| Dying to Do Letterman | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Joke Fincioen Biagio Messina |
| Written by | Steve Mazan |
| Produced by | Joke Fincioen Biagio Messina |
| Narrated by | Steve Mazan |
| Cinematography | Adam Sampson |
| Edited by | Joke Fincioen Biagio Messina |
| Music by | Dave Pelman |
Production company | Joke Productions |
| Distributed by | Oscilloscope Laboratories |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 75 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Dying to do Letterman is a 2011 documentary film, directed by Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina, and produced under their Joke Productions banner. The documentary follows the journey of Steve Mazan, a stand up comedian with the lifelong dream of performing a comedy routine on the Late Show with David Letterman.
However, Mazan's quest takes a turn when he is diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer, and informed he may only have five years to live.[1]
The film follows his decision to spend what time he has left chasing his dream to perform on Letterman's stage. Dying to Do Letterman also looks at the historic impact David Letterman had on the comedy world. Notable appearances in the documentary include Ray Romano, Kevin Nealon, Jim Gaffigan, Brian Regan, Arj Barker, Will Durst and Robert Schimmel.
Mazan acted as narrator for the film, speaking directly into camera from behind a large microphone on an empty comedy stage.
The film won numerous audience and grand jury awards on the film festival circuit, and was invited by the International Documentary Association to qualify for Academy Award consideration through the 2011 DocuWeeks program.[2][3]
The film's Kickstarter for an Oscar crowdfunding campaign also received press attention, as reported by Indiewire, who noted the Kickstarter project for Dying to Do Letterman raised $20,000 in just two days.[4]
After a theatrical release through the 2011 DocuWeeks program, Dying to Do Letterman was acquired for distribution by Oscilloscope Laboratories.[5]
Of the film's premise, The Chicago Daily Herald said, "There's nothing like a little incurable cancer to kick-start someone's attempt to fulfill a lifelong dream."[6]
- ^ Cappon, Colleen (June 27, 2011). "Comedian's Cancer Fuels Dream to Be on 'Letterman'". Fox News. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ "Meet the DocuWeeks Filmmakers: Joke Fincioen and Biagio Messina--'Dying to do Letterman'". Documentary Magazine. No. August, 2011. International Documentary Association. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
- ^ Pond, Steve (July 19, 2011). "Letterman Doc Funds Oscar-Qualifying Run Through Web Plea". TheWrap. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ^ "The 21 Secrets to the Success of the Kickstarter Oscar Campaign". Indiewire. July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
- ^ Pomorski, Chris (November 13, 2012). "Oscilloscope Acquires 'Dying To Do Letterman'". Indiewire.
- ^ Griffin, Jake (June 16, 2011). "Sick comedian's goal: Do Letterman show or die trying". Chicago Daily Herald. Retrieved January 15, 2016.