Depression – The Media Pub News (TM)

‘Duppet’ comedy contends depression, which COVID-19 makes more real

The Coronavirus Pandemic and its infectious deadly disease – COVID-19 have affected many aspects of everyday life like health, careers and the global economy.

For Comedian John Poveromo of New Jersey, this is very real. Poveromo would rather be headlining in his show, Duppet, around the country now, but instead he is in self-isolation like the rest of us.

In the meantime, he has turned to social media, and has his relatable, real-life-experiences comedy, Duppet streaming on Amazon Prime.

The short, Duppet, is “derived from Poveromo’s own struggles with depression,” states his bio.

It is “a comedic short film dealing with issues of depression and anxiety, which manifest themselves in the form of a puppet named Duppet,” the bio. info. states.

Even though Poveromo and others can relate to these mental health struggles in Duppet, he does not limit himself to just on-stage performances. He is also a comic book writer and artist, with his published artworks called, Drawings from a Nobody.

However, in early March, shortly before the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown, Poveromo had a stand-up act that was scheduled at Curlies in Rochester, N.H., where he is a regular.

“I love going back there,” said Poveromo. “I get to hang out for the weekend, see a lot of regulars and a lot of new faces…It’s really just a great feeling…”

Poveromo first got interested in comedy when he was a child, drawn in by the relatability of the adult comics he saw on screen, and encouraged by the world of Jim Hensen, which would later be proven an inspiration for him.

“When I was a kid, comedians were adults who didn’t take the world so seriously,” said Poveromo. “So, it’s a weird way to see things because growing up, you’re surrounded by your parents, your teachers, people who come from a place of authority and then you see a comic and they’re older and they’re breaking away all the bulls***.”

And learning from those he admires, Poveromo has his own list of admirers who love his comedy.

“John Poveromo’s cutting edge, quick-witted sarcasm is hysterical and it’s fun to watch his playfulness with the audience as he drives home specific points with his spot-on punchlines. In a world full of bland, he is a refreshing shot of young vibrant adrenaline that goes straight to your funny bone! This kid’s got the goods!!” states Joey Kola of the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Rachael Ray, and Kevin Can Wait.

Filmmaker seeks support to tell ‘dark’ story

EWING, N.J. — With the successes of three previous films, a local filmmaker is all about giving away

A concept poster for Ricardo Lorenzo’s next film, “An Unlikely Story.”
— Provided image

perks in order to receive support for his next short.

Ricardo Lorenzo, an award-nominated moviemaker, currently has a full-time job as a producer and editor for television stations, but has always been interested in making movies, and started with his experimental films in high school.

Currently, he is asking for support to produce a short film called, An Unlikely Story, which is a “dark” comedy about mental illness, he says.

He says family and friends have been very supportive, and that he also seeking funding through indiegogo.

“It’s pretty exciting to see how much your friends and family support your art. I’m indebted to them,” says Lorenzo.

However, at this point he has met less than half his fundraising goals. He says he will need about $10,000 to support his cast and crewmembers.

Lorenzo has learned a lot about production from his three previous films: Insomnolent (2009), Enlightenment (2012), and Transparent (2013).

“Since Transparent, I grew to really understand everyone in the cast and crew deserves some sort of payment,” he says.

Even though most of his budget will go into equipment and post-production, he says he has to feed his cast and crew, and pay for locations and equipment rentals.

“Pretty much all I can ask is people help us by contributing to indiegogo. Maybe you’re not into it, but maybe you have a friend that might be. We’re just really looking for help to tell this story,” Lorenzo states.

He promises that supporters will benefit from some really “dope” perks that they are offering.

These include early released DVDs and limited edition movie poster giveaways.

Expecting more success, Lorenzo thinks An Unlikely Story will most likely attract an audience who are fans of dark comedy and Todd Solondz films, he says.

The movie will be emotional, addressing issues of companionships, cannibalism, and how important it is to have someone to talk to when one is a loner battling depression.

“We are currently in development; slowly coming into pre-production. And we’re hoping to shoot in June of this year,” Lorenzo said.

Fans will be able to get DVDs as early as Sept., but he does not expect to show the movie publicly until Jan.

For now, Lorenzo is “just going to keep making movies. Everyday, I’m contemplating my next film — hopefully a feature,” he says.