The Laugh Factory is expanding into feature film production with the launch of Laugh Factory Entertainment, marking a significant step for the iconic comedy brand. Their first project, Toad, a stoner comedy directed by Adam Rifkin, was initially reported by Deadline. This move signals the Laugh Factory’s venture beyond comedy clubs into film, television, podcasts, digital content, and live events.
The new division will be led by Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer, Head of Entertainment John Weiser, and Laugh Factory founder Jamie Masada. The company’s expansion aims to explore various forms of entertainment while maintaining its comedic roots.
Toad, co-written by Rifkin and Piers Ashworth, centers on two naive slackers, Sam (James Paxton) and Alex (Oliver Wyman), who are hired by a crime boss to transport contraband psychedelic toads from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. When the desert heat causes the toads to suffer heatstroke, the pair inadvertently ingest the psychedelics while trying to resuscitate the animals, sending them on a hallucinogenic journey.
Produced by Future III Entertainment’s Brad Wyman, Michael P.J. Gerstein, and Mike Kolko, Toad is seen as a fitting project to kick off the new division. Fuhrer expressed excitement about the partnership with Rifkin, calling the film “the perfect project” to introduce their expansion into feature films. John Weiser, a veteran of Sony Pictures Entertainment, also praised the script, stating it was “laugh-out-loud” and ideal for launching Laugh Factory Entertainment.
Jamie Masada, the founder of the Laugh Factory, compared the energy of Toad to his experience discovering Jim Carrey, noting the potential for the film to introduce new comedic talent. Rifkin, known for Mousehunt, Detroit Rock City, and The Dark Backward, expressed his enthusiasm for working with the Laugh Factory, joking about the surreal nature of the opportunity.
Worldwide sales for Toad will be managed by the newly formed UK company Architect, with executive producer Mark O’Sullivan at DLNQNT. Filming is set to begin on January 6th in Arizona.
