What’s It Like to Direct and Star in the Sequel to the Stoner Cult Classic Film HALF BAKED?!

Join us on 4/20 as we celebrate all things 4/20 with Michael Tildes and Dexter Darden, the director and star of the comedy HALF BAKED 2: TOTALLY HIGH from Universal Pictures. In this FREE webinar, we’ll explore how a director works with a writer to develop material; what an actor looks for in a script; the challenges of honoring the original material while expanding the brand; what makes a great stoner comedy and more.

We guarantee this will be like no webinar you’ve ever been a part of. 

Date: Saturday, April 20 

Time: 10am PST

Location: Online Webinar – Zoom

More Info: Half Baked 2 – IMBD

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Michael Tildes – Director
Biography

Michael Tiddes stands out in the film industry as an accomplished filmmaker, renowned for his innovative and versatile contributions across directing, screenwriting, editing, and producing. With a keen eye for both comedy and action, Michael’s creative vision consistently breaks new ground in storytelling, seamlessly blending humor with dynamic narrative elements. His dedication to fostering progressive and inclusive environments both onscreen and within his production teams underscores his commitment to enriching the film landscape with diverse voices and perspectives. Anticipation is high for Michael’s forthcoming directorial venture, Half Baked: Totally High, a sequel to the revered comedy Half Baked. Scheduled for release on April 16, 2024, this film enlists a dynamic cast, including Dexter Darden, Moses Storm, Ramona Young, Joel Courtney, and Frankie Muniz, with Rachel True and Harland Williams reprising their original roles. The plot follows the hilarious escapades of Sir Smoka Lot’s son, JR, and his friends, as they embark on a comedic quest underlined by Tiddes’ signature blend of laughter and action.

Following the global success of Sextuplets, a Netflix hit that showcased Michael’s adeptness at comedy and visual efffects, Half Baked: Totally High is set to further cement his status as a master of high-concept comedic storytelling. In Sextuplets, Michael masterfully transformed Marlon Wayans into seven unique characters, demonstrating unparalleled ingenuity in visual and makeup effects. This project built on the momentum of Naked, a Netflix romantic action comedy that combined wit, romance, and suspense in equal measure, captivating audiences worldwide. Michael’s impressive directorial portfolio also boasts the theatrically distributed films Fifty Shades of Black and A Haunted House 1 & 2, produced for Open Road Films. His debut feature, A Haunted House, not only achieved box office success, grossing over $70 million worldwide on a modest budget of $1.5 million, but also highlighted his exceptional talent for crafting commercially successful and critically acclaimed comedic films.

In addition to his cinematic achievements, Michael has significantly influenced television and digital media. Most recently, he directed the inaugural season of Laugh It Forward for Wonderland Sound and Vision, as well as episodes of The Burn with Jeff Ross, and the Fox sketch comedy series “In The Flow With Affion Crockett.” His digital shorts and commercials have amassed over 500 million views, attesting to his viral appeal and widespread popularity.  Michael Tiddes’ career exemplifies a continuous quest for innovation, underpinned by a profound dedication to diversity and storytelling authenticity. As he forges ahead, exploring new narratives and cinematic challenges, his contributions remain integral to the evolving dialogue of film as a medium for reflection, connection, and entertainment.

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Dexter Darden
Biography

Dexter Darden is quickly becoming one of the most sought out actors in Hollywood. He’ll next be seen as the lead in UNIVERSAL’s highly anticipated comedy “HALF BAKED: TOTALLY HIGH” the sequel to the 1998 cult comedy releasing on April 16th. The film follows JR (Darden), the son of Dave Chapelle’s character, and his friends as they search for money to bury one of his best friends who died from smoking the most powerful joint in the world.

It was recently announced that Darden will take on the role of Muhammed Ali in Peacock’s upcoming series “Fight Night.” He joins an ensemble that also includes Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Taraji P Henson, Samuel L. Jackson and Terrence Howard. Created and written by Shaye Ogbonna based on the same-name podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Doghouse Pictures and Will Packer Media, “Fight Night” tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery during the night of Ali’s historic 1970 comeback fight changed not only one man’s life, but an entire city’s destiny.

Darden was recently seen as the lead in Lena Waithe’s DISNEY+ sports drama CHANG CAN DUNK. Dexter starred as DeAndre, a former pro basketball player and two-time Estonia League MVP. DeAndre is a millennial hustler trying to grow his social media following and agrees to coach Chang who is desperate to learn to dunk.

Past film credits include Hulu’s holiday comedy and hit film THE BINGE + THE BINGE 2: IT’S A WONDERFUL BINGE opposite Vince Vaughn. In addition, Darden is known for his role of “Frypan” in THE MAZE RUNNER franchise films.

Darden is known for his leading role in the Peacock/NBC hit series reboot of “Saved By the Bell”. Dexter plays fan favorite “Devante Young”, a mysterious loner who comes to Bayside with a bad reputation but secretly dreams of reinventing himself at his new school. He starred opposite original “Saved by the Bell” alumnae including Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkely.