OUTSTANDING: A COMEDY REVOLUTION – a new feature-length documentary that counts Katherine LeBlond of Union Editorial as a producer – is set to premiere globally on Netflix on June 18, 2024. Written and directed by Page Hurwitz, OUTSTANDING: A COMEDY REVOLUTION is the first feature length documentary to examine the history of queer stand-up comedy. Union’s Katherine LeBlond and Union Partner/Editor James Haygood serve as Co-Executive Producers. Union’s involvement also includes bringing editor Rodrigo Brazão, as well as Post Supervisor Veronica ‘V$’ Garcia, Consulting Producer Kaitlin McLaughlin, and Assistant Editor Dion Riley, to the project.
“Being a part of a film like this, where you get to work with many of the most iconic and funniest folks on Earth, is the stuff that Hollywood dreams are made of,” said LeBlond. “Representation is so important, and who better to remind us than a bunch of comedians whose voices are synonymous with positive change?”
The documentary considers the importance of LGBTQ+ stand up as an instrument for social change over the past five decades, actively reflecting and challenging cultural norms and values. Ultimately, the film reveals that queer comedians — whether they intended to or not — helped change the world, one joke at a time.
OUTSTANDING: A COMEDY REVOLUTION combines interviews, memorable stand up performances, archival materials, and verité footage featuring top LGBTQ+ comedians including Lily Tomlin, Sandra Bernhard, Wanda Sykes, Suzy Izzard, Hannah Gadsby, Tig Notaro, Rosie O'Donnell, Margaret Cho, Bob The Drag Queen, and Trixie Mattel, among others.
Full list of comedians interviewed comprises Billy Eichner, Bob The Drag Queen, Bruce Vilanch, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Guy Branum, Hannah Gadsby, James Adomian, Jim David, Joel Kim Booster, Judy Gold, KJ Whitehead, Lily Tomlin, Mae Martin, Margaret Cho, Marsha Warfield, Matteo Lane, Patti Harrison, River Butcher, Robin Tran, Robin Tyler, Rosie O'Donnell, Roz Hernandez , Sandra Bernhard, Scott Thompson, Solomon Georgio, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Suzy Izzard, Tig Notaro, Todd Glass, Trixie Mattel, and Wanda Sykes.
Full list of historians interviewed include: Dave Holmes, Kate Aurthur, Roger Mason, Shar Jossell, and Susan Stryker.
The film is written and directed by Page Hurwitz. Executive Producers are Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions; Katherine LeBlond for Union Editorial; and Brian Graden, Dave Mace, and LB Horschler for Brian Graden Media.
The film will have its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival on June 7, 2024.
