The Second City - A Documentary, 34min., USA
Directed by Samson Ziegelman
My goal with this documentary is to share the magic of The Second City and the art of improvisation with actor and writer Bob Odenkirk and Second City Vice President Kelly Leonard. We discuss their Second City experiences, the stars they have worked with, how improv shaped their careers, and advice for the younger generation.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I spent four summers at The Second City, learning and performing improv, and it left an indelible impression on me. With this documentary, I wanted to give back to The Second City and hopefully inspire people interested in comedy to give improv a try.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The entire process, from gathering the footage to filming, interviewing, and editing, took me roughly four weeks.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Chicago Comedy

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

At first, my biggest challenge was getting people to be part of the documentary, but I am so honored and grateful to Kelly Leonard and Bob Odenkirk for agreeing and making the project so special.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I am so pleased and grateful that people responded so positively. I am very glad people learned more about The Second City!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

For as long as I can remember, I have loved being creative. I have always been interested in movies and my passion sparked after I watched Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The way John Hughes highlighted Chicago, the city I grew up in, was deeply inspiring to me, and I hope to one day highlight the city in a similar way through my films.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The films that I've seen the most in my life are Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pulp Fiction, The Truman Show, Superbad, and The Wolf of Wall Street.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I think the blog, podcast, and whatsapp group are all great starts and I look forward to the connections I make through this film festival. Two additions which could improve the festival even more is if there was a theatrical screening of our projects so we can see the reactions/feedback in person and if we could be given the contacts of the industry professionals that enjoyed our work.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Good so far.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Italian food

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I am finalizing the script for my next short film which will be in the crime genre that pays tribute to the French New Wave. More exciting projects to come!