Biography
A film and television producer, Kent Alterman is likely most famous for having directed the Will Ferrell vehicle "Semi-Pro." Formerly the head of Comedy Central's New York development office, Alterman produced a number of alternative comedy series for the channel, including "Viva Variety" in 1997. Created by and starring members of The State comedy troupe Thomas Lennon, Michael Ian Black, and Kerri Kenney-Silver, "Viva Variety" satirized the variety show format with sketches and game show segments. Alterman also served as executive producer for "Upright Citizens Brigade," a sketch comedy show from the improv group of the same name. The UCB's Comedy Central series starred Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh and featured scripted sketches as well as hidden-camera pranks. In 2000, Alterman executive produced "Strangers with Candy," starring Amy Sedaris and Stephen Colbert. The show became a cult hit and inspired a feature film. Following his tenure at Comedy Central, Alterman had a series of high profile film hits with comedies like "Elf" (starring Will Ferrell) and "Mr. Woodcock," as well dramatic films such as David Cronenberg's acclaimed "A History of Violence" in 2005 and "Little Children," starring Kate Winslet and Jennifer Connelly, in 2006. Alterman again collaborated with Will Ferrell in 2008's "Semi-Pro," his directorial debut, which he also executive produced. Following a rag-tag basketball team attempting to win the right to join the NBA, the film also starred Woody Harrelson and André 3000 of OutKast.
