Larry Getlen

New York, NY USA
Website: http://larrygetlen.com
Contact

Professional Experience

Named one of the top "Successful Freelancers" by the prestigious Writer's Market, I'm a veteran pop culture journalist, humorist, critic, essayist, editor and author. I've flown to Louisiana to examine the effect of Britney Spears' decline on her hometown and to Washington, D.C. to profile members of the president's cabinet; uncovered the insidiousness of joke stealing in stand-up comedy, and went to Las Vegas for an in-depth look at the lives of strip club DJs. I've profiled thousands of musicians, comedians, actors, and executives about both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry, and also interviewed generals, governors, and the Attorney General of the United States. Versatile, dependable, and deadline-oriented, I've written five books for major publishers including four biographies; currently serve as editor of a large circulation New York City magazine; and have appeared on national TV both here and abroad to provide expert commentary on pop culture.

Expertise

Book Author
8 Years
Editor
5 Years
Writer
20 Years

Specialty

Entertainment
20 Years
Humor
10 Years
Lifestyle
10 Years

Industries


Broadcasting - Ent - TV (National)
5 Years
Magazine - Large Consumer/National magazines
20 Years
Newspaper - Local/Regional
15 Years

Total Media Industry Experience

22 Years

Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

Bankrate.com (10+), City Scoops Magazine (10+), New York Post (10+), Dramabiz Magazine (6-10), University of Denver Magazine (3-5), Penthouse Magazine (3-5), Radar Magazine (3-5)

Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

Ideeli (6-10), Soundbite Inst. (speechwriting for media execs) (6-10)

Other Work History

Currently write approx. 3 stories per week (150 per year) for NY Post, and also serve as Editor-in-Chief of City Scoops Magazine, a 600,000 circulation lifestyle magazine in NYC. Have also written for Esquire, Radar, Maxim, Writer's Digest, Variety, Nerve, and many more, and will be serving as a Senior Editor at MediaElites.com, a brand new news and culture web site founded by an editor from Radar Magazine.

Technical Skills

Designed web site on WordPress

Unions

AFTRA

Computer Skills

Mac OS10

Equipment

MacBook, iPhone, Nikon D60 DSLR, digital audio recorder

References

2 Editors at Penguin Publishing 5 Editors at the New York Post Editor from Radar Magazine Many more Specific references available on request

Awards

1. Named one of the top "Successful Freelancers" by the prestigious "Writer's Market," which is released every year by the publisher of Writer's Digest. 2. Council for Advancement and Support of Education: Gold (1st Place) Excellence in Writing-Profile/Personality Article Duane Michals Illuminated, (University of Denver Magazine, spring 2003) (Then repeated the award two years later.) 3. FINALIST (screenwriter/director) - Entertainment Industry Incubator's Collaboration Contest - "Going For The Old"

Associations

New York Press Club, MediaBistro AvantGuild

Showcase

Features

Britney Spears - Paradise Lost
(Radar Magazine 7/1/2007)
In early 2007, Radar Magazine flew me to Britney Spears’ hometown of Kentwood, LA, to learn what effect Britney’s then-downfall had on the town, including on its morale and its economy. What I found was an oft-disillusioned populace, in more ways than one.
Forensic DNA: The Telltale Art
(Wesleyan Magazine 4/1/2006)
A look at the then-burgeoning influence of DNA databases, and its implication for the world of criminal justice.
Punk Shock: The Clash's London Calling, 30 Years Later
(New York Post 1/3/2010)
A look at the making of The Clash's landmark "London Calling," on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its U.S. release.
The Champions of Consumption
(The Black Table 5/18/2005)
An in-depth (8,000 word) feature on competitive eating, including the training and preparation involved, and what drives professional eaters to do what they do.
The Naked Quest for Fame
(City Scoops Magazine 7/8/2009)
An in-depth feature on the lengths people will go to achieve fame in our society, including an interview with Dr. Drew, and a look at a man who truly went all out for fame - The Naked Cowboy.

Essays/Opinion Pieces

Complaints, Grievances, and a Lifetime of Wisdom: The Miraculous Mind of George Carlin
(Larry Getlen's Random Thoughts 11/24/2009)
An essay paying tribute to George Carlin, on the occasion of the release of his posthumous memoir.
Kimmel, Conan, and the Truth About Leno-Hate
(Mediaite.com 1/15/2010)
An essay on the flurry of hatred directed toward Jay Leno in the wake of the Tonight Show debacle.
What 'The Wire' Can Teach Us About Conan & Jay
(The Wrap 1/20/2010)
Another alternate take on the Conan/Jay fiasco.

Snark/Humor

Who's Afraid of Vincent Vega: The Problem with John Travolta
(New York Post 1/31/2010)
A humorous and snarky look at how at this stage of his career, John Travolta has come down with Pacino's disease - the tendency of actors, somewhere in their 50s, to make their performances so large that they threaten to devour all that stands in their path.
The "Showgirls" Must Go On: 15 Years Later, Lessons From The Worst Movie Ever Made
(The New York Post 6/13/2010)
A humorous look at the 15th anniversary of the film Showgirls.

Interviews/Profiles

"Lonely" at the Top: An interview with SNL's Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island
(New York Post 2/15/2009)
An interview with Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg, and his partner in The Lonely Island.
Our Possible Future Mayor: An Interview with Rep. Anthony Weiner
(City Scoops Magazine 4/28/2009)
An interview with Rep. Anthony Weiner, back when it looked like he still might be running for mayor.
What I've Learned: George Carlin
(Esquire Magazine 6/1/2001)
For Esquire's in-depth and revealing monthly interview feature, I got to speak to legendary comedian George Carlin for five hours over three separate interviews. So many people have asked me about his language, and while it was no surprise to me that he was one of the most intelligent and thoughtful interview subjects I’ve ever had, it did surprise even me when over the course of five hours, he only cursed once.
Liev-ing It Up: An Interview with Liev Schreiber
(New York Post 12/28/2009)
A profile of actor Liev Schreiber.
Our Man in Iraq: A Profile of General George Casey
(University of Denver Magazine 4/1/2005)
A 2005 profile of General George Casey, then commander of the multi-national forces in Iraq.

Book Reviews

American on Purpose: My review of Craig Ferguson's memoir
(New York Post 9/27/2009)
My review of the excellent memoir by Late Night host Craig Ferguson.
You Are Not A Gadget: A Review
(New York Post 1/10/2010)
My review of the book You Are Not A Gadget: A Manifesto, by tech pioneer Jaron Lanier.