Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker
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Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker (ZAZ) is a comedy filmmaking trio consisting of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker. The three knew one another during childhood - growing up in Shorewood, WI and attending Shorewood High School (which is sometimes referenced in their work). While attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison the trio formed a theater group called "Kentucky Fried Theater". This led to a sketch film, Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), which was written by the group and directed by John Landis.
This was followed in 1980 by their breakout hit, Airplane!, which remains one of the definitions of comedic film. Other ZAZ collaborations included the television series Police Squad! (1982), the features Top Secret! and Ruthless People and the feature film spinoff of Police Squad, The Naked Gun. All of these projects relied heavily on parodies, visual gags and breaking of the Fourth Wall, and established a strong cult following.
Prominent ZAZ players include Leslie Nielsen, Lloyd Bridges, Robert Stack, Rowan Atkinson, Charlie Sheen, and Anna Faris.
Each member of the group has also had individual success:
- Jerry Zucker with the non-comedy blockbuster Ghost, which grossed over $500 million, and the less successful comedy Rat Race.
- David Zucker with the hits Scary Movie 3 and Scary Movie 4 as well as BASEketball.
- Jim Abrahams with hits Hot Shots! and Hot Shots! Part Deux, as well as Jane Austen's Mafia!.
David Zucker and Abrahams are known for making parodies that almost re-enacts famous scenes from a number of movies in an absurd way.
[edit] External links
- David Zucker at the Internet Movie Database
- Jim Abrahams at the Internet Movie Database
- Jerry Zucker at the Internet Movie Database
- "The Zucker Touch"
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