Short Summary
Hi! We are a team of filmmakers studying at Arizona State University, and Just Be Funny is our capstone film, written and directed by David Schweidt, co-written by Nico Castilla-Desojo and produced by Josh Barnes and Lily Benson.
“Just Be Funny” follows depressed up-and-coming stand-up comedian Thomas Goldman, who after a suicide attempt, discovers he has been signed on as the opener for one of his comedy idols Charlie Dunnam, who is attempting a comeback tour. As the grizzled veteran, not enthused with the idea, and the recovering Thomas clash, deep thoughts and emotions bubble up to the surface. The film follows themes of suicidal ideation, self doubt, the human psyche, and recovery, themes that share a deep resonation with every single one of our crew members..
With “Just Be Funny”, we strive to create a human story about the importance of voicing emotions, against the backdrop of the harsh world of stand-up comedy, by celebrating the industry in its purpose. We think the stories of both Thomas and Charlie are important to tell as we intend to appeal to not only young adult audiences, but also the older generation by addressing important topics in today’s mental health climate, most notably the importance of speaking out about personal situations that have been previously seen as taboo.
Our hard working crew, all experienced and excited, has been blessed with the opportunity to tell this story, and we hope to, with your generous contribution, make the best film possible. As we hope to reach our goal, we have a variety of incredible perks for each donation tier, so we would really appreciate your help, as anything donated will be used in order to make a great film, allow students to get valuable experience, and make our dreams come true!
What We Need & What You Get
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Just Be Funny’s Budget is split into separate parts, where a majority of our budget is going towards our Art Department and Catering. While most of our art department will take the lead on the budget, it is to ensure that we have the best possible set dressing and costuming for Just Be Funny. As an incentive for donating to our film, we have cameo posters that you can be on for $75. Besides posters, we will need to dress the set as an old theatre, a rundown not taken care of apartment and older looking car. We have also allocated a good chunk of our money towards catering so we can feed the cast and crew the best they can possibly get.
Other than catering and art department, we may need to rent lighting, camera lens and other grip and gaff equipment to get the best looking pictures.
In exchange, we have several perks for donors, such as, shout-out on our social media, a personalized thank-you video from our crew, a poster of the film, a physical copy of the film, and more exciting perks which you might want to check out ;).
* Most perks will not be finalized and sent out to backers until after our film is done and festival distribution is over.
Risks & Challenges
With “Just Be Funny”, we would be filming with experienced actors, crew, and a wonderful location near downtown Tempe, but there are always challenges that we never expect. This film deals with heavy topics, such as drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and depression. We never want to allude to the fact that we endorse these things and try to portray them with authenticity and sensitivity. Our goal is to shed light on these struggles while maintaining a responsible and respectful approach to storytelling. We aim to create a film that sparks meaningful conversations, fosters empathy, and resonates with audiences who may have experienced similar challenges. Through careful direction, thoughtful performances, and a well-crafted narrative, we hope to balance the film’s serious themes with moments of humor and humanity, staying true to the story’s emotional depth without glorifying harmful behaviors.
Statement From Our Director
Just Be Funny, explores how true understanding and human connection emerge when people open up to each other. As the director, I want every aspect of production to work cohesively to tell a rich story about two characters learning to connect. A grounded and confined setting will emphasize their emotional journey from resistance to openness, making the audience feel immersed in their transformation. Inspired by Birdman, I aim to use long, unbroken shots and raw performances to heighten realism, making the film feel like a glimpse into real life. The acting must be powerful yet natural, the lighting harsh yet authentic, and the editing precise to maintain engagement within a single setting—the green room of a comedy club. This project is deeply personal, reflecting my own struggles with communication, and I want it to feel honest and real. Rather than transporting audiences to distant worlds, I want to turn the lens inward, proving that compelling, meaningful stories exist in the most unexpected places.
Other Ways You Can Help
Spread the word!!
Helping us spread the word and follow us on social media (@JustBeFunnyFilm) and checking out our website https://justbefunnyfilm.wixsite.com/just-be-fun...
Tell EVERYONE you know about this film, like a parent, friend, comedian, or your dog!
