Latest news with #Neibich
Time Business News
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
From Spotlight to Shadows: Joseph Neibich Talks About His Haunting New Short Film 'Lights Off'
Joseph Neibich, best known for his quick wit on stage and sharp storytelling behind the camera, is embracing a darker realm in his latest short film, Lights Off . A departure from the laughter-filled rooms of comedy clubs, the film immerses viewers in a world of tension, seduction, and psychological unease. In a recent conversation, Neibich opened up about what inspired this bold creative shift and what it took to bring his eerie vision to life. 'I've always been drawn to stories that sit just beneath the surface of normal life,' Neibich said. ' Lights Off came from a place of personal reflection — the things we bury, the shadows we ignore.' The film revolves around a mysterious woman who disrupts the life of a recently divorced man, leading him down a twisted emotional path. What begins as an intimate encounter slowly evolves into something far more sinister. The short is rich in symbolism and subtle horror, with a narrative that challenges viewers to question what's real and what's internal. As both the writer and actor, Joseph Neibich found himself playing dual roles — on the page and on set. He admitted that juggling both wasn't always easy. 'You know the character so well in your head, but once you step into his shoes, it forces you to confront your own interpretations,' he shared. 'I wanted the audience to feel the confusion, the blurred lines — that's the core of this story.' Shot with a lean crew and tight schedule, Lights Off is a testament to the power of indie filmmaking. It's a slow burn, layered with nuance and eerie elegance. The sound design, subtle lighting, and close-up framing all contribute to an atmosphere that feels intimate yet uncomfortable. Neibich credits his collaborators for helping bring his vision to life, especially director of photography Michelle Burks, whose lens captured the delicate balance between reality and illusion. The film will screen at the Arizona International Film Festival as part of the Arizona Shorts block, a moment Neibich says is incredibly meaningful. 'To share this project in my home state is full circle for me. Arizona raised me, and to be able to bring something new and bold back here feels like an important step forward.' But even with this successful foray into suspenseful storytelling, Neibich hasn't left his comedic roots behind. In fact, he sees the two forms of expression as connected. 'Comedy and horror both rely on timing. They both build tension — one breaks it with laughter, the other with fear. I think my years in comedy gave me the intuition to know when to pull back and when to hit hard.' Looking ahead, Neibich plans to continue exploring complex human emotions through film, whether that means comedy, drama, or psychological thrillers. He's also involved in producing the Faith in Film International Film Festival, supporting stories that offer purpose and deeper meaning — even in their darkness. With Lights Off , Joseph Neibich proves he's not afraid to step outside the comfort zone. It's a fearless short film that lingers with you — and a reminder that sometimes, it's when the lights go out that we see most clearly. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Joseph Neibich: The Renaissance Man of Comedy, Film, and Storytelling
Joseph Neibich — also known as Joseph Nybyk — is a true multi-hyphenate in the world of entertainment. Actor, director, producer, comedian, and writer, Neibich was recently named 2025 Best Comedian by Tucson Weekly , a recognition that highlights both his comedic brilliance and his enduring impact on the Southwest's performance scene. On March 28 and 29, fans can catch Neibich live at Laffs Comedy Caffé, where he'll be performing alongside headliner Pauly Casillas. As a house emcee at Laffs, Neibich is no stranger to the stage — he's also held similar roles at Laugh Factory and Stand Up Scottsdale, where he's fine-tuned his comedic craft. A Gilbert native, Neibich's academic path took him from the University of Arizona to Sewanee: The University of the South, where he studied political theory and prelaw. But it was the pull of performance — not politics — that ultimately won him over. He entered the world of stand-up in 2000 and never looked back, performing everywhere from clubs and colleges to cruise ships and corporate events. Early in his journey, Neibich worked the door at the iconic Comedy Store in Hollywood, a proving ground for legends like Jay Leno, David Letterman, and Richard Pryor. 'Every single one of us would have paid for the job,' he recalls. Being surrounded by comedy giants like Joe Rogan and Chelsea Handler inspired him to commit fully to the craft. His early material was drawn from his time bartending at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where he rubbed elbows with A-listers like Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Bono, and Michael Jordan. His brushes with fame now form the core of his storytelling-rich sets. 'I talk about it for a good 10 minutes… the antics of the rich and famous and being a young bartender trying to make it in Hollywood,' he says. Today, Neibich's comedy includes reflections on aging, changing priorities, and life after late-night parties — 'I used to love to party. Now I love coffee shops,' he jokes. His passion for storytelling began early, watching The Tonight Show with his father and dreaming of being like Johnny Carson. But growing up in Gilbert, Arizona, he didn't see a clear path to that dream. 'You work for the city, maybe go into politics,' he said of the environment he grew up in. Still, a trip to New York City and some college theater changed everything — and he knew he belonged in the arts. Neibich's talents extend beyond stand-up. In 2025, he wrote and starred in 'Feeling Blessed', a short film that was submitted to HollyShorts and the Rhode Island International Film Festival, both Oscar-qualifying events. He also created 'Lights Off', which will screen at the Arizona International Film Festival on April 8. Beyond his own work, he uplifts others through his Faith in Film International Film Festival, happening May 17 at The Screening Room. It's a platform for faith-based films and emerging talent. 'Hopefully, it helps them get noticed, and they make bigger and better movies,' he says. Neibich's Hollywood journey began with a small but meaningful role in Jerry Maguire , which bolstered his confidence and launched a flurry of calls to agents. After moving to Los Angeles in 1997, he joined the marketing team at Paramount Pictures and later worked at Landmark Entertainment, collaborating with legends like James Cameron and Michael Jackson. Whether working behind the scenes in production or captivating crowds on stage, Neibich remains committed to the art of storytelling. 'I can't imagine spending my 20s and early 30s doing anything else,' he says. To learn more about Joseph Neibich and his work, visit TIME BUSINESS NEWS
