We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carl Rimi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carl, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was creating the feature film iPossessed—from writing the script all the way through to a 25-city theatrical release.

Making a movie independently is a major undertaking, and I took it on with my girlfriend and producing partner, Tami Boothby. We self-financed the film, and also had some help, which meant we had full responsibility for every part of the process—from creative development to production logistics to distribution.

It started with a script I wrote and rewrote multiple times. Once the story was locked, I shifted into full production mode: hiring key crew members, assembling the right team for each department, sourcing gear, and securing locations.

While on set, I wore several hats—I was the lead actor, co-director, and producer, often all at once. I had to help guide the creative vision in real time while also solving production issues on the fly—navigating unexpected problems, making sure we stayed on schedule, and adapting quickly to keep the momentum going through long shoot days and nights.

After wrapping production, I managed the post-production phase—overseeing editing, music composition, sound design, and everything else needed to finish the film. Then came the challenge of getting it into the world. I handled the search for distribution, ultimately landing a deal that led to a 25-city theatrical tour, which I traveled with to help promote the film. From there, we brought iPossessed to streaming platforms for a wider audience.

This project was deeply meaningful because it pushed me to grow in every direction—as a storyteller, as a leader, and as someone who had to stay focused and resilient from start to finish. It was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, but also the most creatively and personally fulfilling.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Introduction & Background
I’ve been a stand-up comedian for a little over 28 years. Over the course of my career, I’ve traveled all across the country performing live and spent a solid 10-year stretch doing shows on cruise ships—mostly throughout the Caribbean. That chapter of my life gave me not just stage time but also a deeper appreciation for performing in front of diverse audiences.

Evolution into Acting & Filmmaking
In 2013, I stepped away from cruise ship gigs to focus more seriously on acting. That shift led me down a creative path I didn’t fully expect—but embraced. I started writing, which eventually led to making my first feature film. Along the way, I worked on a variety of microbudget projects, both in front of and behind the camera. These experiences weren’t just about practice—they were about learning every aspect of the craft and building meaningful relationships in the industry.

What I Offer
Today, I wear multiple creative hats: stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker. Whether it’s through a live performance or a film project, I aim to tell stories that connect—through humor, honesty, and nostalgia. My work is built on years of firsthand experience and a deep love for entertaining people.

What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is the longevity and range of my experience. I’ve put in the time—on stage, on set, and everywhere in between. I bring a working-class, no-shortcuts approach to everything I do, and I think that resonates with audiences. I’m not just creating to keep up—I’m creating because I still love it.

Proudest Moment
One of my proudest accomplishments to date is the comedy special I just shot—after nearly three decades in stand-up. It’s called Remember When, and it’s a mix of classic material and newer reflections. It’s a celebration of the “good ol’ days,” and a nod to how far I’ve come. It feels like a full-circle moment.

Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my work, it’s that I’ve stayed true to myself. Whether you’re seeing me live, watching a film I’ve made, or catching a set on screen, you’re getting someone who genuinely loves what they do—and isn’t afraid to keep evolving.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A Defining Pivot
One of the biggest pivots in my career—and my life—came while I was performing on cruise ships. At the time, I had been doing those gigs for years, but I started to feel creatively stuck. The routine became less about the art and more about the paycheck. Along the way, I was also drinking too much, and eventually, I began to lose touch with who I was—not just as a comedian, but as a person.

It got to the point where I didn’t like the version of myself I was becoming. That’s when I made the decision to get sober—and to walk away from cruise ship work altogether. It’s been 12 years now since I got sober, and that choice changed everything.

Once I left that lifestyle behind, I was finally able to reconnect with my creativity. I started writing seriously, which opened the door to acting and eventually to making my first feature film. I truly believe that if I had stayed in that environment, none of that would have been possible. Sobriety didn’t just give me my life back—it gave me my voice back.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I’ve learned so much through the process of both stand-up comedy and filmmaking—mostly by doing, failing, adjusting, and trying again. One thing that’s become really clear to me is that in both of these professions there is not a set path or central resource for people to access in order to learn. I have been open to every conversation, connection, resource, and opportunity. However, at the end of the day, it comes down to trusting myself, finding a solution to every obstacle, and staying focused and committed to my vision, even on the difficult days. I will never stop learning and growing and hustling. I am an open book and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned in both stand-up comedy and filmmaking with anyone who wants to talk. After our theatrical tour with iPossessed, which is out on Amazon now, and a comedy special releasing soon, 2025 has certainly been a rewarding year! And this is just the beginning!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ipossessedmovie.com
• Instagram: @carlrimi
• Facebook: @carlrimicomedian
• Linkedin: @carlrimi
• Youtube: @carlrimicomedian

Image Credits

Tami Boothby, Javier Mayol,