Saving Ferris Butler

Saving Ferris Butler is a feature documentary exploring the life and career of Ferris Butler, a former Saturday Night Live writer during its notorious 1980-1981 season and the creator of Waste Meat News, one of New York City's earliest cable access comedy shows.Through intimate interviews, archival footage, and conversations with collaborators and comedy figures, the film traces Butler's unconventional path and creative influence.

It highlights his provocative work, including the sketch "Leather Weather," and examines his claim that his persona inspired the iconic character Ferris Bueller in the 1986 film.As the story unfolds, the documentary explores the tension between recognition and obscurity, asking how creative influence is measured and remembered.

Voices from comedy, television, and media reflect on Butler's legacy and the cultural context in which his work emerged.Saving Ferris Butler ultimately presents a layered portrait of a figure whose contributions challenge traditional narratives of authorship, influence, and recognition, offering a deeper look into a story that exists just beyond the spotlight of mainstream history.