New York Comedy Festival

Deconstructing Conan: A Panel Discussion with the Writers of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien"

Saturday, November 8, 2008
3:00 pm ET
New York

In Person

Writers Dan Cronin, Berkley Johnson, Brian McCann, Matt O'Brien, Brian Stack, and Andrew Weinberg; Mike Sweeney, head writer

Moderator: Sarah Vowell, author and contributor to NPR’s This American Life

Over the course of fourteen seasons, the Emmy Award–winning writers from Late Night with Conan O'Brien have consistently generated some of the
most memorably absurd comedy on television. Traveling through time, replacing the studio audience with young children and skeletons, prognosticating about the year 2000, disturbing celebrity-bred babies, and insulting innocent bystanders with a foulmouthed dog puppet, Conan and his writers have made late night safe for silliness, delighting their ever-increasing horde of devoted fans. We are pleased to gather some of the twisted minds responsible for all of this nonsense to discuss their craft.

This event is part of the New York Comedy Festival. 

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Join The Conversation

  • What writers (comedy or otherwise) and comedians have inspired you? Will Mike Sweeny talk about his role as head writer? Could Matt talk about his experiences as the newcomer on the writing staff? Thanks.


    ellen, November 01, 2008 at 11:14 am

  • When Conan moves to the Tonight Show, will the comedy material be different for the 11:35 show than what you are currently writing for the 12:35 show? Will it be more topical, less whacky?


    Paul, October 08, 2008 at 8:17 am

  • Before you were hired, why did you want to work at Late Night? Describe a day in the life as a writer at Late Night. Do the monologue writers ever wish they were sketch writers or vice versa? What are some sources of inspiration for your work? What are your greatest challenges or obstacles? What are you the most proud of or what has given you the most satisfaction as a writer at Late Night? What are some of your favorite memories from working at Late Night? What are your thoughts about the possibility of working on The Tonight Show next year?


    Amanda, October 05, 2008 at 4:28 pm

  • What advice would you give to aspiring writers, and what jobs/experiences would you recommend for preparation for late night comedy writing?


    Chrissie, September 23, 2008 at 9:47 am

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