95 Miles to Go 2006
Directed by
Tom Caltabiano
Made by
THINKFilm
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of 95 Miles to Go (2006). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
95 Miles to Go originated during a spring break from Everybody Loves Raymond, when Ray Romano embarked on a standup comedy tour across the South. He invited his longtime friend and fellow comedian, Tom Caltabiano, who also served as a writer on Raymond, to be his opening act.
For a decade, Romano and Caltabiano had shared the stage, entertaining audiences together and occasionally recording their adventures on the road. Caltabiano, having meticulously documented their touring experiences since their Catskill beginnings in 1992, persuaded a hesitant Romano to allow filming during their tour. Romano was initially reluctant about having a full-fledged crew trailing them, leading to a compromise where Roger Lay, Jr., an intern from Everybody Loves Raymond and a film student at USC, joined them instead.
This eight-day journey saw them traverse seven cities: Miami, Tampa, Clearwater, Orlando, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Atlanta. The duo flew from Los Angeles to Miami, subsequently renting a car to navigate between the various stops. Over this thousand-mile trek, the cameras captured approximately sixteen hours of footage each day, totaling around one hundred thirty hours across the tour.
Once the tour concluded, an editing bay was set up adjacent to Romano’s office at Warner Bros. Studios—the filming location for Everybody Loves Raymond. The initial cut was an impressive two-and-a-half hours, which premiered to audiences at The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California. This was followed by fifteen test screenings at theaters across Los Angeles, and a rough cut was showcased at both The Deep Ellum Film Festival in Dallas, Texas, and HBO’s Comedy Festival in Las Vegas. Ultimately, the film reached completion in early 2006 and aired on HBO for an impressive two and a half years.
Timeline
Track the key events of 95 Miles to Go (2006) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Spring Break Departure
During a spring break from the television show *Everybody Loves Raymond*, Ray Romano decided to embark on a standup comedy tour. This provided him with the perfect opportunity to entertain and connect with fans outside the familiar setting of the show.
Tom Caltabiano Joins the Tour
Romano invited his longtime friend and fellow comedian, Tom Caltabiano, to be his opening act for the tour. Their history together as performers over a decade made this collaboration a natural fit for both comedians.
Documenting the Journey
Caltabiano, who had consistently documented their touring experiences since 1992, encouraged Romano to film their journey. Initially hesitant, Romano eventually agreed to let a smaller film crew capture their adventures rather than a full-fledged crew.
Intern Roger Lay, Jr. Enters
To ease Romano's concerns about filming, they brought onboard Roger Lay, Jr., an intern from *Everybody Loves Raymond*. As a film student at USC, Lay was excited to capture the essence of their comedic tour.
Starting the Tour in Miami
The comedy journey began with a flight from Los Angeles to Miami, marking the first stop of their tour. Miami set the tone for an exciting eight-day adventure filled with performances and travel.
Traveling Across Seven Cities
Over the course of the tour, Romano and Caltabiano traveled to seven cities, including Tampa, Clearwater, Orlando, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Atlanta. This thousand-mile trek allowed them to engage with diverse audiences throughout the South.
Capturing Daily Footage
Each day of the tour, the cameras captured an astounding sixteen hours of footage. By the end of their journey, they accumulated around one hundred thirty hours of content, providing a rich tapestry of their experiences.
Editing Begins at Warner Bros.
Following the conclusion of the tour, the editing process commenced in a special setup next to Romano's office at Warner Bros. Studios. The intimate connection to *Everybody Loves Raymond* added a layer of nostalgia to the editing phase.
Initial Cut Premiere
The initial cut of the film, running an impressive two-and-a-half hours, premiered at The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California. This event marked a significant milestone, showcasing the fruits of their labor to eager fans and industry insiders.
Test Screenings Across Los Angeles
Following the premiere, the film underwent fifteen test screenings at theaters throughout Los Angeles. These screenings provided valuable feedback that would ultimately refine the final product.
Festival Screening Showcase
The rough cut of the film was showcased at both The Deep Ellum Film Festival in Dallas, Texas, and HBO's Comedy Festival in Las Vegas. These festivals offered exposure to a broader audience and critical insight into the comedic narrative.
Completion and HBO Airing
Ultimately, the film reached completion in early 2006 and aired on HBO. It enjoyed a significant presence on the network for an impressive two and a half years, captivating audiences with its comedic journey.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring 95 Miles to Go (2006) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ray Romano
Ray Romano is portrayed as a seasoned comedian navigating the ups and downs of touring. His initial reluctance about filming exemplifies his vulnerability, but he also shows resilience and a dedication to the craft. His humorous perspective often serves as the backbone of their comedic interactions.
Tom Caltabiano
Tom Caltabiano is Romano’s supportive friend and fellow comedian, instrumental in chronicling their adventures. His enthusiasm and persistence in documenting their journey establish him as a key figure during the tour. His role reflects the dynamics of collaboration in the comedic world.
Setting
Uncover the settings of 95 Miles to Go (2006), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2006
The film captures a significant period in the mid-2000s, reflecting the entertainment landscape where standup comedy was thriving. This era saw a blend of traditional comedic styles with emerging trends, making it an interesting time for performers like Ray Romano and Tom Caltabiano.
Location
Miami, Tampa, Clearwater, Orlando, Jacksonville, Savannah, Atlanta
The movie takes place across several vibrant cities in the southeastern United States. Each location showcases unique cultural elements and local charm, enhancing the comedic journey of the standup tour. From the bustling nightlife of Miami to the historic charm of Savannah, these cities offer a diverse backdrop to the comedic experiences of the duo.
Themes
Explore the core themes of 95 Miles to Go (2006). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Comedy
The central theme of the movie revolves around the art of standup comedy. It highlights the camaraderie between comedians as they share laughs and experiences on the road. Their journey reflects the ups and downs of performing live, offering insights into the life of a traveling comic.
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Friendship
Friendship is a vital theme as the film explores the bond between Ray Romano and Tom Caltabiano. Their longstanding relationship is highlighted throughout the journey, showcasing how shared experiences strengthen their connection while providing comedic relief.
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