95 Miles to Go

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.