Waiting for the Punchline (2019)

In "Waiting for the Punchline", a documentary filmmaker follows the rise of Nick Scarpino, accomplished podcaster and fledgling stand up comedian, as he strives to make his mark on the San Francisco comedy scene. Scarpino navigates open mics across the dive bars, laundromats, clubs and restaurants of San Francisco, often performing to small crowds of hardcore alcoholics and other amateur comedians awaiting their time in the spotlight. His goal is to gain a spot at The Punchline, San Francisco's oldest and most prestigious comedy club. He is joined by his friends Geoff Ramsey, James Willems and Elyse Willems, and receives guidance from an accomplished stand up comedian who runs open mic comedy nights, Tony Sparks.