CIRCA NOW (HE'S 21) AND HE WAS SAYING HE WISHED THERE WAS GOOD MUSIC NOW LIKE THE GREAT OL' DAYS OF THE NINETIES. AND, C'MON, MOST OF US THINK THE MUSIC IN THE NINETIES SUCKED. SIMILARLY, I HUNG WITH A MUCH OLDER GUY WHO RUNS THE CINEMA PROGRAM AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY LAST NIGHT IN HIS CRUMB-ESQUE HOARDER HOUSE AND WE WATCHED SOME OLD "PINWHEEL" HE HAD ON VHS. HE LOVES THAT OMNIBUS SHOW AND FEELS NICK WAS NEVER THE SAME AFTER IT WAS PHASED OUT IN THE EARLY 80S, SO WE ALL HAVE A DIFFERENT CONCEPT OF "GOLDEN AGE." NICK'S STILL ON THE AIR. STILL GOING STRONG. MAY SEEM LIKE I'M BEING PATRONIZING OR SYCOPHANTIC, BUT IT'S WHAT I FEEL.

Patricia- What shows from Nickelodeon that you wish would come back on TV?

Mathew- I WANT TO SEE MORE "THREE'S COMPANY" AND THE ORIGINAL "WONDER YEARS" WITHOUT ALL OF THE CHANGES MADE TO THE SONGS. PROBABLY WILL NEVER HAPPEN BECAUSE OF RIGHTS ISSUES. AND WALLY GEORGE'S "HOT SEAT." MAYBE MORE BOB ROSS' "THE JOY OF PAINTING."

Patricia- Finally, after your book is released, what are your upcoming projects?

Mathew- I WOULD SAY BUT THEN SOMEONE MIGHT STEAL MY IDEA(S). I'VE ALWAYS GOT PLENTY ON THE BURNER. SOME SHIT WORKS OUT, MOST DOESN'T. THE BIT THAT DOES KEEPS ME GOING ARTISTICALLY AND FINANCIALLY, THOUGH. FOR NOW. "SOMETHING ALWAYS COMES ALONG TO SAVE THE TWO SIMPSONS CHILDREN." I'M ALREADY WORKING ON A FEW THINGS, THOUGH. I'D LIKE TO CONTINUE BEING A POP CULTURE INTELLECTUAL. IT'S FUN AND KIND OF FUNNY. AN INTERESTING WAY TO MAKE A LIVING.

For more information about Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age, check it out on Facebook at facebook.com/NickOralHistory and Twitter @NickOralHistory. To take a quick look on what to expect in the book, check out his Splitsider account at http://splitsider.com/user/5531/matt-klickstein/.

Are you looking forward to Slimed! An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age? What are your favorite Nickelodeon shows from the 80’s and 90’s? Post it in the comments below. That’s all for now. Hope to see you around Old School Lane soon. Thanks for reading.

-Patricia and Kevin