Ed Herbstman Ponders *Think Tank*- a New Series on A&E
Love Duck Dynasty? How about Storage Wars? Hoarders?
Youre not alone. And now you, along with millions upon millions of people, just might fall in love with A&Es new show, 'Think Tank. Or not. Because it's not like those other shows at all.
We sat down in the Magnet Theater lobby with one of the show's actors, Ed Herbstman (The Mantzoukas Brothers), to get an inside scoop. It was a lively and wide-ranging conversation, and we hope you enjoy it.
Full Disclosure, Ed is one of the co-owners of Magnet Theater, and therefore we were very conscious of the appearance of a journalistic conflict of interest. In light of this possibility, we made every attempt to be even-handed and unbiased.
Magnet Theater: So. This show. What is it?
Ed Herbstman: Why do you ask that way? Are you mad at me?
MT: Oh, youre tough now because youre on a TV show?
EH: Wow. Do you hate me or something? Youre really hostile. Is this part of the interview?
MT: Cant handle it Mr. Im On a TV Show?
EH: First, its not technically a TV show. Its a web series.
MT: You calling me a liar?!
EH: Your phone just fell off the desk because youre pounding it so hard.
MT: SHUT UP! Ill burn your house down!!
EH: Whoa, not okay. Calm down please.
MT: burn it down motherfu---
EH: HEY! Stop it. You want to know about Think Tank or what?
MT: Fine.
EH: Okay. Umm, I play Patrick Severe, a member of the Woodbine Foundation think tank that is a bit arrogant about his brilliance, and uses it as a shield when it comes to relationships with woman. I like to think of him a one part Alex P. Keaton from Family Ties and one part me.
MT: Uh huh.
EH: Ummm and the show is A&Es first scripted comedy, and its first web series. But there is some talk of it making the jump to TV.
MT: Really? Or are you just saying that to start a rumor and hope it becomes true?
EH: Okay, enough. This is crazy. No Im not just saying that. I was told there is talk. I dont know what that really means or what. Im just repeating what I heard.
MT: (mocking) Im just repeating what I heard, waaa wah, Im a baby.
EH: Is this a joke? Are you pranking me?
MT: How much of the show is improvised, Mr. Improv Guy?
EH: Okay, thats a good question but you ruined it by insulting me at the end of it.
MT: So calling you an improv guy is an insult? So improv is stupid and all improvisers are dumb? Wow, that is a big insult to a lot of people, Ed Herbstman!
EH: Thats not at all what I said.
MT: So Im a liar again??
EH: Yes. Yes. Youre a liar. Youre a horrible interviewer and I feel like youve wasted my time.
MT: Well then. There it is. Now its out there. We dont have to tip toe around how you feel.
EH: Youre not seriously crying, are you?
MT: Umm, so Ed, (stifling tears) was there much improv involved?
EH: Jesus. No. None. It was completely scripted except for the character background videos which were mostly improvised.
MT: (through tears, barely audible) Yeah, those were funny you were good...
EH: Umm, are you going to be okay? Heres some tissues.
MT: Thanks. I promised myself I wouldnt do this.
EH: You mean be really angry and then super-sensitive and then sob?
MT: Yeah. Stupid stupid stupid!
EH: Stop punching yourself! Christ Jesus, you have to stop that!
MT: No. Im okay. Give me a second.
(about two minutes pass silently)
MT: Okay. Um, where can people catch your web series?
EH: Well, thanks for asking. They can see all of the episodes online at aetv.com/think-tank. Or on the A & E app, or on Hulu. I think its best enjoyed on the A&E site. And please like it because if enough people do, then maybe well get to make more. It was a really talented and fun cast and production team and Id love to play with them again.
MT: Okay, then. Thanks for your time and good luck.
EH: Okay.
MT: We are done.
EH: Okay. Do you need me to call you a car or something?
MT: Yeah, that would be nice. Thanks.
EH: Sure.
Catch Think Tank on the web at aetv.com/think-tank. If you found this interview useful, please share it. And feel free to leave your comments below.
--Magnet Theater
