Episode 107: Shannon Kohli, Raylene Harewood & Jon Ornoy

Director Shannon Kohli, actor Raylene Harewood and producer Jon Ornoy visit the YVR Screen Scene Podcast to dish on All Joking Aside, a dramatic feature film set in the world of stand-up comedy. All Joking Aside is Shannon’s directorial debut (although she’s no novice director; she’s won awards and acclaim for directing episodic television like Supergirl, Riverdale, Motherland: Fort Salem, and The Magicians, as well as short films). All Joking Aside follows a new stand-up comedian named Charlene (played by Raylene) who is cruelly heckled during her first time at the mic by a man named Bob (played by Brian Markinson). Bob used to be a successful comic but is now a broken, alcoholic mess who lost his family and his career — and he’s offered a chance at redemption when Charlene begs him to be her mentor. The film also features Vancouver comedy legend Richard Glen Lett as a wise comedy club bartender, and it offers a peek at the not-so-funny side of the comedy world. In this contemplative conversation, Shannon, Raylene, and Jon discuss the trials, tribulations, and joys of bringing this gem of an indie film to the screen. Episode sponsor: Neverland Tea Salon