From "Emma" to "Clueless": A Visit with Amy Heckerling | Episode 37

As if we'd pass up the chance to talk with "Clueless" writer and director Amy Heckerling! We're delighted to share this conversation about the making of her totally awesome adaptation of "Emma." In this episode, Amy takes us behind the scenes to discuss how she reimagined Austen's novel for contemporary Beverly Hills—from the film’s characters and plot to its casting, costumes, distinctive visual style, memorable soundtrack, and now-iconic "Clueless" lexicon. She also reflects on her experience as a female filmmaker and the creative choices that helped make "Clueless" a modern classic. (This conversation was recorded during JASNA's members-only "Clueless" watch party, held in celebration of the film's 30th anniversary in July 2025.) GUEST BIO Amy Heckerling is an acclaimed writer, director, and producer whose work spans film, television, and theater. In addition to writing and directing the Clueless, she also wrote and directed "Look Who’s Talking," "Look Who’s Talking Too," "Loser," "I Could Never Be Your Woman," and "Vamps." Her directing credits include "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Johnny Dangerously," and "National Lampoon’s European Vacation," and she produced "A Night at the Roxbury." Amy’s television work has included executive producing, writing, and directing episodes for the series "Clueless" and "Fast Times," and directing episodes of "The Office," "Gossip Girl," "The Carrie Diaries," "Red Oaks," "Weird City," and "Royalties." Amy also wrote the book for "Clueless, The Musical," which opened at London’s Trafalgar Theatre in the West End in March 2025. SHOW NOTES & LINKS For an edited transcript, visit JASNA's website: https://jasna.org/austen/podcast/ep37 CREDITS From JASNA's Austen Chat podcast. Published July 2, 2026. © Jane Austen Society of North America. All rights reserved. Theme Music: Country Dance by Humans Win.