Can ‘Pizza Movie’ and ‘Over Your Dead Body’ Redefine Comedy?
Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, collectively known as BriTANicK, are making waves at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival this year. They are showcasing two films, “Pizza Movie” and “Over Your Dead Body.” Their comedic journey is marked by a dynamic creative process characterized by friendly disagreements, leading to innovative outcomes.
BriTANicK’s Creative Process
The duo’s collaboration often begins with differing opinions. Kocher explains, “I want option A, and Brian wants option B,” which leads to intense discussions. Eventually, this back-and-forth results in a solution that surpasses their original ideas. McElhaney adds that their stubbornness fuels this productive conflict.
Film Highlights
- Pizza Movie: This film is a quirky college comedy featuring a group of friends played by Gaten Matarazzo, Sean Giambrone, and Lulu Wilson. The plot revolves around their hallucinogenic adventure to retrieve a pizza delivered to their dorm.
- Over Your Dead Body: This dark dramedy explores the tumultuous relationship between a feuding couple, portrayed by Samara Weaving and Jason Segel. It’s adapted from the Norwegian film “The Trip.”
Grounding Humor in Emotion
Both films reflect BriTANicK’s trademark of combining humor with relatable emotional themes. McElhaney emphasizes the importance of starting from an emotional truth to create a comedic narrative. This approach has been pivotal in their journey from sketches to feature films.
Career Evolution
BriTANicK’s career began in their hometown of Atlanta, where they bonded over shared experiences. They later collaborated at NYU, drawing inspiration from successful sketch comedy groups. Their break came with gigs on prestigious shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Saturday Night Live.”
Lessons Learned
- Working on “It’s Always Sunny” taught them the value of pushing boundaries in comedy.
- At “Saturday Night Live,” they learned the importance of adaptability and getting ideas down quickly.
Test Screening Experience
The duo embraces feedback and values test screenings. They conducted focus groups for “Pizza Movie” to gauge audience reactions. Kocher notes the surprises encountered during these screenings, where unexpected jokes resonated well.
Looking Ahead
With the debut of their films at SXSW, both creators are excited yet anxious about their live performance following the screenings. Their journey showcases the blend of creativity, stubbornness, and a commitment to redefining comedy through relatable narratives.
