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David Berenbaum is an American screenwriter whose credits include the films Elf (2003), The Haunted Mansion (2003), Zoom (2006), The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008), and Strange Magic (2015).
- Natasha Lavender
- David Berenbaum wanted to make a classic Christmas movie. As a kid growing up in Philadelphia, future Elf screenwriter David Berenbaum loved Christmas — despite being Jewish.
- Jon Favreau was inspired by Rankin/Bass — but not too inspired. Anyone who grew up watching Rankin/Bass specials will notice similarities with Elf, especially in the North Pole sequences.
- Will Ferrell was considered a risky choice for Buddy. Picturing anyone other than Will Ferrell (or an actual elf) pulling off Buddy's unbridled Christmas spirit, hopeless naivete, and yellow tights is almost impossible now.
- Jon Favreau added 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' for Zooey Deschanel. Elf proved to be a big break for Zooey Deschanel, who played down-on-Christmas department store elf Jovie, whom Buddy falls in love with.
David Berenbaum is a Philadelphia-born writer and actor who wrote the 2003 comedy "Elf" and "The Haunted Mansion". He also worked on "The Spiderwick Chronicles", "Zoom" and "Frosty the Snowman".
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- 1 min
- Writer, Actor
David Berenbaum is a screenwriter who wrote "Elf" and "The Haunted Mansion". He is also working on the sequel to "Mrs. Doubtfire" and other projects. Learn more about his life, career and awards on IMDb.
Dec 9, 2023 · Elf is a 2003 comedy film about a human raised by elves who searches for his father in New York. The film's screenwriter, David Berenbaum, drew from his personal experience of losing his father as a child to create Buddy's emotional journey.
- Journalist
Nov 11, 2023 · Originally written by David Berenbaum, "Elf" had been in development since the early '90s and New Line Cinema had yet to crack the code by the early 2000s. It started as a much darker picture,...
Dec 23, 2022 · David Berenbaum shares how he came up with the idea for Elf, how Will Ferrell and James Caan joined the cast, and why the film is a rare and special comedy. Read his exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the movie.
