Biography

Steve Burrows is a comedic storyteller.

This multiple award-winning writer/director/performer has been reinventing stereotypes and challenging expectations in film, television, commercials and theatre for nearly three decades. His original voice - coupled with his edgy, character-driven humor - has made his work a favorite around the world, where his range in comedy is as diverse as the locations of his shoots - London, Rome, Tokyo, Glasgow, Bangkok, New Zealand, South Africa and Milwaukee, Wisconsin to name a few.

After graduating from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Burrows began his career in Chicago joining Second City Director Del Close as a member of the famed, groundbreaking improvisational comedy group, Baron's Barracudas.

He then moved behind the camera, relocating to L.A. and making his first film, "The Soldier of Fortune" - a short about his actual appearance and subsequent humiliation on "The Wheel of Fortune" game show. The film went on to win a slew of festival awards.

From there, Burrows became a writer and performer for the legendary comedy troupe, The Groundlings, leading to stints on everything from "Seinfeld" to "America's Funniest Home Videos" to over 200 TV spots - including a litany of appearances on the Super Bowl.

After writing an original screenplay for 20th Century Fox, Burrows made his directorial feature film debut with "Chump Change", bowing at the prestigious AFI Film Festival to rave reviews. It then played to sellout crowds at the HBO Comedy Fest in Aspen, winning the Audience Award / Best Feature. It is there Miramax Films acquired "Chump Change" for distribution.

Burrows then went on to win over 75 awards for writing/directing television commercials on five continents - including the Cannes Lion, a plethora of Addy and Telly awards - not to mention the New York Festivals Grand Gold for the iconic Accuserv "Paper Tray" - a spot which now resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

Burrows then went viral with the award-winning "Glass Nickel Pizza Anthology", where popular demand prompted Burrows to take his creation a step further, resulting in "The King Kaiser Show" - an award-winning television sitcom about a show within a show within a show.

In a complete career 180°, Burrows dropped out of Show Business to take care of his mother, who had gone in for a routine partial hip replacement and came out in a coma with permanent brain damage. For real. The insane years that followed - fighting for his Mom's life and for medical and legal justice - became Burrows latest feature, the award-winning, critically acclaimed HBO documentary film, "Bleed Out".

Since Bleed Out's HBO debut, Burrows has become a fierce patient safety activist, partnering with the Leapfrog Group and the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, as well as becoming adjunct faculty for MedStar Institute for Quality and Safety and the Academy for Emerging Leaders for Patient Safety. Burrows is also a Co-Founder of Patients for Patient, Safety US.

Back in the saddle, Burrows is now working on several television and feature film projects, including a comedy and a drama. He is also writing his first book.
- IMDb mini biography by: MAT

The Multifaceted Career of Steve Burrows: From Heartfelt Documentaries to Hilarious Comedies

Introduction

Steve Burrows is a filmmaker whose career embodies a remarkable versatility, spanning genres from poignant documentaries to lighthearted comedies and commercials. His documentary "Bleed Out" (2018) stands as a testament to his capacity for emotional storytelling, while his work in comedy showcases his adeptness at crafting narratives that entertain and provoke thought. This essay will explore Burrows' diverse body of work, examining how his experiences in both documentary and comedic filmmaking enrich his storytelling techniques and contribute to broader discussions about societal issues.

Exploring "Bleed Out"

"Bleed Out" is perhaps Burrows' most acclaimed work, a deeply personal documentary that chronicles his family's harrowing experience with the American healthcare system following a surgical mishap involving his mother. The film serves as both a personal narrative and a critique of systemic failures within the healthcare industry. Burrows' approach is characterized by a raw authenticity, employing a non-linear narrative that interweaves personal anecdotes with interviews from medical professionals and legal experts. This structure reflects the chaos and unpredictability of navigating healthcare, inviting the audience to empathize with the emotional and bureaucratic turmoil faced by patients and their families.

The film's impact lies in its ability to shed light on the broader implications of individual experiences. Through his mother's story, Burrows addresses issues of accountability, profit-driven motives in healthcare, and the emotional toll of medical errors. The documentary's heartfelt nature resonates with viewers, making it a significant contribution to the discourse surrounding healthcare reform. Burrows' genuine portrayal of his family's struggle highlights his skill as a storyteller, capable of evoking empathy while addressing critical societal issues.

The Comedic Side of Steve Burrows

While "Bleed Out" showcases Burrows' ability to tackle serious subjects, his career is equally marked by a prolific output in the realm of comedy. Burrows has directed numerous comedic films and commercials that juxtapose humor with insightful commentary on everyday life. His work in this genre is characterized by a keen understanding of comedic timing, character development, and the use of satire to critique societal norms.

In his comedic films, Burrows often employs relatable characters and situational humor to engage audiences. This approach allows him to explore themes of identity, relationships, and the absurdities of modern life while keeping viewers entertained. By blending humor with thoughtful social commentary, Burrows creates a unique space where laughter becomes a vehicle for reflection. His comedic style demonstrates the power of humor as a means of addressing serious topics, making complex issues more accessible to a broad audience.

Burrows' experience in commercials further illustrates his versatility as a filmmaker. His ability to craft concise, engaging narratives within the constraints of advertising showcases his skill in storytelling. Commercials require a balance of creativity, humor, and persuasive messaging, and Burrows has adeptly navigated this landscape, creating memorable and impactful content. His background in commercials informs his approach to pacing and visual storytelling, allowing him to engage viewers quickly and effectively.

The Interplay of Genres

The duality of Burrows' filmmaking career-documentary and comedy-reveals a profound interplay between the two genres. While seemingly disparate, both forms of storytelling share a common goal: to communicate truth and provoke thought. Burrows' documentary work, particularly "Bleed Out," emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, while his comedic projects highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the absurdity of life's challenges.

This interplay is particularly significant in how Burrows approaches his narratives. The emotional depth found in "Bleed Out" informs his comedic work, allowing him to infuse humor with sincerity. Conversely, his experience in comedy enriches his documentaries, enabling him to present challenging subjects in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. This synthesis of styles reflects Burrows' understanding that both laughter and tears are integral to the human experience.
- IMDb mini biography by: ai

Burrows has won over 100 awards for writing and directing comedy in Film, Television and Commercials worldwide.