We’re down a Cinebud this week, but worry not because we called in a couple of Jokers to compensate.

To be more accurate, our very special guests joining us on this episode are two of the people who worked on viral and cinematic sensation The People’s Joker: composers Justin Krol and Quinn Scharber. The Milwaukee-based duo are the driving force behind the film’s score and thus have enjoyed a front-row seat to its tumultuous and controversial existence.

We won’t get too into the legal weeds here, but to summarize: The People’s Joker debuted at the Toronto Film Festival back in 2022, was shelved under the threat of legal action from Warner Bros., snuck in a secret midnight screening at the Milwaukee Film Festival in 2023 and then finally began its proper theatrical run last month.

With Kpolly on the sidelines for this one, Dori uses her finely honed interviewing skills to get Krol and Scharber chatting about their early days as Milwaukee musicians, their connection to the movie’s star/creative force Vera Drew, and the chutzpah required to get into this very competitive field.

Produced and edited by Marcus Doucette