SNL50 – 50 Years: Writer-Musician-Producer Dan Bulla Offers Insights Into Comedy Writing

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has richly deserved its incredible run of 50 great years – and counting. To commemorate the momentous occasion, Adam Sandler and Dan Bulla’s wrote a song, aptly called, 50 Years which was performed as part of SNL50: The Anniversary Special. We spoke with Dan regarding his multi-hyphenate role on the iconic series.

“I do a lot on SNL, but I don’t tend to think of it that way. To me, it all falls under the same umbrella. There are no hyphens,” Bulla says of his multi-hyphenate role. “I think of myself primarily as a writer,” he states. He writes monologues, sketches, screenplays, and song lyrics, so we assert our right to call him a multi-hyphenate.

 The Unique Style of Dan Bulla’s Work

When it comes to his creative style, Bulla describes his work as “largely hybrid.” This term captures the essence of his approach, which often blends various forms of comedy and emotional storytelling. “I like to set something up as really serious or sentimental and then let the silly come later,” he explains. “I’m not scared to have a slow burn.”

The use of humor as a vehicle to navigate through serious themes is a feature of Bulla’s writing. He believes that beginning with a premise that appears serious can create a compelling narrative tension, only to subvert those expectations with unexpected humor or absurdity. This ability to balance the serious and the silly is an essential component of Bulla’s comedic style.

Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

In a profession driven by creativity and the voracious need for new material, the source of inspiration is crucial for any artist. Dan Bulla notes that his inspiration comes from many places, often unexpected, as he navigates the complexities of family life.

“I’m married with two kids. When I’m not working, I try to absorb different kinds of things with an open mind,” Bulla shares. Much of his inspiration comes from his environment or what he’s recently read. “I’m still caught in the algorithm.”

This approach emphasizes the importance of being present and open to new experiences. Bulla reveals that he enjoys exploring ideas and interactions without a specific agenda, which sparks a natural flow of creativity. “I think something I’ve done in recent years is not to seek out inspiration actively,” he admits. Instead, he embraces the organic nature of creativity, letting ideas come to him through everyday experiences, interactions, and even the feeds of social media zeitgeist.

Journey to Saturday Night Live (SNL)

Dan Bulla’s career took a significant uptick when he joined the iconic sketch comedy show SNL in 2019. His route to this pivotal moment was steeped in collaboration, particularly with Adam Sandler, a key figure in shaping Bulla’s career. “I owe my whole career to Adam Sandler,” Dan acknowledges. “Adam had planned his first Netflix deal and was looking for material of all kinds. He was also looking to get back into standup and was looking for new voices, new people.” The two have worked closely over the years, leading to Bulla’s eventual entry into SNL.

Bulla reflects on his entry into SNL with fondness, recalling that initial week as a guest during Sandler’s hosting gig. “It was spring of 2019, and I had a really fun time there,” he shares. The experience was atypical, given his status as a guest writer, which allowed him to get a taste of the show’s creative environment without the pressure of being a staff member. “Lorne Michaels and the producers were very generous with me,” he recalls, noting the immense camaraderie and support he felt from the team.

However, Bulla also acknowledges the daunting aspect of starting fresh in such a high-profile environment. “It was intimidating, a little bit scary to just be starting at the bottom all over again,” he reflects. The first week as a staff writer brought its own challenges, but Bulla managed to navigate this exciting transition with the same sense of adventure that fuels his creativity.

Working with Adam Sandler

The profound impact Adam Sandler has had on Bulla’s career cannot be overstated. Their initial meeting was marked by chemistry and mutual respect. Bulla recalls, “He was looking for material of all kinds. I met him and we really hit it off right away.” What draws Bulla to Sandler is his genuine quest for fresh ideas and comedy, irrespective of their source.

Bulla shares that Sandler is someone “who is absolutely looking for fresh ideas, stuff that makes him laugh, does not care where they come from.” These range from absolute beginners to seasoned comedians. “Adam’s so present; he’s able to take in inspiration from anywhere,” Bulla states.

Bulla’s experiences at SNL reinforce the notion that a strong, collaborative environment is essential to create the strongest material. When asked about the atmosphere at the show, he reflects on the spirit that defines SNL’s writing room. “The show’s easier when you know the host [Adam Sanderl] inside and out,” Dan explains.

Genesis Of  The Song 50 Years

SNL is looking for people to do what feels right and trusting people to follow their instincts. That’s what keeps the show fresh.

“I think people internally were hoping Adam would do a song,” Dan says. They started working on a different kind of song. They had put the final touches on it and Adam called Dan to tell him that it “didn’t feel right.”

Dan agreed and presented his alternative idea for a song. “It listed a lot more sketches. Adam was remembering the fact that we were going to be on stage in 8H, performing in front of an audience of people who had actually been there. Adam declared, ‘Let’s make the song for that audience.'”

The duo got to work and thought of material that would make people laugh.

[More: Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman Capture The Magic Moments Before SNL First Went To Air In “Saturday Night]

“Sandler came up with that first melody and the whole hook. Within 24 hours we had the song. Different music, different everything. The song made me smile. It also makes you reflect and ponder about people that have passed through your life.”

The song was introduced by Jack Nicholson and Sir Paul McCartney snuck into the audience to amplify the occasion. Sandler and Bulla knew their performance was “special. It was warm. The song mean something to the audience.”

The Evolving Landscape of Comedy Writing

The landscape of comedy writing is constantly changing, influenced by cultural shifts and the increasing demand for exciting storytelling. Bulla recognizes this evolution and adapts his work to resonate with contemporary audiences. He acknowledges, “The trends in modern comedy require that writers be versatile and attentive to the nuances of societal changes.”

As topics of discussion evolve—from political correctness to cultural representation—the approach to comedy needs to be sensitive yet impactful to them. Bulla believes that humor can serve as a bridge in discussions around serious subjects, making them accessible while still allowing for critical reflection.

By understanding the audience’s expectations and responding to them, Bulla ensures that his work remains relevant. “I try to be aware of the current climate and find ways to introduce depth within humor,” he elaborates, pointing out that comedy doesn’t have to sacrifice meaningful social commentary for the sake of laughs.

Final Thoughts

Dan Bulla offers some sage advice to other creatives. “Take anything anyone says with a grain of salt. Do what you want rather than chase something you think someone might want. If it doesn’t work out, you’re left with something that is true to yourself, even if somebody doesn’t buy it right now.”

As Bulla’s career continues to evolve, he is keenly aware of the legacy he wishes to build in the comedy realm. The idea of leaving a mark on the industry and influencing future generations of writers is important to him.

To achieve this, Bulla emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community within the entertainment industry. “I’ve had great mentors along the way, and I believe in paying it forward,” he explains. By sharing knowledge and experiences with aspiring writers and artists, Bulla hopes to usher in a new wave of talent shaped by creative freedom.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.