Stand Up

In the 1980s, New Zealand’s comedy scene was in its infancy. With no dedicated comedy venues, live comedy evolved from its roots in theatre and improvisation routines heavily influenced by the university scene. From a few people in pubs acting out scripts, a burgeoning stand-up industry emerged and slowly built momentum.

Stand Up interviews the main players of that time who shaped the comedy industry into a thriving industry where a comedian can make a living in a country, as well as being a stop on the international touring circuit.

The film also examines what it is like to become a comedian today. What drives a person to stand up exposed in front of a crowd, sometimes a hostile one, in the hope of making them laugh. Some do it for fame, some do it for money, some do it to get the love they lacked as children. The comedian deals with nerves, hecklers, financial woes and competition from other comedians. The risks are high but the pay off for those that make it can be equally as impressive in this strange choice of a career.

Director Wheeler’s "4 Geese in a Flock" won the DOCNZ Best NZ Medium Documentary Award in 2006.