Hollywood Shuffle (1987) review

Semi-autobiographical "satire" of the Hollywood industry by actor Townsend (in his directorial debut) as he struggles to land meaningful roles and has to work at a hotdog stand ... and eventually gets cast because they're looking for an "Eddie Murphy-type" and he fits the bill (coincidentally, he directed the comedian-actor's stand-up special Raw the same year).  While I think he does an okay job nailing Tinsel Town for their hypocrisy and perpetuating stereotypes (in one of the more memorable segments, the instructors at the Black Acting School are all Caucasian), it isn't nearly as funny as it thinks it is and many of its skits are a little stale ... although you can see how co-screenwriter Keenen Ivory Wayans would re-work some of them for his classic show In Living Color (except "Men on Film" wouldn't be allowed in the 21st Century).  According to the IMDb, it was shot without permits, which is commendable: you should always be willing to get arrested to make your project.