Emma Stone | SmartLess
Join Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes in an episode of "SmartLess" that is as delightful and engaging as their guest, Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone. The trio begins with a casual stroll down memory lane, sharing amusing anecdotes and a peek into Emma's transition from brunette to her now-famous redhead status, sparked during her "Superbad" days. This lighthearted banter sets the stage for a deeper dive into Stone's projects and passions, including her venture into producing with the anticipated dark comedy series "The Curse."
As the conversation flows, listeners get an authentic glimpse into Emma Stone's life beyond the silver screen. From discussing the Screen Actors Guild name selection process, with a nod to her affection for Baby Spice, to the reality of the "Oscar curse," Emma's stories radiate with wit and wisdom. The episode doesn't shy away from integrating moments for sponsors, highlighting the show's ability to entertain while seamlessly weaving in commercial content. Whether you're here for the laughs, the insider industry talk, or the sweet nostalgia of 90s pop culture, this episode of "SmartLess" with Emma Stone provides a heartwarming and insightful listening journey.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 11, 2023 episode of the SmartLess
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1-Page Summary
Welcoming Emma Stone to "SmartLess"
Setting the Scene: The Chummy Introduction
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, creators of "SmartLess," kick off the segment sharing lighthearted stories and engaging with their guest, Emma Stone. The opening sets the tone for the episode, full of reminiscent tales of pranks and familiar high school memories.
A Glance Into Emma's Past: Hair Color Secrets and Career Beginnings
The hosts delve into Emma Stone's early career, leading to the revelation of her iconic hair color not being natural. A laugh-filled discussion ensues about her first major film, "Superbad," where director Judd Apatow suggested she dye her hair red, a color that would come to define her signature look.
Upcoming Attractions: Sharing Stories of New Ventures
Conversation shifts to Emma's current and upcoming projects, offering listeners a sneak peek into the dark comedy series she co-created, "The Curse," her production experience with Yorgos Lanthimos on "Poor Things," and light-hearted banter about her impressive memory for dates, contrasting with Bateman's and Arnett's recollections.
Behind the Scenes with Emma Stone
Navigating Technology: From HTML to Minimalism
Emma's technological past and present are contrasted — from her early HTML and website design skills to her current minimalist approach, owning no computer and prioritizing email communication over social media engagement.
Name, Fame, and the Game: The Screen Actors Guild Journey
The hosts and Emma discuss the intricacies of registering a stage name with the Screen Actors Guild. Emma shares her transition from Emily to Emma, mentioning other celebrities who have chosen stage names, and how Baby Spice from the Spice Girls inspired her name choice.
The Weight of an Oscar: Tackling Post-Award Expectations
Emma addresses the so-called "Oscar curse" with humor, detailing how she navigated her career post-Oscar win for "La La Land" by jumping straight into filming "The Favourite."
Spotlight on Preferences: From Spice Girls to Stage Names
The episode touches upon Emma's love for the Spice Girls, particularly Baby Spice, and how this fandom influenced her stage name, marking a personal signature on her career.
Emma's Off-Camera World
Creating a Home Away from Home: Travel Must-Haves
Emma Stone shares her travel essentials and what makes her feel at home on different film sets, including her love for apples with peanut butter and Starbucks' large drip coffee with hot coconut milk.
The Art of Performance: Tales from "Cabaret" to Contact Lenses
A theatre mishap during "Cabaret" is recalled, when Emma's extreme nearsightedness led to a performance where she had to exit the stage without her contact lenses, highlighting the challenges actors face and their resilience.
Beyond Hollywood: Family Ties and Personal Tattoo Tales
Emma discusses her experiences away from the camera — her family life, her less-than-enduring wrist tattoo, and her brother's pursuit of a tech career.
Interspersing Entertainment and Endorsements
A Moment for Sponsors: Promotions Amidst the Conversation
The episode features commercial breaks from sponsors, including Sean's promotion of BetterHelp, Viore Clothing, and State Farm. These endorsements underscore the podcast's balance of rich conversations with seamless integrations of sponsor messages.
Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead to Future Discussions
The podcast concludes with playful talks about future topics, including Emma's experience filming "La La Land," leaving listeners with the anticipation of what's to come in the next episode of "SmartLess."
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- When actors join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), they often have the option to use a stage name instead of their legal name. Registering a stage name involves following specific guidelines set by SAG to ensure uniqueness and avoid confusion with other members. This process allows actors to create a professional identity that may better suit their career goals or personal branding. Stage names can be chosen for various reasons, such as uniqueness, memorability, or to avoid name conflicts with existing actors.
- The "Oscar curse" is a superstition that suggests winning an Academy Award can lead to a downturn in an actor's career. This belief stems from instances where some actors faced challenges or struggled to find success in roles following their Oscar win. It's not a proven phenomenon but has been observed in some cases in Hollywood.
- Emma Stone's transition from Emily to Emma with the Screen Actors Guild involves the process of registering a stage name for professional use. Many actors choose to use a stage name that is different from their birth name for various reasons, such as uniqueness or marketability. In Emma's case, she transitioned from using her birth name, Emily, to the professional name Emma Stone when she started her acting career. This change allowed her to establish a distinct identity in the entertainment industry.
- Emma Stone's stage name was inspired by Baby Spice from the Spice Girls. Baby Spice's real name is Emma Bunton, and Emma Stone chose "Emma" as her stage name after being influenced by the Spice Girls member. This connection to Baby Spice holds personal significance for Emma Stone and has become a unique aspect of her identity in the entertainment industry.
- Emma Stone shared that her travel essentials include apples with peanut butter and Starbucks' large drip coffee with hot coconut milk. These items are her preferred snacks and beverages while on film sets or traveling, providing her with comfort and familiarity in different locations. The combination of apples with peanut butter offers a balance of sweetness and protein, while the Starbucks coffee with hot coconut milk caters to her specific taste preferences. These choices reflect her personal preferences and routines that help her feel at home while away from her usual surroundings.
- Emma Stone faced a challenge during a performance of "Cabaret" due to her extreme nearsightedness, which caused her to have to exit the stage without her contact lenses. This incident highlighted the difficulties actors can encounter during live performances and the resilience they demonstrate in overcoming unexpected obstacles. It showcases the unpredictable nature of live theater and the quick thinking required to navigate such situations effectively.
- Emma Stone has discussed her family life in interviews, mentioning her close relationship with her family members. She has also shared that she has a wrist tattoo that she regrets getting. Additionally, Emma's brother has pursued a career in the tech industry, which is a departure from her acting profession.
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Welcoming Emma Stone to "SmartLess"
Setting the Scene: The Chummy Introduction
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, creators of "SmartLess," kick off the segment with Bateman humorously noting his anticipation and jest about being physically ready for the conversation.
The episode begins with a reflection on films and a pointed interest in delving deeper into Emma Stone's experience filming "La La Land" in a future discussion. They share a particularly funny anecdote about a recent prank involving Sean Hayes and a plastic water bottle, which ends with laughter and a nod to their shared high school memories.
The opening sets the tone for the episode, full of reminiscent tales and playful discussions such as one about Sean's homemade cheesecake, where its consistency and Sean's dedicated trip for a special white chocolate bar become the butts of jokes.
A Glance Into Emma's Past: Hair Color Secrets and Career Beginnings
The hosts delve into Emma Stone's early career and personal interests, uncovering her initial foray into web design before her acting days. A notable point in her journey includes her persuasive PowerPoint presentation to her parents, convincing them to allow her to pursue her dream of acting in Hollywood.
The conversation also covers her first major film, "Superbad," and the impactful suggestion by director Judd Apatow that she dye her hair red, which would become her iconic look. Stone's story reveals a mix of personal determination and pivotal moments that shaped her path to stardom.
Upcoming Attractions: Sharing Stories of New Ventures
Conversation shifts to Emma's current and upcoming projects, offering listeners a sneak peek into the dark comedy series she co-cr ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Welcoming Emma Stone to "SmartLess"
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "SmartLess" is a popular podcast where Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett engage in casual and humorous conversations with various guests from the entertainment industry. The hosts often share personal anecdotes, discuss the guest's career, and delve into light-hearted banter. The podcast is known for its relaxed and witty atmosphere, making it a favorite among listeners for its entertaining and insightful content. The trio's chemistry and dynamic hosting style contribute to the show's charm and appeal to a wide audience.
- Emma Stone's experience filming "La La Land" is a significant part of her career as it was a critically acclaimed musical film released in 2016. In the movie, she played the lead role of Mia, an aspiring actress, and her performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. "La La Land" was praised for its music, performances, and nostalgic homage to classic Hollywood musicals. The film's success helped solidify Emma Stone's status as a versatile and talented actress in the industry.
- Emma Stone's persuasive PowerPoint presentation to her parents to pursue acting showcases her determination and strategic approach to convincing them of her passion for the craft. This presentation was a pivotal moment in her journey towards becoming an actress, demonstrating her commitment and belief in her chosen path. It highlights her early initiative and willingness to go the extra mile to pursue her dreams, setting the stage for her successful career in Hollywood.
