The Michael Sockol Fund presents: Mike Reiss – Writer and Producer of The Simpsons

Get ready for a fun-filled morning as we pull back the curtain on one of the most beloved animated series of all time!   The Michael Sockol Jewish Writers Fund presents “The Simpsons and Other Jewish Families,” featuring Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and producer Mike Reiss.  Mike will lead us on a delightful tongue-in-cheek journey to the town of Springfield, where we will learn all about the many Jewish themes, writers, and actors that have been a part of this enormously popular and long-running series.  On the way, Mike will share stories about his “Life in Jewish Comedy”, answering the age-old question: how can a Jewish guy wind up writing seven books about Christmas and go on to become the official joke-writer to Pope Francis?

Mike Reiss served as both writer and showrunner for The Simpsons, and co-created the animated series The Critic.  As showrunner, Mike oversaw the diverse creative elements that went into an episode before completion, including the writing, animation, voice acting, and music.  He wrote (or co-wrote) the screenplays for Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, The Simpsons Movie, My Life in Ruins, and Queer Duck: The Movie, as well as numerous shorts and webtoons. Mike started out writing for the National Lampoon, moving to the position of producer and writer for such television shows as ALF and It’s Gary Shandling’s Show.

Bagel-and-lox breakfast included.