Judd Apatow

Judd Apatow (born December 6, 1967) is an American movie producer, director, and screenwriter. He is best known for producing a distinct series of critically and commercially successful comedy movies, including ' (2004), "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" (2005), ' (2006), "Knocked Up", "Superbad" (both 2007), "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", "Step Brothers" and "Pineapple Express" (all 2008).
Influences.
Apatow's comic and filmmaking influences including Adam Sandler, Garry Shandling, Steve Martin, Woody Allen, Kevin Smith, Harold Ramis, John Hughes, Jay Leno, John Cassavetes, Cameron Crowe, David Chase and Preston Sturges as influences.