Private Project

Be Funny

A Chicago comedian seeking his break into the clubs navigates a weeklong odyssey of dive bar romances, teeny-bopper influencers, his loving family, and a hack dressed as a wizard.

  • Donovan Strong-O'Donnell
    Director
  • Donovan Strong-O'Donnell
    Writer
  • Donovan Strong-O'Donnell
    Producer
  • Max Fitzpatrick
    Key Cast
    "John Sheffield"
  • Katelin Dirr
    Key Cast
    "Clare Shannon"
  • Ryder Olle
    Key Cast
    "Ryder Olle"
  • Jeff Brumfield
    Key Cast
    "Jeff Brumfield"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Comedy, Stand-Up, Romantic Comedy
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 39 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 7, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    24,999 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.40:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Donovan Strong-O'Donnell

Donovan Strong-O'Donnell is a Chicago-born stand-up comedian and filmmaker who studied film at Brooklyn College. After returning to his hometown, he began his comedy career as one half of the improv duo Donovan Donovan, earning recognition with sell-out performances at Second City’s Blackout Cabaret. He quickly moved to stand-up comedy, selling out multiple performances at Second City’s Beat Lounge.

In response to the pandemic, Strong-O'Donnell launched @ComedyPickup, an outdoor stand-up show performed from the bed of a truck. Hosting over 100 shows in Chicago during the summer of 2020 and 2021, he also took the show on the road, driving it across the United States twice. @ComedyPickup was featured in both the Chicago Reader's 50th Anniversary edition and their Best of 2020 round-up.

In the past seven years, Donovan has performed at prestigious clubs across the U.S. and Europe, building a diverse comedy background. His debut feature, Be Funny,explores these triumphs and challenges a comedian faces early in their career, while serving as a love letter to the director’s hometown.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Be Funny gives the audience an inside look into Chicago's world famous comedy scene. A city known for its legendary clubs and iconic comedic voices, Chicago has long been an incubator for humor that resonates across the globe. And with countless comedians getting their start in this city, the adage "Chicago is where you go to get funny", before moving on to New York or Hollywood rings true. The film captures the unique energy of Chicago’s comedy scene, focusing on a group of aspiring comics navigating the highs and lows of their craft and killing in obscurity.

At its core, Be Funny is about laughter—whether it’s through quick wit, visual gags, awkward moments, or broad slapstick. The goal is to make you laugh, but it’s the characters and their struggles that give the film its heart. These comedians are chasing validation, wrestling with self-doubt, and celebrating small wins. Their story is one of persistence, quixotic idealism, and the messy reality of pursuing a dream.

This film is an entry into Chicago’s comedy culture, showing humor and humanity in the pursuit of something real and funny. I hope you enjoy.

Thank you,
Donovan Strong-O'Donnell