Pepperoni
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Adventure, Comedy
Pepperoni is a story about a kid with large nipples. Very large nipples. Yes, you read that correctly. This film is my senior thesis for LMU and it's a story that's near and dear to me. Writing Pepperoni healed a part of my inner child. I hope the final film will do the same for others.
Pepperoni
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Adventure, Comedy
2 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $8,185 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
67 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Pepperoni is a story about a kid with large nipples. Very large nipples. Yes, you read that correctly. This film is my senior thesis for LMU and it's a story that's near and dear to me. Writing Pepperoni healed a part of my inner child. I hope the final film will do the same for others.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
You know... like... pepperoni nipples. Some people prefer the term "man boobs." Scientists call it "gynecomastia." Usually due to a hormonal imbalance, it’s characterized by a bulging, shiny areola and an over-projecting nipple.
I've had big, puffy nipples all my life and it's haunted me since middle school. Normal childhood activities like pool parties or shirts vs. skins games were life or death. My biggest fear was people discovering the size of my nipples.
Over the years, I've realized just how silly this fear was. There's way too many things happening in the world for me to worry about something as dumb as my nipples. Writing Pepperoni was about dismantling that fear.
Pepperoni follows an eighth-grader named Sam, nicknamed "Pepperoni" due to his puffy nipples, who seeks the help of a famous pro-wrestler after a fellow student confronts him with blackmail.
Big nipples. And Pro-Wrestling. A match made in heaven.
Pro-wrestling (especially the WWE) has always been a safe space for outcasts. It's a world filled with offbeat characters. Anybody can become a champion, no matter how strange they are. Sam is a lonely kid who finds comfort and guidance in that world. His hero is a man named Arturo Diablo - a hulking mass of a man who wears an iconic flaming chest piece.
Pro-wrestling was also an important element to Pepperoni's story because of the sheer level of pure, masculine energy on display in the sport. Having big nipples was always extremely demasculizing. We live in a testerone fueled world where toxic masculinity often affects young boys lives. Just look at current figures like Andrew Tate for example.
I think it's incredibly important that men allow themselves to feel emotions instead of shoving all their problems deep down. It's something I've struggled with for a long time myself. Pepperoni was the first time I felt like I was finally breaking free from that struggle.
In my preferred style, Pepperoni is hilarious and over the top. However, I hope this film will not only entertain, but provide a catharsis for anyone who've hidden a part of themselves away.
PRE-PRODUCTION (AUGUST 2022 - NOVEMBER 2022)
Our team has already been deep in pre-production since August. This is a massive project involving child actors, unique costuming, stunts, and several high-profile locations. We've been working our asses off to ensure we have everything we need ready to go when it's finally time to shoot.
PRODUCTION (EARLY NOVEMBER 2022)
Following all that preparation, we finally move into the production stage where all departments come together to form one singular vision. As of now, we plan to film for four days in Los Angeles at a number of awesome locations including a boxing ring, a middle school, and a diner. Our team is equipped with years of industry experience and have collaborated together many times in the past. But we need your help to ensure our crew is also equipped with the best gear and resources to maximize their efforts.
Given Covid is still an issue, our Health & Safety Supervisor will make sure we have a fully vaccinated crew and that everyone is tested before shooting begins. We plan to follow all industry guidelines to ensure our cast and crew is not only having fun, but also kept safe!
POST-PRODUCTION (NOVEMBER 2022 - JANUARY 2023)
Post-production is where things get fun and the story really starts to take shape. With the addition of color, mixed and mastered audio, and a lively original score, Pepperoni will officially become a story worthy of the big screen. We've got an incredible post team ready to kick into gear right after production wraps.
FILM FESTIVAL DISTRIBUTION (JANUARY 2023 - DECEMBER 2023)
No film should be made with the sole intention of getting into festivals. The art should come first. However... we'd also love to get into some festivals. With this story and team, we're confident it will get noticed. Festival distribution costs money though, and we'd like to get this seen by as many festivals as possible. There is also a feature length version of Pepperoni in the works. The goal is to get selected into a number of high profile festivals, build an audience, find investors, and work on developing this project into something even larger.
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Look, I undrstand not everyone has cash to burn right now. And that's okay. If you can't donate monetarily, we will happily take your love and support instead. The more eyes on this project, the better. However, if you can donate, I promise your money will go to towards the creation of a truly make a kick ass film.
If this project excites you in any way - please take a moment to share it around. To those who've supported me since the beginning, I aim to continue making you proud. And to those just joining, welcome. Let's make something incredible together.
You can follow us on Instagram @pepperonifilm | If you wanna help spread the word, feel free to copy and paste the text below to post wherever you like!
Help filmmaker @jstaudenmaier by supporting his absurd, coming of age film PEPPERONI about an eighth grader with big nipples who's obsessed with pro wrestling. Join him on @seedandspark: www.seedandspark.com/fund/pepperoni
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $3,500
We want to make the world of Pepperoni vibrant and realistic - which requires some unique locations.
Cast
Costs $2,000
Pepperoni is full of interesting characters, which requires the highest quality cast.
Production Design
Costs $1,500
We want the world to feel lived in and believable.
Crafty & Meals
Costs $1,000
A hungry crew is not a happy crew. We'd like a happy crew.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $2,000
To give our team the best tools in the industry to make this film look and sound incredible.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jacob Staudenmaier (Writer/Director)
Jacob is a writer and director based in Los Angeles. His first taste of the film industry occurred when his promposal to Emma Stone went viral in 2017. It was a very silly, extremley low budget video, but it proved he could find success with his passion for film. Since then, he’s completed two feature films and a handle of shorts. His most recent project, Chasing Sundance, premiered at the Laemmle Royal. He currently attends Loyola Marymount University.
Ashley Beuhler (Lead Producer)
Ashley is a producer and assistant director located in LA. Since graduating Loyola Marymount University in 2021, she has worked on numerous projects ranging from commercials to feature films. She aspires to help tell stories that focus on childhood innocence and the struggles that come with growing up.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
You know... like... pepperoni nipples. Some people prefer the term "man boobs." Scientists call it "gynecomastia." Usually due to a hormonal imbalance, it’s characterized by a bulging, shiny areola and an over-projecting nipple.
I've had big, puffy nipples all my life and it's haunted me since middle school. Normal childhood activities like pool parties or shirts vs. skins games were life or death. My biggest fear was people discovering the size of my nipples.
Over the years, I've realized just how silly this fear was. There's way too many things happening in the world for me to worry about something as dumb as my nipples. Writing Pepperoni was about dismantling that fear.
Pepperoni follows an eighth-grader named Sam, nicknamed "Pepperoni" due to his puffy nipples, who seeks the help of a famous pro-wrestler after a fellow student confronts him with blackmail.
Big nipples. And Pro-Wrestling. A match made in heaven.
Pro-wrestling (especially the WWE) has always been a safe space for outcasts. It's a world filled with offbeat characters. Anybody can become a champion, no matter how strange they are. Sam is a lonely kid who finds comfort and guidance in that world. His hero is a man named Arturo Diablo - a hulking mass of a man who wears an iconic flaming chest piece.
Pro-wrestling was also an important element to Pepperoni's story because of the sheer level of pure, masculine energy on display in the sport. Having big nipples was always extremely demasculizing. We live in a testerone fueled world where toxic masculinity often affects young boys lives. Just look at current figures like Andrew Tate for example.
I think it's incredibly important that men allow themselves to feel emotions instead of shoving all their problems deep down. It's something I've struggled with for a long time myself. Pepperoni was the first time I felt like I was finally breaking free from that struggle.
In my preferred style, Pepperoni is hilarious and over the top. However, I hope this film will not only entertain, but provide a catharsis for anyone who've hidden a part of themselves away.
PRE-PRODUCTION (AUGUST 2022 - NOVEMBER 2022)
Our team has already been deep in pre-production since August. This is a massive project involving child actors, unique costuming, stunts, and several high-profile locations. We've been working our asses off to ensure we have everything we need ready to go when it's finally time to shoot.
PRODUCTION (EARLY NOVEMBER 2022)
Following all that preparation, we finally move into the production stage where all departments come together to form one singular vision. As of now, we plan to film for four days in Los Angeles at a number of awesome locations including a boxing ring, a middle school, and a diner. Our team is equipped with years of industry experience and have collaborated together many times in the past. But we need your help to ensure our crew is also equipped with the best gear and resources to maximize their efforts.
Given Covid is still an issue, our Health & Safety Supervisor will make sure we have a fully vaccinated crew and that everyone is tested before shooting begins. We plan to follow all industry guidelines to ensure our cast and crew is not only having fun, but also kept safe!
POST-PRODUCTION (NOVEMBER 2022 - JANUARY 2023)
Post-production is where things get fun and the story really starts to take shape. With the addition of color, mixed and mastered audio, and a lively original score, Pepperoni will officially become a story worthy of the big screen. We've got an incredible post team ready to kick into gear right after production wraps.
FILM FESTIVAL DISTRIBUTION (JANUARY 2023 - DECEMBER 2023)
No film should be made with the sole intention of getting into festivals. The art should come first. However... we'd also love to get into some festivals. With this story and team, we're confident it will get noticed. Festival distribution costs money though, and we'd like to get this seen by as many festivals as possible. There is also a feature length version of Pepperoni in the works. The goal is to get selected into a number of high profile festivals, build an audience, find investors, and work on developing this project into something even larger.
Look, I undrstand not everyone has cash to burn right now. And that's okay. If you can't donate monetarily, we will happily take your love and support instead. The more eyes on this project, the better. However, if you can donate, I promise your money will go to towards the creation of a truly make a kick ass film.
If this project excites you in any way - please take a moment to share it around. To those who've supported me since the beginning, I aim to continue making you proud. And to those just joining, welcome. Let's make something incredible together.
You can follow us on Instagram @pepperonifilm | If you wanna help spread the word, feel free to copy and paste the text below to post wherever you like!
Help filmmaker @jstaudenmaier by supporting his absurd, coming of age film PEPPERONI about an eighth grader with big nipples who's obsessed with pro wrestling. Join him on @seedandspark: www.seedandspark.com/fund/pepperoni
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Locations
Costs $3,500
We want to make the world of Pepperoni vibrant and realistic - which requires some unique locations.
Cast
Costs $2,000
Pepperoni is full of interesting characters, which requires the highest quality cast.
Production Design
Costs $1,500
We want the world to feel lived in and believable.
Crafty & Meals
Costs $1,000
A hungry crew is not a happy crew. We'd like a happy crew.
Equipment Rentals
Costs $2,000
To give our team the best tools in the industry to make this film look and sound incredible.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Jacob Staudenmaier (Writer/Director)
Jacob is a writer and director based in Los Angeles. His first taste of the film industry occurred when his promposal to Emma Stone went viral in 2017. It was a very silly, extremley low budget video, but it proved he could find success with his passion for film. Since then, he’s completed two feature films and a handle of shorts. His most recent project, Chasing Sundance, premiered at the Laemmle Royal. He currently attends Loyola Marymount University.
Ashley Beuhler (Lead Producer)
Ashley is a producer and assistant director located in LA. Since graduating Loyola Marymount University in 2021, she has worked on numerous projects ranging from commercials to feature films. She aspires to help tell stories that focus on childhood innocence and the struggles that come with growing up.