Raylene Harewood, best known for her role on Netflix’s The Healing Powers of Dude, stars in the acclaimed All Joking Aside. The film, released from Quiver Distribution, tells of a young woman in New York City who pursues her dream of becoming a stand up comic. We spoke with her about the film.
Had you had any experience or ties to the stand-up comedy circuit?
Other than being a fan, none!
Nothing wrong with that! What did you learn about comics, as you explored that world?
How brilliant and brave they must be. Not only do you have to write funny, you have to act funny. And show up as yourself and tell your stories/perspective with some degree of honesty. I look at comics with awe now.
Being a comedian wouldn’t be a lot different from being an actress I imagine? Lots of ups and downs, rejections and acceptance, and an awful lot of just sticking to your guns and pushing on?
There’s definitely some commonalities. The passion you need to keep pushing forward, a thick skin, vulnerability, dedication. Both are quite tricky careers.
Let’s talk research. Did you get to know the world of stand-up when you signed onto the film?
I already had quite an interest in that world. I didn’t, however, have experience actually doing stand-up. During my prep for the film, I actually did an open mic night with my own material and was able to really get a taste for what it’s like. I found it to be quite terrifying.
Was All Joking Aside considerably different to your previous projects?
Yes. It was the first complex, down to earth character I got to play. Not to say that other parts I’ve played haven’t had depth. But this is the first lead role I had where the audience followed her story so closely. It was very special.
There’s some real stand-up comedians in the film I believe?
Yes! We were so lucky to have Richard Lett playing the role of Dennis. He was such an asset to me on set as I navigated how to deliver jokes. I’m so glad he was a part of the project.
He’s great! Is it hard to tell a joke?
Yes.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
Live your life with love. Love for those around you and love for what you do.