Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:49 — 70.9MB)
Subscribe: RSS
The world’s a little crazy at the moment – so we thought this would be a good time to bring you a truly inspirational tale. Emmy winner Steve Mazan, subject of our theatrically released feature documentary Dying to do Letterman, is here today to make you laugh, appreciate life, and believe in the impossible. See, doctors told Steve he might only have five years to live. A stand-up comedian, Steve decided to dedicate whatever was left of his life to living his dream: performing on David Letterman’s show. (Spoiler alert: it’s now fifteen years since his diagnosis, he’s surviving the heck out of cancer, and doctors feel he’s beat it completely.)
We documented Steve’s incredible journey over many years. What was it like for Steve to open up to cameras at his most vulnerable? Why did he want to? And how did we, as friends, handle the pressure of making the film? What are the real costs and rewards of producing personal projects in Hollywood? After a theatrical release and being named New and Noteworthy on iTunes, how much money did we all make? What should you think about if you’re going to make your own personal project? Today we discuss all that and more. Buckle in and get ready to laugh a lot, cry a little, and celebrate the human spirit.
If You Haven’t Seen Dying to do Letterman…
We give away a lot in today’s episode, but not so much that all the surprises of Dying to do Letterman are revealed. That said, if you’d like to see the film first (or after listening) it’s available on Amazon as well as iTunes. Here’s the trailer:
Steve Mazan: Incredible Person, Unbelievable Journey
As we discuss today, we first met Steve Mazan when we were just starting out – still working out of a one-bedroom apartment in Hollywood, and cutting actors’ demo reels for a living. Steve was a stand-up comic who needed a new reel, and he hired us to do it. After that, we became friends.
A few years later, he received the astounding news: doctors told Steve he had twelve inoperable tumors around his liver, and that he might only have five years to live, or best case scenario, ten years.
That was fifteen years ago.
A Ticking Clock?
At the time, Steve had no idea he would be a “miracle” case. He felt precious moments were ticking away. There was one dream he’d chased his whole life: performing stand-up comedy on The Late Show with David Letterman. So the amazing Steve dedicated whatever was left of his life to chasing his dream.
And he asked us to make a documentary about it.
Producing Personal Projects: Costs and Rewards
We’re not gonna lie: taking on this project scared the heck out of us. How could we make a documentary about our sick friend and still keep it real and honest, without our feelings affecting the film? Was it even possible? And was it necessary? Plus, we were good friends with Steve. If there’s one thing many of us have learned the hard way, it can be a very bad idea to team up with friends on any kind of business endeavor. Especially one as intense and taxing as making a documentary.
Defining Success When Producing Personal Projects
When you take on personal project, you simply can’t do it for the money. As you’ll hear in today’s episode, Dying to Do Letterman did well:
- Had a very successful Kickstarter campaign covered by IndieWire
- Played in numerous festivals and won a handful of awards
- Received a theatrical release through DocuWeeks
- Was picked up for distribution by Oscilloscope
Some pretty influential folks had nice things to say:
“Dying To Do Letterman” is the best movie I’ve seen in 10yrs. If u love comedy SEE this movie! @D2DLTheMovie http://t.co/HOZOZExA
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) January 8, 2012
Stand up comics and those who love them. I submit … –> "Dying To Do Letterman" http://yfrog.com/hs7f6ctj
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) February 12, 2011
.@Steve_Mazan Just saw the amazing & inspiring "Dying To Do Letterman." Much love to you & Denise! "Learn you don't have to chase it alone."
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) September 7, 2015
With all the above success, what was the final outcome? Did all of this lead to a profitable indie film? Did we make any money back? Was it all worth it? Would Steve do it again? Would we? And perhaps most important, how should you decide whether or not producing personal projects is right for you? Should you take the leap?
We tell you the one way to know for sure.
So take a few minutes to listen to Steve’s inspirational journey, learn the pros and cons of making personal projects, and find out how to make the final decision about your own personal projects. Hey, it’s time for some good news, right? Share in Steve’s right now. Press that giant “Play” button at the top of this page!
Helpful and Related Links
Don’t miss Steve’s own podcast, Mazan Movie Club.
Check out Steve on Instagram
Find us on Instagram too!
How to make sure you stand out when you get into a film festival
Our tips for your own Kickstarter project based on what we learned and how we reached our goal.
Let’s Make Some TV Together
Are you an indie producer or filmmaker looking to pitch to our company, Joke Productions? Here’s what you need to do next: