Laugh Factory Expands Into Feature Film Production With Adam Rifkin’s “Toad”

Anthony D'Alessandro

17 September 2024 at 8:18 pm·2-min read

EXCLUSIVE: The Laugh Factory is venturing into feature film production with the launch of Laugh Factory Entertainment; their first project being Adam Rifkin’s stoner comedy, Toad, which Deadline first told you about.

The new division will be led by new Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer, Head of Entertainment John Weiser and Laugh Factory founder Jamie Masada who are expanding the iconic brand beyond the comedy clubs into film, television, podcasts, digital content, and live events.

More from Deadline

Directed by Rifkin and co-written by the filmmaker with Piers Ashworth, Toad, follows the wild story of two naive slackers, Sam (James Paxton of Twisters) and Alex (Oliver Wyman of Feeling Randy), who are hired by a crime boss to transport a box of contraband psychedelic toads from LA to Vegas. When the desert heat causes the toads to suffer heatstroke, the two are inadvertently dosed when they give the toads CPR and suddenly find themselves on an hallucinogenic odyssey.

The film is being Produced by future III Entertainment’s Brad Wyman (Monster) Michael P.J. Gerstein (Last Train to Fortune), as well as producer Mike Kolko.

“Toad is the perfect project to kick off our expansion into film,” said Fuhrer. “We’re excited to partner with Adam Rifkin to bring this hilarious road trip comedy to life, and to create new opportunities for comedians in all forms of entertainment.”

Weiser added “Toad is a laugh-out-loud script and the perfect film to launch our new division.” Weiser is a 33-year veteran of Sony Pictures Entertainment and former President of Feature Film and Television Distribution. He has also held key leadership roles for industry giants like Peter Guber and Chuck Barris.

Jamie Masada, founder of the Laugh Factory, said about Toad: “When I first read the script, it reminded me of the time I told Bob Israel he needed to cast a young, upstart comedian named Jim Carrey.”

Masada added, “There’s a similar kind of wild energy in Toad, and I think this film is going to introduce some new faces to comedy stardom.”

Rifkin’s features include Mousehunt, Detroit Rock City, The Dark Backward and the recently wrapped western, Last Train to Fortune, which stars Malcolm McDowell, James Paxton, Mary Steenburgen, Bernadette Peters and Laura Marano.

Rifkin said, “I’m thrilled to partner with The Laugh Factory. Nobody knows the business of comedy better than they do, and I’m beyond flattered that they’ve chosen Toad to be their first production. I just hope I’m not hallucinating all of this.”

Calum Gray and Max Pirkus will be handling worldwide sales from there newly formed UK company Architect, with executive producer Mark O’Sullivan at DLNQNT.

Toad will begin shooting January 6th in Arizona.

Best of Deadline

The Daily Beast
King Charles ‘Humiliated’ as Prince Andrew Wins Royal Lodge War
Friends of Prince Andrew were jubilant Friday night after the disgraced duke won the so-called ‘Siege of Royal Lodge,’ successfully defying his brother King Charles’ long-running efforts to kick him out of the extravagant 90-acre property. In a bitter humiliation for the king, who has spent much of the past year scheming to get Andrew out of the ten-bedroomed mansion—which he was rumored to be eying as a potential dowager house for his wife Camilla—the palace has thrown in the towel and accepted
Yahoo News Australia
Woman's 'hilarious' work from home fail while holidaying in Bali
The worker was in an important meeting with 'big execs' when the unexpected happened.
The Independent
Madonna has two-word message for Trump after he wins election
Singer went full Madonna in her takedown of US president
The Independent
Elizabeth Hurley says she struggled with Austin Powers scene so much you can actually see her laughing
‘You can see I’m glassy-eyed and smirking’ admits Hurley
InStyle
An Unexpected Royal Stepped in for Queen Camilla Amid Her Infection
The occurrence is a rare one for the family member, despite their working royal status.
The Daily Beast
Supermodel Dies Suddenly at 46 Just Months After Wedding
Supermodel Georgina Cooper, known for her gapped-tooth smile, has passed away in Greece at 46 with big industry names mourning the loss. Cooper, who had just married her husband Nigel, was in Kos, an island is Greece, when she became sick, according to the Daily Mail. The outlet said that she was then flown from the main Kos hospital to Crete where she was in intensive care. After five days, the model and mother-of-one died, with her body being brought to back to England just last week.
InStyle
Jennifer Lopez Stuns in Coquette Revenge Dress with a Plunging Neckline
Princess Diana would be so proud.
BuzzFeed
21 Wildly Juicy Events In '80s Movie History That Are All But Forgotten Today
"Gotta get back in time!"
BuzzFeed
I'm 100% Convinced That It's Actually Physically, Mentally, And Spiritually Impossible Not To Laugh At Any Of These Things People Actually Tried To Sell
Okay, these are wild.
InStyle
Kate Middleton's Old Roommate Shared a Never-Before-Seen Photo From Her College Days
And added the sweetest message for the princess.
BuzzFeed
43 Photos That Might Just Make You Laugh Even If You Currently Feel Dead Inside
"My buddy works for Amazon, and these were the delivery instructions: 'Pig is very sensitive. Walking by her completely ignoring her will result in her feeling self-conscious and becoming depressed for several hours. It will be highly appreciated that if you don't pet her or scratch her back, that you say hi to her. Thanks!'
BuzzFeed
"They Thought I Wasn’t Going To Open The Box": 13 Stories From Retail Workers Of Customers Trying To Pull A Fast One
"She explained to the clerks that her dog had ripped apart the kid's shoes she had bought the day before, and she expected them to replace them."
Parade
Christina Applegate Hits Back at Fan Who Tells Her 'You Look Terrible' in New Photo
The 52-year-old actress and 'MeSsy' podcast host had quite the response.
Digital Spy
MAFS star Melissa Rawson breaks down in tears in emotional video
Married at First Sight Australia star Melissa Rawson has broken down in tears during an emotional video from the early stages of her parenthood.
Hello!
Liam Payne: Three people charged following One Direction star's death
Three people have been charged following the death of Liam Payne. The former One Direction singer died on 16 October falling a fall from a hotel balcony
InStyle
Prince William's Perfect Fall Blazer Was Thrifted From a Vintage Shop
He's in his sustainable fashion era.
Parade
Teresa Giudice's Husband Accused of Cheating on His Wife While She Filmed 'House of Villains'
During an explosive fight on 'House of Villains,' Tiffany 'New York' Pollard leveled accusations at the 'Real Housewives' star's husband Luis Ruelas.
BANG Showbiz
Pamela Anderson: I've had a beautiful and messy life
Pamela Anderson has revealed how she prepared to star in 'The Last Showgirl'.
Variety
‘Bearcave’ Offers ‘Unseen Perspective’ Into Lives of Young Queer Women in Rural Greece
A mystical cave, a nettle pie and an unexpected betrayal spur a romantic adventure between two childhood friends in “Bearcave,” the feature-length debut of co-writers and -directors Stergios Dinopoulos and Krysianna Papadakis. Starring newcomers Xara Kyriazi and Pamela Oikonomaki, the film, which is currently in post-production, won the top prize this week in the Works …
WWD
Brooke Shields Adds a Sultry Twist to Knit Trend in A.L.C. Midi Dress for ‘Yellowstone’ Season Five Premiere in New York
Part Two of the Paramount Network series returns on Sunday.

Latest stories