In Filmmaking, What a Difference a Friend Makes

Ken Marino, from left, Josh Hamilton, Ron Eldard and Paul Rudd star in "Diggers." Marino, who wrote the movie, about clam diggers, and buddy Rudd filmed another project together and are talking about forming a production company. (Magnolia Pictures)

Great, so, we're on the line with that smiley guy Paul Rudd and Ken Marino, his co-star in the new '70s-era indie flick "Diggers."

Thanks for taking the time, guys. Okay with you if this is recorded?

Rudd: "Sure. Absolutely."

Marino: "Okay with you if I take my pants off?"

Of course. Just do us a favor and make sure we know which of you is speaking, okay? It can be hard to tell over the phone.

Marino: "I'll do the entire interview in an English accent, just so you know."

Rudd: "Awww, I was gonna do a bad cockney accent."

Marino: "You do a highbrow English accent, and I'll do cockney."

Rudd: "All right. Care for a spot of tea?"

Marino: "Nowwww thanks. Got a tummy ache."

Yeah, okay. We're on minute 2, and that list of earnest interview questions has already hit the trash can. Clearly it's playtime for Rudd and his buddy, which is what it is as often as possible these days.

"One thing that has happened for me in the last few years is working with people more than once and developing friendships," says Rudd, who first entered public consciousness with roles in romantic comedies such as "Clueless" (1995) and "The Object of My Affection" (1998). He has recently turned up in a string of flicks that have just a little less romance and a lot more slapstick: 2005's "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," for example, and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," released the previous year.