No. At one point I thought I had some musical ability, but after working with a talented composer, I realized that I didn't. I do some sketching — cartoons and comic books, just for myself.

Yet in this movie, you wrote the screenplay, directed it, and acted. That's a wide range of creative ability right there.

I'm comfortable doing all three at once. They're like three pieces of a puzzle that go together. I've produced and edited short films, too.

What other jobs have you held?

I've been fired from every job I've ever had. I'm a terrible employee. I once played a super science hero mascot, which gave me some background for the Kabluey character.

What surprised you during the making of the film? What could you not have predicted?

Lisa Kudrow's interpretation and portrayal of the main character was brilliant, but what surprised me was how much she seemed to hate her brother-in-law (me). I didn't see it played that way when I was writing it. That was all her. Also, the dramatic scene towards the end where she cries and every emotion is supposed to play across her face... that was asking a lot, but she just nailed it, which I think maybe surprised her a little too.

In addition to Kudrow, you had a lot of well known actors cast in the film.

Yes, I feel like I got historically lottery-sized lucky. It was like suddenly my life was turning on a dime. I could feel it happening.

What advice to you have for other aspiring filmmakers?

Don't spend more than $500 on your first short films. The more you do yourself, the more you'll learn. Do it all yourself. Teach yourself to trust your instincts. Write five feature-length films. The first four will suck, and the fifth one will work.

What's next on the horizon?

Kabluey was loosely based on my sister-in-law, and the next movie is about my mother.

Thank you for taking the time out, especially while you were sick, for this interview. I very much enjoyed our conversation.