The Business
Vic Morgenstein (formerly Vic Morgan) has been distributing gruesome Asian horror schlock and soft-core smut for years. His flagship video series, "Drunk Chicks" 1 through 6, consists entirely of inebriated young women exposing their breasts. These low rent titles have earned Vic a comfortable living, and a less-than savory reputation; everywhere he goes, young men recognize his face from the DVD cases and lift their shirts to him in salute. Vic was willing to accept his complete lack of respectability so long as the money kept rolling in. But that all changed when picked up a low budget, art-house movie called The Unreasonable Truth About Butterflies at a second rate film festival. Butterflies, directed by total unknown Rufus Marquez, went on to become something of darling on the indie festival circuit. Vic got hooked on respectability and came to realize his new dream: to produce and distribute "respectable" indie films. The only snag is Vic is bereft of things like taste and vision, so he enlists the help of seasoned IFC segment producer, Julia Sullivan. Together they will undertake the quest of producing their first indie-thriller, House of Fear, while Porn starlets, vapid PR execs, self-absorbed B-movie stars, eccentric Japanese investors, the American Beef lobby, and an unstable director create problems at every turn. Will Vic and Julia produce the film they dreamed of without compromising their integrity? Probably not, but the journey will be hilarious.
- 2006-2007
- 2 seasons
- IFC
- Comedy
Vic Morgenstein (formerly Vic Morgan) has been distributing gruesome Asian horror schlock and soft-core smut for years. His flagship video series, "Drunk Chicks" 1 through 6, consists entirely of inebriated young women exposing their breasts. These low rent titles have earned Vic a comfortable living, and a less-than savory reputation; everywhere he goes, young men recognize his face from the DVD cases and lift their shirts to him in salute. Vic was willing to accept his complete lack of respectability so long as the money kept rolling in. But that all changed when picked up a low budget, art-house movie called The Unreasonable Truth About Butterflies at a second rate film festival. Butterflies, directed by total unknown Rufus Marquez, went on to become something of darling on the indie festival circuit. Vic got hooked on respectability and came to realize his new dream: to produce and distribute "respectable" indie films. The only snag is Vic is bereft of things like taste and vision, so he enlists the help of seasoned IFC segment producer, Julia Sullivan. Together they will undertake the quest of producing their first indie-thriller, House of Fear, while Porn starlets, vapid PR execs, self-absorbed B-movie stars, eccentric Japanese investors, the American Beef lobby, and an unstable director create problems at every turn. Will Vic and Julia produce the film they dreamed of without compromising their integrity? Probably not, but the journey will be hilarious.
Season 2 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2007
Episode 1
Back in the Business
Sun, Aug 5, 2007 22 mins
Making the most of the box office success generated by indie-thriller "House of Fear", the team at Vic's Flicks moves up the ladder and into new offices. Interior design face-offs aside, Julia's main goal is to apply her carefully crafted 5-year business plan. But will the rest of them comply? Vic's goal is to make himself at home at the office; Tony is on a mission to seduce Julia, using whatever angle he can; Rufus shamelessly displays what a true diva he has become; And Nancy, the new intern, becomes a reluctant witness to this circus being proudly presented to her by an ever-so-idealistic Terrence. One thing is for certain: the gang is back in The Business.
Episode 2
Vic's Bringing Sexy Back
Thu, Aug 16, 2007 22 mins
From the moment Kiki de Charentais makes her first appearance, she exudes a sexual energy that lingers in the air around her and that is powerful enough to corrupt the purest of souls. Indeed, something has come over the team at Vic's Flicks: buttons are undone, hair is flipped, body parts are exposed, soldiers are erect, fantasy flirts with reality and the magnetism in the air is practically palpable. Will the imprint left by Kiki's alluring presence be permanent?
Episode 3
Lance-A-Lot
Sun, Aug 19, 2007 21 mins
After a masterful story-telling Irishman makes his brilliant pitch about an IRA bomber on a politically motivated hunger strike, the team at Vic's Flicks lets the weight of it all set the tone for the remainder of the day. Convinced that this script idea is Oscar-worthy, Julia, against her better judgment, calls Lance Rawly into the office to offer him the title role. But Lance rolls in, having undergone sizeable changes, leaving the others flabbergasted and speechless.
Episode 4
Twofus
Sun, Aug 26, 2007 23 mins
People's pasts are back to haunt them. A handsome prowling stranger turns out to be Julia's ex-husband, and threatens Tony's confidence with his good looks, his charm and his firm grip. Vic must attempt to dodge a legal bullet when his past as a cheap smut-peddler revisits him. Derek Tibble, a seemingly innocent friend from Rufus' past, threatens Rufus' credibility and the legitimacy of his work. And Lance, unable to convince people of his identity, rethinks the dietary choices he has made in his recent past.
Episode 5
Episode #2.5
21 mins
Fear overcomes Vic when he realizes a deep-seated family secret is back to haunt him and forces (or paranoia?) are out to get him. No one is to be trusted: the elevator repairman is clearly making attempts on his life; Terrence is conspiring against him with his not-so-trustworthy business partner; all because of a suspicious roll of film that proves one of the greatest and most shameful cover-ups in modern history.
Episode 6
The Family Jules
23 mins
Discouraged that neither of her goals have yet materialized - finding an idea for their next big hit and acquiring an Independent Spirit Award nomination for "House of Fear" - Julia chooses to change her focus. But she is so blinded by her discontent, that she fails to notice that the golden script she's been hoping for all along has been right under her nose, in her intern's hands. Nancy's frustration grows when everyone dismisses her many attempts at being heard; so much so that she resorts to malicious measures to punish Vic's Flicks for not paying better attention to her real potential. In the end, it's all about karma.
Episode 7
Field Trip to Hollywood: Part 1
Sun, Sep 16, 2007 21 mins
The Spirit Awards are calling! Julia, Vic, Tony, Rufus and Lance barely make it past airport security to eagerly set foot in the true La-La-Land, where showbiz is a way of life. Enthralled at the idea of pursuing endless opportunities, they all go out to chase their dreams. But their high hopes are quickly hampered by a slew of characters that only Hollywood could provide. Will the team manage to keep their integrity intact or will they let themselves be corrupted by the West Coast air?
Episode 8
Field Trip to Hollywood: Part 2
Sun, Sep 23, 2007 22 mins
Dressed to the nines, the gang makes their way to the red carpet, some as concerned about their speech as Rufus is about his bowel movements. While Lance and Tony feel completely at home in the schmoozing business, Julia is like a deer in headlights. Nevertheless, they all make it inside in one piece and await the outcome of the long-anticipated awards ceremony. Despite Lance's tasteless ways, Vic's foot lodged permanently in his mouth, Julia's nervous blathering, and Rufus' unfortunate intolerance to spicy foods, the Vic's Flicks team will prove in the end that all they need is heart...and each other.