What the Funny

A mockumentary between 'Waiting for Guffman' and 'The Office', 'What the Funny' is the story of 'Max', long-suffering owner of a struggling comedy-theatre in Seattle. The theatre company struggles through the final weeks of preparation for their next show, and the only thing standing in their way is money, talent, ego, and the occasional murder. This collaboration of some of the best of Seattle's Independent Film, Fringe Theatre and music scenes is part of a new wave of independent film. Designed to take advantage of Internet distribution and the growing influence of social networks, it was made as a series of ten-minute episodes. Each is a complete story in itself; each contributes to the eleven-episode narrative arc. It is a tightly woven story that shifts fluidly amongst an ensemble of the attention-starved, needy, neurotic characters that live to make strangers laugh.

Directed by —, What the Funny leans on a strong ensemble — Darragh Kennan, Angela DiMarco, Alycia Delmore — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2008.