Seminar: The Jerk

Let's Get Small: The Evolution of Steve Martin from Stand-Up to Screen

Before he became one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Steve Martin spent the 1970s reinventing stand-up comedy. 

This talk explores how the comedian transformed his experimental comedy into a feature film. It also traces the surprising evolution of his screen persona from the genius fool of his stand-up years to the emotionally guarded characters of Roxanne, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Only Murders in the Building, positioning The Jerk as the pivotal link between two of the most influential chapters of his re

About Andy Miara: 

Andy Miara is a comedy writer, director, producer, and teacher. He began his career as a director at The Second City comedy theater in Chicago and went on to serve as a Head Writer at The Onion. His television credits include creating and writing for shows on Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Comedy Central, TBS, Netflix, and more. He is currently developing a new adult animated comedy series for Fox Animation. In addition to his work in television, Miara is an Assistant Professor of Screenwriting at Emerson College in Boston. He holds a BA in Film Studies from Columbia University and an MFA in Screenwriting & Playwriting from Northwestern University.