- Emma Stone did not appear in the movie "Superbad." The confusion might arise from the fact that Emma Stone's breakthrough role was in the comedy "Superbad." In the film, she played the character Jules, the love interest of Jonah Hill's character. Director Judd Apatow suggested that Emma Stone dye her hair red for the role, a ...
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Behind the Scenes with Emma Stone
Navigating Technology: From HTML to Minimalism
Emma's technological past and present are delved into in more detail. Emma shares her experiences from tinkering with basic HTML and website design to now embracing a minimalist lifestyle, illustrated by her current choice to not own a computer.
Her personal design preferences include a disdain for Comic Sans and a fondness for Helvetica, offering listeners a glance into her attention to detail and aesthetic sensibilities during her early web design endeavors. Plus, despite not owning a computer, Emma does have an iPhone, albeit a damaged one which she uses primarily for email correspondence and consciously avoids engaging with social media platforms.
Will Arnett and Jason Bateman openly ponder about the dramatic societal changes that could ensue from a prolonged six-month absence from social media. Suggesting a broad return to simplicity, Jason argues for society to relearn how to handle boredom without the constant distraction of social feeds, viewing the lack of engagement as a potential avenue for relaxation and self-reflection.
Name, Fame, and the Game: The Screen Actors Guild Journey
The hosts and Emma discuss the intricacies of registering a stage name with the Screen Actors Guild. Emma shares her transition from Emily to Emma and mentions that Baby Spice from the Spice Girls inspired her name choice.
Will Arnett expands on the subject, highlighting the frequent occurrence of stage name changes within the industry and referencing Michael J. Fox and Michael Keaton as other examples.
Sean Hayes adds a surprising fact that Albert Brooks was originally named Albert Einstein, demonstrating the unexpected and sometimes humorous historical tidbits behind celebrity stage names.
The Weight of an Oscar: Tackling Post-Award Expectations
Emma addresses the so-called "Oscar curse" with humor, detailing how she navigated her career post-Oscar win for "La La Land" by jumping straight into filming "The Favourite." She describes proactively avoiding the curse by mocking the superstition and getting to work immediately.
Embracing her newfound Oscar leverage, she jests about postponing her flight to renegotiate her cont ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Behind the Scenes with Emma Stone
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Emma Stone's journey from tinkering with basic HTML and website design to embracing a minimalist lifestyle showcases her evolution in technology and personal preferences. Her shift towards minimalism is reflected in her choice to not own a computer and her focus on simplicity and essentialism in her daily life. This transition highlights her attention to detail and aesthetic sensibilities, as well as her conscious decision to disconnect from certain aspects of modern technology. By sharing her experiences with technology and design, Emma provides insight into how her relationship with technology has evolved over time.
- Will Arnett and Jason Bateman discuss the potential societal impact of taking a six-month break from social media. They consider how such a break could lead to significant changes in how people interact and spend their time. The discussion revolves around the idea of society relearning how to cope with boredom and engage in more meaningful activities without the constant distraction of social media. The actors contemplate the implications of a prolonged absence from social media on individuals and society as a whole.
- Jason is suggesting that people should become comfortable with being bored without relying on social media for constant entertainment. He believes that society could benefit from rediscovering the value of boredom as a time for relaxation and self-reflection, rather than always seeking distractions online. This idea implies that reducing our dependence on social media could lead to a return to simpler, more mindful ways of living.
- After winning an Oscar, actors sometimes face pressure or challenges in their careers, known as the "Oscar curse." This phenomenon suggests that winning an Academy Award can lead to difficulties in maintaining success or choosing future roles. In response to this superstition, some actors like Emma Stone take proactive steps to continue their career momentum and avoid the negative effects associated with the Oscar curse. This can involve immediately taking on new projects or leveraging their award to negotiate better opportunities in the industry.
- Emma Stone jokingly mentions delaying her flight to negotiate her contract after winning an Oscar, indicating she used her newfound prestige to humorously suggest she had the power to make demands in her acting career. This playful comment showcases her wit and confidence in navigating the industry post-award. It implies a level of assertiveness and savvy in leveraging her success for better opportunities.
- Jaso ...
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Emma's Off-Camera World
Emma reveals her ignorance of the TV show "The Golden Bachelor," which delights the hosts as they appreciate her detachment from certain popular culture phenomena.
