Brenner explains more in today's Q&A:

Give us a quick synopsis of this film. What will it be like and when will it nab its first Oscar?
Well, it’s a comic-drama, a theatrical film based on the life of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman, the looniest of a group of infamous loonies. Among other things, we’re going to recreate Graham’s years at Cambridge University, the Monty Python years, his struggles with alcohol, his ground-breaking stance on homosexuality, and his exploits with John Cleese, Mike Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, Marty Feldman, Peter Cook and others.

We optioned rights to the story from the Graham Chapman Archives (Graham died in 1989), and were granted access to a lot of stuff the public has never seen before. Expect a little spice, a little chutzpah, a little R-rated naughtiness.

It will nab its first Oscar on March 6th, 2005 at 8:46 p.m.

Your press release says you're looking to cast performers who embody "Pythonic brilliance and lunacy." How can such brilliant lunatics line up an audition?
There will be extra lobster bibs on hand.

I'll always remember Monty Python's Meaning of Life as the first time I saw naked breasts on a movie screen. That and the huge vomit scene. What are your favorite memories of the comedy troupe?
”The Black Knight always triumphs!” from Holy Grail. I wish I had a less widely known scene for you, but that one in particular stands out. I still remember the first time I saw it. I was 12 years old at David Barron’s house in Pelham, N.Y. I just laughed and laughed like an idiot, and spent the rest of the day repeating lines. “Let’s call it a draw.” “I’ll bite your legs off!”

Having worked in the film industry for almost 10 years now, I’ve started seeing similarities between me and the ill-fated Black Knight. What I mean is, when you’re producing a feature film, you have to put yourself in a mindset of complete invincibility. People will steal your ideas, wedge you out of the picture, screw you over any way they can. But the producer’s job is to keep getting back on his feet, no matter how badly he’s been knocked down. Financing just fell through? “The Black Knight always gets financing!” An actor passed? “The Black Knight needs no actors!”

What are some of the pains and pleasures of working on such a project as "Gin and Tonic?"
With G&T, we’re dramatizing the life of a real person, with real dreams, real feelings, real fears. This isn’t a fictional character, but a man with friends, family and a legacy that shouldn’t be manipulated or exploited. That’s why I researched Graham and his life for four months before even starting to write the screenplay. That was a bit of a pain.

On the flip side, I’ve loved every minute of it. I feel like I won the filmmaking lottery. When I can spend an entire day watching old episodes of Flying Circus and call it work, I must be doing something right.

Have you considered changing the title to Gin and Juice?
There’s already a film called Gin and Juice. It stars Lynn Redgrave as an aspiring rapper on the mean streets of Detroit. (Soundtrack available through Warner Music Group.)

Seriously, man, what's it like to jet-set from Hollywood premiers to awards shows and lunching at Spago with Spielberg before meeting Scorcese for dinner at Morton's?
It’s fantastic, until I wake up.

As director of the romantic comedy Rent Control, you got to work with Carmen Electra. Did Dennis Rodman ever drop by the set and kick your cameraman in the balls?
Alas, no. When I worked with Carmen, she’d already divorced the big man and taken up with Dave Navarro. There were some funny moments, though. For instance, I was directing Carmen and actor Ryan Browning in a sex scene (I recommend it if you ever get the chance). The scene got a little rough, as Ryan and Carmen flung each other from one end of the sofa to the other, feverishly pulling off each other’s clothes. After I yelled "Cut!" I asked Ryan to take it easy. I didn’t want Carmen getting hurt. Carmen replied, “I was married to Dennis Rodman, honey. He ain’t gonna hurt me.”

Is your aunt still pissed at me for streaking in front of your uncle's band while it played "I Party Naked" at that Fourth of July party?
You realize John C. still has the video. We’ve got a perfect shot of you running off into the woods, buck naked, with three large truck drivers chasing after you. PK.com fans deserve to see that up on the site. (Ed. Note: That video will never be made public. And, for the record, I managed to get some pants on and dust those slobs once I hit the open field. Carl Lewis couldn't have caught me on that night.)

Will we ever see a documentary on your stickball days, when you were known as "Wild & Mild," and we wouldn't let you pitch unless it was to close out a double-digit lead?
That’s not how I remember it at all. I was a relief specialist, known for my Charlie Hough-style knuckle-curve. Of course, it didn’t exactly curve so much as drop due to lack of velocity. “The Black Knight always gets the save!”

Alvaro Espinoza. Still a big fan of his?
It’s the crappy players that need the most love.

Finally, tell us everything else you want actors and film-goers to know about Gin and Tonic. And since most of my audience lives outside of L.A, could you also try to blend in a shred of truth? Thanks.
First, please check out our website, ginandtonicmovie.com, for full details about the upcoming auditions. Filming will commence later this year, and Gin and Tonic should be gracing theaters near you in 2005.

Before we can commence filming, however, we first need to find six perfect actors who can portray the young members of Monty Python. So if you think you have what it takes, come on out to Hollywood and take part in the open casting call.

Good luck, and I guess that’s it. Thanks, Paul.

Paul's Recap:

Thanks to my buddy Dave for taking us inside the life of a Hollywood writer-director-producer who, in his teen years, fashioned one of the most hittable "fastballs" I've ever seen on a stickball court. When we didn't knock them out of the park, we used to compliment him on his change-up and ask when the heat was coming.

Dave's other claim to fame is clinching our 1996 Rotisserie baseball title, edging me out despite the fact that I drafted Brady Anderson, knowing full well he would hit 50 home runs as the Orioles' lead-off hitter.

Follow-up questions for Dave about Gin and Tonic can be sent via e-mail to HippoFilms@aol.com or by filling out a contact form.