Backstage before our last press conference for Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America (which premieres in January), we talked with Saturday Night Live writer Ann Beatts, writer and performer Richard Lewis and The Daily Show’s Senior Black Correspondent, Larry Wilmore.

Ann told us about last-second writing tips she received in an SNL show hosted by Billy Crystal (who we just announced to the critics is the host of Make ‘Em Laugh).

Richard talked about Curb Your Enthusiasm, both about the brilliant outlining of the series by Larry David and their chemistry when they ad-lib scenes.

I really enjoyed talking to Larry Wilmore from The Daily Show because we’ve both covered the news….though he reminded me that he covers the FAKE news. He said he has a real appreciation for how hard it is to do serious journalism.

left to right: Neal Shapiro, The Daily Show’s Larry Wilmore, Michael Kantor (Make ‘Em Laugh filmmaker), former SNL writer Ann Beatts, Stephen Segaller (Thirteen’s VP of National Production), Aaron Brown, comedian Richard Lewis, David Horn (Executive Producer of Make ‘Em Laugh)

And then, the three comedians walked out of the green room, onto the stage facing those serious journalists, and made them laugh.