Three of the funniest forces in filmmaking come together to crack the code of contemporary screen comedy.

Judd Apatow:
Writer-director-producer of Knocked Up (2007) and The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005) as well as producer of Superbad (2007) and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006).

James L. Brooks:
Oscar®-winning writer-director-producer of Terms of Endearment (1983), who was also nominated for writing and producing As Good As It Gets (1997) and Broadcast News (1987). Brooks most recently shared writing and producing credits on The Simpsons Movie (2007).

Larry Gelbart:
Oscar-nominated writer of Tootsie (1982) and Oh, God! (1977). Gelbart also created the landmark TV comedy series “M*A*S*H,” for which he wrote, directed and/or produced more than 50 episodes.

In a candid roundtable discussion about influences, styles and other comedic niceties, the three masters offer up their collective insight into what makes “funny business” work on screen. (Laughs encouraged, but not necessarily included.)

The Jack Oakie Celebration of Comedy in Film provides an opportunity for established filmmakers and historians to share their experiences and to discuss the specific challenges and delights of the comedy film genre. The celebration is named in memory of character actor Jack Oakie, whose career included vaudeville, Broadway musicals and 87 pictures, most of them comedies or musical comedies. He appeared in such notable films as Once in a Lifetime, Million Dollar Legs and It Happened Tomorrow, and received an Academy Award® nomination for his indelible portrayal of a Mussolini-like head of state in The Great Dictator.