Pepperoni
A self-conscious middle schooler seeks the help of a famous wrestler after a school bully threatens to expose his darkest secret: his pepperoni nipples.
Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Jacob Staudenmaier
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
For nearly half my life, I’ve had this irrational fear of taking my shirt off. As someone with large, puffy nipples and a rampant case of body dysmorphia, simple childhood activities like pool parties and shirts vs. skins games were waking nightmares. These horrors followed me into adulthood, causing my personal life to suffer, especially my romantic relationships. That is, until 2021 when I had an epiphany. While I was out on a run, it suddenly struck me just how silly my fear was. Without thinking, I tore my shirt off and finished the run totally shirtless. The air felt good on my skin. There was triumphant music pumping in my ears. I was free. Of course, I had a long way to go, and I still struggle with my body image today. But it was an important moment that eventually led to the creation of Pepperoni. A film that allowed me, for the first time, to discuss something I had hidden away for so long. And to do so in a comedic way. Pepperoni, in all its absurdity, is a film about finally gaining the courage to tear that shirt off and face the world as you are; a message I wish I’d heard when I was younger.
Pepperoni - Sam presenting to the class
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Pepperoni is a film for anyone who has ever hidden a part of themselves away due to their fear of judgment from others. It's a coming-of-age story about accepting who you are and how you look. However, it tackles this subject matter in a wildly absurd style, so it's sure to leave audiences with a warm feeling inside by the end. If you enjoy movies like Napoleon Dynamite or early Wes Anderson films then Pepperoni is for you!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Pepperoni's message applies to people with all kinds of insecurities. It's a film about self-acceptance and should resonate with anyone who feels self-conscious about things they can't control. Things they were born with. Things they shouldn't be judged for. Because that's just how they are. That's who they are. And that's beautiful.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Pepperoni has remained thematically and tonally the same since its inception in early 2022. But the antagonist that Sam (our main character) faces has gone through various iterations. An earlier draft had Sam fighting a group of evil government agents, but in the final version, Sam is faced with a typical school bully. I liked playing into the bully cliche because it allowed me to keep the film slightly more grounded while subverting expectations as the short progresses.
Pepperoni - Ransom note
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We've received nothing but positive feedback so far. The reactions to the film have been truly heartwarming, and it has been rewarding to see how the film's message has positively affected audience members. But it has been even more rewarding to hear the audience's consistent laughter throughout the film's runtime. It's a powerful thing to affect people emotionally, but nothing brings me more joy than making others laugh.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Our film's reception has shown me just how many people relate to the fear of being shirtless. It has made me feel much less alone in this world, and far more confident in my skin; knowing that others have experienced the same struggle.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Ultimately, I just want this film to find the right audience. I know it's out there. And I know there are people (especially younger kids) who could really benefit from the film's message, the way it has benefited me.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We're just looking for anyone who can help us reach the biggest audience possible!
Pepperoni - Arturo Diablo's entrance
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope our film speaks to those who have hidden a part of themselves away and inspires them to rip their shirts off. Metaphorically speaking (But also literally).
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What's so weird about big nipples?
Would you like to add anything else?
As we wait for Pepperoni's official release, you can find plenty of my other work on my Instagram or my YouTube channel.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'll be co-directing a short film titled Negative to Ground at the end of May with my good friend Chris Pickering. So keep an eye out for that!
Pepperoni poster
Interview: May 2024
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Pepperoni
A self-conscious middle schooler seeks the help of a famous wrestler after a school bully threatens to expose his darkest secret: his pepperoni nipples.
Length: 16:59
Director: Jacob Staudenmaier
Producer: Ashley Beuhler
Writer: Jacob Staudenmaier
About the writer, director and producer:
JACOB STAUDENMAIER is a filmmaker from Phoenix, Arizona. His initial "claim to fame" was a viral video he created in 2017 asking actress Emma Stone to his high school prom. Since then, his work has taken on a deeply satirical, often meta, filmmaking style. He strives to tell stories that allow him to poke fun at his shortcomings and anxieties - finding catharsis in comedy. He regularly employs absurdism and surrealism in his projects, no matter the genre. He is currently based in Los Angeles.
ASHLEY BEUHLER is a producer and assistant director located in LA. Since graduating from 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.
Key cast: Toby Grey (Sam), Leandro Cano (Arturo Diablo), Ronan Adair Mailhot (Noah)
Looking for: distributors, sales agents
Facebook: Jacob Staudenmaier
Twitter: @upsettrout
Instagram: @jstaudenmaier
Hashtags used: #pepperoni #pepperonifilm #freethenipple
Funders: Seed & Spark
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
There are currently no upcoming film festival screenings for Pepperoni, but we hope to release the film publicly later this year in the Fall.