New York-based audio shop SuperExploder‘s composer Ted Gannon heads to L.A. Comedy SHORTS to dodge an axe wielding humanoid pig on the mean streets of New Jersey in the satirical short, “Pig Lady.” The film, written and directed by Thomas De Napoli and Steve Makowski is about a teenager who tries to impress the cool kids by facing down a local urban legend monster. Chris Hengeveld of SuperExploder sister company Northern Lights worked with the directors to storyboard each frame and worked extensively in Lustre to create a darker, more foreboding look for the film. The short will premiere at L.A. Comedy SHORTS on Saturday, April 28th at 1:30pm PST at the Downtown Independent Theater.
Gannon worked closely with De Napoli and Makowski to come up with a musical score that would accent the horror/comedy duality. Gannon notes, “We felt that the only way for the comedy and horror to coexist would be to score with deadly serious horror music in order to contrast to the humorous content and acting.” Northern Lights‘ Chris Hengeveld collaborated with the directors to craft a seamless visual theme throughout the entire short film. He notes, “The biggest challenge was to take multiple days of shooting through different seasons and different hours of the day and to integrate it all together as one seamless linear shoot. In addition, both RED and ALEXA were used. Minimizing any differences also was a challenge.”
The directors worked closely with DP Dave Jacobson to create a look that is reminiscent of their favorite films from the 80’s. “When we went into the project we told Dave that we wanted something that looked like John Hughes meets John Carpenter,” notes De Napoli.
In addition to the music and overall imagery, spot-on casting was essential in achieving the appropriate blend of comedy and horror. De Napoli met Funny or Die President of Production Mike Farah while screening his music video for Das Racist’s single “Who’s That? Brooown!” in the US Narrative Shorts Competition at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011. De Napoli and Makowski reached out to Farah with the initial script for casting advice. After choosing Alex Shaffer as the relatable protagonist, Will, the directors sought to find someone to play Will’s sidekick, Justin, who would be able to handle the humor without being too over the top. When Farah suggested they look at Troy Gentile (“Superbad,” “Drillbit Taylor”) for the role, they immediately knew that he was perfect for the part.
The shoot took place over four nights at a remote New Jersey location chosen to be reminiscent of the “Pig Lady Lane” remembered by those who recall the legend from the 70s and 80s. De Napoli notes, “After spending months trying to get this very ambitious project off the ground, the best moment was arriving to set the first day and seeing it all come to fruition.”
“Pig Lady” has also recently been selected to screen before the Borscht Corporation’s screening of Severin Films’ re-release of The Burning Moon on Friday, April 13th in Miami, FL. Click here for more information on this screening.
About SuperExploder
SuperExploder is the preeminent destination for all things audio. A sound design, music composition and audio mix boutique located in Chelsea. NYC. SuperExploder is led by award-winning mixer/sound designer/composer Ted Gannon and mixer/sound designer Jody Nazzaro, along with Executive Producer Beth Cummins and audio everyman Tony Sprayberry. Also representing composers Peter Fish, David Brent and Michael Carey, these auditory virtuosos offer comprehensive sound services for commercials, promos, radio, feature films, web content and experiential projects. Filter anything through SuperExploder for truly combustible audio.
About Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a thriving bi-coastal (NY/LA) post production boutique featuring filmmakers and visual artists with a passion for telling stories.
From Promax and Emmy-winning TV branding to commercials, film and Internet content, Northern Lights has been a destination for original ideas since 1995.
The company’s award-winning talent is continually creating new ways to interpret footage for all modern delivery platforms. Their unmatched ability to shape ideas into focused content for brands is fed by a creative environment that fosters trying new things and taking risks.
Northern Lights teams up with sister companies Mr. Wonderful for design, SuperExploder, for composing and audio post, and Bodega for creative assignments and production. Working together, they’re a powerful one-stop resource that tailors their offerings to each individual client and filmmaker’s needs.
Credits
Writers/Directors: Thomas De Napoli, Steve Makowski
AD: Brad Payne
Executive Producers: David Gioiella, Mark Littman
Producers: Jordan Foley, Chris Goodwin
Co-Producer: Karl Ryan Erikson
Line Producer: Allison Rose Carter
DP: Dave Jacobson
Editor: Steve Makowski
Art Director: Esther Kim
Costume Designer: Kristin Luszcz
Post Production: Northern Lights
Color Correction: Chris Hengeveld
Music: SuperExploder
Composer: Ted Gannon
Special Effects Makeup: Jeremy Selenfriend
Production Designer: Kris Moran
