13 Student Films and Other Early Works of Comedy Legends

A short film is the perfect way to showcase your work without breaking the bank, and since new film festivals and competitions seem to pop up daily, there are countless ways to get the right pair of eyes on it. That’s what these comedy filmmakers figured out at an early age. They thought, “Hmm, it seems as though Hollywood bigwigs aren’t going to entrust me with millions of their dollars to direct a full length movie,” so they got proactive and just made a little somethin’ somethin’ themselves.
Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.
Comedy’s top filmmakers had to start somewhere, and their early works show glimpses of what would become their trademark styles. The shorts shot on film deserve an extra shout out, because the time and money that had to be invested in those bad boys was no joke. So you kids with your iPhones and your $30 LED lights better be grateful for the speed at which you can bang out a short. The larger productions of these student films, shorts, and early works may not have paid off in the moment, but they definitely got the ball rolling for these 13 now-legends of comedy filmmaking.
His early short shows glimpses of that Hot Fuzz style.

Judd Apatow has always attracted an amazing cast.

This short got SNL’s attention.

Mitch Hedberg

Remember when he pretended to sleep at the Oscars? It was for this short!

Before The Puffy Chair, there was This is John.

Adam McKay

Making musical comedies since way back in the day.

This relatively unknown comedy got the ball rolling for Broken Lizard.


Channel 101: Dan Harmon’s Short Film Festival That Defined A Decade Of Comedy / Youtube
Mike Judge

Do yourself a favor and DON’T google GG Allin.

An inspiring filmmaker’s tale of an inspiring filmmaker.
