438. Finding Sandler A Journey of Second Chances with David Seth Cohen

2025-07-16

"If you don't have anything to offer somebody, especially in showbiz, they don't want anything to do with you." "Any day on set is a good day." "I learned like patience, like a lot of patience." "Life is short. Do what you love." "Without them, I don't know where it would be. It pro...

"If you don't have anything to offer somebody, especially in showbiz, they don't want anything to do with you."

"Any day on set is a good day."

"I learned like patience, like a lot of patience."

"Life is short. Do what you love."

"Without them, I don't know where it would be. It probably be still sitting on a shelf."

In this captivating episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman sit down with David Seth Cohen, the creative mind behind the documentary "Finding Sandler."

David shares the heartfelt journey that inspired him to track down Adam Sandler after passing up an opportunity to connect years ago. With humor and sincerity, David recounts his early passion for storytelling and how a tragic loss propelled him to pursue filmmaking.

He reflects on the challenges of creating "Finding Sandler," a project that took 16 years to complete, and the valuable lessons he learned about resilience, patience, and the importance of following one's dreams. The conversation delves into the creative process, including the significance of fair use in documentary filmmaking and the collaborative efforts that brought the film to life.

David also shares anecdotes about his interactions with celebrities and the unexpected moments that shaped his experience.

Listeners will appreciate the insights on balancing personal life with professional aspirations, as David discusses becoming a father later in life and how it has transformed his perspective. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone considering their own creative journey, filled with laughter, relatable stories, and the reminder to embrace the moments that matter.

(00:00) Finding Sandler is a documentary about regrets in life
(01:43) The documentary Finding Sandler was funded by his family
(08:06) So I shared the movie and then literally, like, they wrote me back a few days later
(08:27) How were you able to fair use a lot of Adam Sandler clips
(09:44) Anthony Marinelli used fair use to use movie clips in his documentary
(11:38) Do you feel like capturing some of these celebrities may have helped you
(17:21) When I met with Sandler, it was like so many people around
(18:12) Did Adam Sandler remember you when you interviewed him for Big Daddy
(19:54) Why did you include your ex in the movie
(22:55) It took so long to make the film. It was tied up in a lawsuit
(27:23) Editing can be a tricky part of comedy, right
(28:27) There was a whole scene at the end of LA that I cut out
(33:50) If something is taught in school, kids may not enjoy it
(34:27) What did you learn about yourself in the process of this
(36:25) You became a dad very late in life, at 47
(40:05) What would you tell somebody else who wants to make a documentary
(41:23) What does your dad think about you working for Jerry Springer
(42:03) David Cohen is currently working on an animated action comedy for adults