McKean, Balaban lampoon LA in IFC show

NEW YORK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Actor and scribe Michael McKean says people obsess over celebrity gossip because they love to loathe the rich and famous.

"Part of it is what it's always been -- the vicarious thrill of seeing people who are much richer and more famous live lives that are wonderful, even if they are complete fakes," McKean told reporters last week. "I think people simultaneously worship and despise celebrities."

The "This is Spinal Tap" star/writer recently collaborated with "Gosford Park" actor/producer Bob Balaban on "Hopeless Pictures," a new animated show that lampoons Hollywood life and airs Fridays on the Independent Film Channel.

The two men lend their voices to characters on the show, while Balaban also serves as producer, writer and director.

Describing "Hopeless" as a workplace comedy in the vain of "The Office," Balaban added: "It's fun to find out that the person who has 80 million more dollars than you have and is more beautiful than you can ever possibly be, is actually crying at home because their boyfriend said they didn't want to have a baby. So, they just became a real person right now."