Emma shares anecdotes about past injuries, with Will Arnett jestingly and Sean, in a half-hearted gesture, offering to send soup to help her recover, reflecting a candid and jovial rapport with her interviewers.
Creating a Home Away from Home: Travel Must-Haves
Emma Stone shares her travel essentials and what makes her feel at home on different film sets. She emphasizes her love for apples with peanut butter as a routine snack, creating a consistent comfort ritual while she's on the move.
Furthering her sense of homeliness, her Starbucks order is always a large drip coffee with hot coconut milk, ensuring familiarity in her day-to-day experiences.
She opens up about her metaphorical association of peanut butter with happiness, indicating a deeper emotional significance of this particular comfort food in her life.
The Art of Performance: Tales from "Cabaret" to Contact Lenses
A theatre mishap during "Cabaret" is recalled when Emma's extreme nearsightedness led to both of her contact lenses popping out mid-performance. This left her having to grope her way offstage blindly, adding to the unpredictable nature of live performances and highlighting the challenges actors can face.
Beyond Hollywood: Family Ties and Personal Tattoo Tales
Emma discusses her experiences away from ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Emma's Off-Camera World
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Will Arnett and Sean are the hosts of the show where Emma Stone is being interviewed. They engage with Emma during the conversation, with Will making jesting remarks and Sean offering to send soup to help Emma recover from her past injuries. Their interactions with Emma reflect a friendly and light-hearted rapport during the interview.
- Emma Stone's association of peanut butter with happiness reflects a personal emotional connection she has with the comfort food. This connection suggests that peanut butter holds a special place in her life, possibly tied to positive memories or feelings. It serves as a source of comfort and joy for her, symbolizing happiness beyond just being a routine snack.
- Emma Stone experienced a mishap during a performance of the play "Cabaret" due to her extreme nearsightedness, causing both of her contact lenses to pop out while she was on stage. This incident left her in a challenging situation as she had to navigate her way offstage without clear vision, highlighting the unexpected difficulties that actors can encounter during live performances.
- Emma Stone expressed regret over a bad tattoo on her wrist, indicating that she is unhappy with the design or quality of the tattoo. This suggests that she may no longer find the tattoo aesthetically pleasing or that it holds negative associations for her. Her mention of regret imp ...
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Interspersing Entertainment and Endorsements
A Moment for Sponsors: Promotions Amidst the Conversation
The episode's conversation is interspersed with sponsor messages, carefully integrated between engaging discussions. Sean Hayes highlights the benefit of ad-free listening through Amazon Music, which provides Prime members with early access to "SmartLess" episodes and other popular podcasts.
He introduces Rocket Money, an app to help manage finances by tracking and canceling unwanted subscriptions, emphasizing financial streamlining.
Macy's also sponsors a segment, promoting their hassle-free gift-finding services meant to alleviate the stress of holiday shopping.
Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead to Future Discussions
The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to Emma Stone for her participation despite feeling under the weather, and praise for her unwavering good performance standards, reminiscent of esteemed actor John Goodman.
Sean Hayes voices a tinge of regret for not further exploring Emma's experience filming "La La Land," earmarking it for a potential future conversation.
A whimsical, ligh ...
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Interspersing Entertainment and Endorsements
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The episode follows a format where sponsor messages are strategically placed within the natural flow of the conversation. These messages are seamlessly integrated to maintain engagement while promoting various products or services. The hosts introduce each sponsor, highlighting the benefits or features of the endorsed products in a way that feels like a part of the discussion. This format allows for a balance between content and promotional elements, enhancing the listener's experience.
- The hosts' humorous sign-off describing "SmartLess" as a natural and handcrafted podcast is a playful way to emphasize the authenticity and personal touch they bring to the show. It suggests that the podcast is carefully curated and thoughtfully put toget ...
Counterarguments
- Ad integration may disrupt the flow of the conversation and could be seen as intrusive by some listeners.
- Amazon Music's ad-free listening is a paid service, which may not be accessible or desirable for all listeners, especially those who do not wish to pay for Prime membership.
- Rocket Money's service, while useful, may not be necessary for individuals who are already diligent about managing their subscriptions or prefer manual oversight of their finances.
- Macy's promotion of gift-finding services assumes that holiday shopping is stressful for everyone, which may not be the case for some individuals who enjoy the process.
- Expressing regret for not discussing a topic in an episode could be seen as a missed opportunity that might disappoint listeners who were interested in that particular discussion.
- Describing "SmartLess" as a natural and handcrafted podcast could be interpreted as a marketing tactic, which might not resonate with all listeners who are aware of the commercial aspects of ...
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