Film Lens
Saturday Night is a documentary directed by James Franco that examines the production of the NBC late-night sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. The film was shot over six days from December 1 to 6, 2008, focusing on the rigorous schedule of the show's writers and cast. It begins with the Monday morning pitch meeting where writers submit jokes, leading to an intense week of writing, rehearsals, and the live broadcast of only nine out of fifty submitted sketches.
The documentary originated as a school assignment for Franco at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. After gaining approval from key figures like Lorne Michaels and John Malkovich, Franco expanded the project into a feature-length film. Despite facing legal challenges that delayed its release, the film premiered at the 2010 South by Southwest Film Festival and was eventually made available on Hulu in 2014, coinciding with the fortieth anniversary of SNL.
Why Watch
- •See John Malkovich pitch jokes for SNL
- •Follow writers pulling all-nighters for sketches
- •Meet the cast during intense rehearsals
Did You Know
•The film was shot over six days from December 1–6, 2008.
•Only nine out of fifty sketches submitted were broadcast.
•The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival on March 14, 2010.
•Franco needed approval from Lorne Michaels and John Malkovich to proceed.
Perfect For
Saturday Night Live fansComedy enthusiastsFilm students