Milking The Dog

Phil Rochester battles to conquer Manchester's toughest standup contest, revealing the relentless drive of an artist to perform—even when he's not thanked by audiences for doing so.

  • Joe Murphy
    Director
  • Joe Murphy
    Producer
  • Clare McCahery
    Producer
  • Joseph Walker
    Camera Operator
  • James Ormrod
    Camera Operator
  • Jacky Deng
    Music
  • Dom Fera
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 31, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Joe Murphy

Joe Murphy is a filmmaker based in the North West. He studied Film Production at the University of Gloucestershire, where he earned a first-class degree (and accumulated a lot of student debt—swings and roundabouts). With a background in comedy and experience as an editor on various university films screened at BAFTA-qualifying festivals, he has developed a passion for documentary storytelling that highlights the quirky and darker sides of culture.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Milking The Dog is a documentary that follows Phil Rochester, a standup comedian who, like many aspiring artists, is driven to perform despite the fact that no one has really asked us to. As a first-time filmmaker, I found Phil’s journey both relatable and inspiring. I believe other filmmakers may also find that the story of an artist facing relentless rejection strikes a relatable—if slightly painful—chord.

While I wasn’t paid to make this film, and Phil isn’t paid to perform his standup, we are both pursuing our passions - often facing rejection and mixed feedback. The difference with standup is that audience reactions are instant and brutal.

I hope Milking The Dog conveys why someone would be driven to keep going, even when it’s tough, in a way that is both humorous and empathetic. In Manchester’s toughest comedy contest, where the audience is actively encouraged to be unreceptive, Phil’s resilience is truly extraordinary.