ADMISSION:
Admission is free. Reservations required. RSVP beginning Friday, October 7, at 9 a.m. at cinema.usc.edu/comedyfestival/.

DESCRIPTION:
In the fall of 2016, comedy is more important than ever! On the eve of an historic election, we Americans find ourselves navigating shifting boundaries of racial, religious, economic, and sexual divisions and comedy creators are advancing the discourse around these issues. Change is in the air, and to that end we are calling the third edition of our highly successful USC Comedy Festival, “The Changing Face of Comedy.” Over the course of three days, screenings of key works and panels featuring guests such as Paul Feig, Norman Lear, Issa Rae, Maria Bamford, and Jay Roach will address the way comedy illuminates cultural change, inclusivity, and diversity, yet still keeps us laughing!

Schedule of Events:

Friday, October 28

4 p.m.: Jack Oakie Comedy Student Short Film Festival
The Albert and Dana Broccoli Theatre, SCA 112
Comedian Pauly Shore emcees a screening of original comedy short films created by SCA students. Be part of the jury and help award the People’s Choice “It’s All in Fun” Award. 

8 p.m.: The Jack Oakie & Victoria Horne Oakie Masters of Comedy Lecture Series: Paul Feig in Conversation with Barnet Kellman
Frank Sinatra Hall at Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre Complex
Join SCA Alumnus Paul Feig for a celebration of his work in comedy, from creating the groundbreaking NBC series Freaks and Geeks to directing blockbuster comedies like Bridesmaids, The Heat, Spy, and Ghostbusters.

Saturday, October 29

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Women in Comedy—Stars of Their Own Story
The Ray Stark Family Theatre, SCA 108
There’s no question—in 2016, women are driving the comedy agenda. Our panel features funny ladies who are telling their own stories and claiming center stage: Maria Bamford, Nicole Byer, Cameron Esposito, and Suzanne Todd. The conversation will be moderated by Joanna Cherenksy, USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA Writing alum. Co-hosted by the USC Women of Cinematic Arts Network.

1:30 to 3 p.m.: Get on Board—New Platforms for Comedy
The Ray Stark Family Theatre, SCA 108
Online streaming, social media, and viral videos are changing the landscape of how we experience comedy. Leaders and disruptors discuss strategies for distributing comedy to a global audience. Panelists include Sara Benincasa, Ned Fulmer, Lindsay Kerns, Joe Lewis, Meena Ramamurthy, and Scott Zabielski. The conversation will be moderated by Dave Goetsch.

4 to 5:30 p.m.: The Changing Face of Politics—It's All Comedy
Frank Sinatra Hall at Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre Complex
TV comedy delivers serious political discussion while presidential debates turn laughable. What's going on? Has the world gone crazy or was it ever thus? Panelists include Diane English, Zach Galifianakis, Norman Lear, and Frank Rich. The conversation will be moderated by Jay Roach.

7 to 9:30 p.m.: Spotlight on HBO's Insecure
Frank Sinatra Hall at Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre Complex
Join the cast and crew of HBO’s newest comedy series about the awkward experiences and racy tribulations of a modern-day Black woman. Panelists include Jay Ellis, Yvonne Orji, Prentice Penny, and Issa Rae. The conversation will be moderated by Desa Philadelphia.

Sunday, October 30

2 to 3:30 p.m.: The United Colors of Comedy
The Ray Stark Family Theatre, SCA 108
When it comes to diversity, tolerance, and inclusion, nothing leads like humor. Award-winning writers, producers, and performers discuss the rapidly changing face and voice of comedy. Panelists include Adam de la Pena, Ali Liebegott, Max Mutchnick, Tracy Oliver, and Ravi Patel. The conversation will be moderated by John Horn.

4:30 to 6 p.m.: Judd Apatow Live! How to Earn Thousands Making Comedy
Frank Sinatra Hall at Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre Complex
Judd Apatow is one of the most important comic minds of his generation. He wrote and directed the films The 40-Year-Old Virgin (co-written with Steve Carell), Knocked Up, Funny People, and This is 40. He also directed last summer’s Trainwreck. His producing credits include Superbad, Bridesmaids, and Anchorman. Apatow is the executive producer of HBO’s Girls and the co-creator of Love on Netflix. He was also the executive producer of Freaks and Geeks. Most recently, he produced the films Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, and is currently producing the HBO series Crashing starring Pete Holmes. After a 20 year hiatus, Apatow recently returned to the stand up stage, performing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and at Carnegie Hall.

7 to 9 p.m.: Spotlight on TBS's Search Party
The Ray Stark Family Theatre, SCA 108
Search Party is a dark comedy about five self-absorbed 20-somethings who become entangled in an ominous mystery when a former college acquaintance suddenly disappears. Join cast & crew for an exclusive look at the show and Q&A. Panelists include Sarah-Violet Bliss, Meredith Hagner, Charles Rogers, and Michael Showalter. The conversation will be moderated by Alessandro Ago.

Organized by USC Comedy at the School of Cinematic Arts.