Aspen Film Society


Aspen Film Society was an American film production company formed in 1976 by actor, writer, comedian, and musician Steve Martin and film and record producer William E. McEuen, with backing from Paramount Pictures. The company's films include The Jerk and Pee-wee's Big Adventure.
The company's first project, the 1977 short film The Absent-Minded Waiter, starred Steve Martin, Teri Garr, and Buck Henry. It was written by Martin and directed by Carl Gottlieb., and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 50th Academy Awards.
In the wake of Woody Allen's Annie Hall winning four Oscars at the 50th Academy Awards, Martin received $500,000 from Universal Pictures to write and star in The Jerk, and the company gave Aspen Film Society and Martin the last cut and approval of the marketing campaign, as well as 50 percent of the profits.

Filmography

DateFilmDirectorDistribution CompanyNotes
1977The Absent-Minded WaiterCarl GottliebParamount Picturesnominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film
1979The JerkCarl ReinerUniversal Pictures
1980Steve Martin: Comedy is Not PrettyJoseph CatesTV special
1982Dead Men Don't Wear PlaidCarl ReinerUniversal Pictures
1983The Man with Two BrainsCarl ReinerWarner Bros.
1984The Lonely GuyArthur HillerUniversal Pictures
1985Pee-wee's Big AdventureTim BurtonWarner Bros.
1988PulsePaul GoldingColumbia Pictures
1989The Big PictureChristopher GuestColumbia Pictures
1990Cold Dog SoupAlan MetterAnchor Bay Entertainment