No. 444 - Characters and Filmmaking with Laura Ornella

We talked to first-generation Cuban American, New York-based filmmaker and actor, Laura Ornella! Jason talks with Laura about discovering comedy through improv before expanding into sketch, character work, and satire. Laura shares how her competitive streak pushed her into new classes at UCB, The PIT, and BCC, and how satire writing helped her see the connection between humor and advertising, eventually leading to copywriting work that supported her creative pursuits. They discuss balancing a day job with nighttime shows, the grind, and how the pandemic fueled a satire boom and inspired her online platform Humor Darling, which she co-ran for six years. Laura also dives into her short films (including Diane De Niro, Fucktown, USA, and After the Drop), her growing focus on directing, auditioning for JFL, and why strong character work (onstage or onscreen), always comes back to story. https://lauraornella.com Instagram: @_LauraOrnella, @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics  Threads: @ThereItIsPod, @JasonFarrPics Facebook: @ThereItIsPod  Subscribe to our comedy newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e22defd4dee2/thereitis