Comedy duo Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney, widely recognized as BriTANick, have opened up about the creative journey behind their debut feature Pizza Movie and the unusual promotional strategy they used to generate buzz for its Hulu release.
The filmmakers admitted that the film’s title was a long-standing challenge. Originally referred to as Untitled Pizza Movie, they explored multiple options before ultimately embracing the simple — and intentionally awkward — name. What began as a placeholder eventually became meaningful after they built a joke into the film that pays off later, making the title part of the comedy itself.
Described as a quirky “stoner comedy for theater lovers,” the story follows three college students played by Gaten Matarazzo, Sean Giambrone and Lulu Wilson. After consuming a mysterious experimental drug, they embark on a chaotic journey through their dorm to retrieve a pizza that could end their bizarre and escalating hallucinations. The film blends surreal humor with shifting genres, turning each phase of the drug experience into a different cinematic style.
Since Pizza Movie was always intended for streaming rather than theaters, BriTANick decided to address that reality with humor. Inspired by a viral promotional stunt involving Timothée Chalamet, they created a parody version featuring their own cast. Instead of a grand spectacle, actors stood on a simple picnic table while joking about the lack of a theatrical release. The filmmakers noted that Hulu supported the idea and encouraged their playful approach.
Kocher and McElhaney also reflected on the evolving comedy landscape. They believe that the widespread availability of short-form humor on social media platforms has contributed to the decline of traditional comedy films in cinemas. With audiences constantly exposed to quick, accessible content, convincing them to visit theaters for laughs has become more challenging.
Despite this shift, the duo remains optimistic about the future of comedy. They emphasized the importance of creating bold, high-quality films that can draw audiences back to shared viewing experiences. At the same time, they acknowledged their own role in shaping the digital comedy space through their early online work.
In addition to Pizza Movie, the pair has another project arriving soon. They wrote Over Your Dead Body, directed by Jorma Taccone and starring Samara Weaving and Jason Segel. The film is set for a theatrical release, marking a contrast to their streaming debut.
The filmmakers say their goal moving forward is to continue balancing original projects with collaborative work, experimenting across genres while maintaining their distinctive comedic voice.