HOGWASH

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Taylor, a socially awkward podcast producer, Ned, the hot-headed host, and their off-beat friend, Sebby, find their lives upended when a shot at fame, a rekindled romance, and a masked killer’s deadly spree collide in a chaotic whirlwind of ambition, friendship, love, and death.

Logline

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Pitch Deck

Concept Art

The Characters

  • Taylor

    TAYLOR (30’s) is a socially awkward and self-conscious Podcast Producer who’s good at his job but struggles to feel confident, especially when it comes to romance. Though he has a deep desire to connect with others and find "the one," his past attempts at love have often been marked by awkward moments and rejection. Taylor tends to try too hard, leaving him feeling out of place in social settings and making him a bit of a loner despite his loyalty to his friends.

  • Ned

    NED (30’s) is a brash and confident Podcast Host who embraces his loud personality and often steals the spotlight. He’s quick-witted, with a sharp tongue, and doesn’t shy away from making bold or inappropriate comments. Ned is driven by his ambition to make their podcast a success, often pushing Taylor and Sebby to go beyond their comfort zones, even when his methods are a bit reckless.

  • Sebby

    SEBBY (mid-20’s) is the eccentric third member of the podcast trio, bringing an unconventional perspective to both life and the show. With a tendency to say odd, random things that leave her friends perplexed, Sebby is carefree and often lost in her own world. She’s socially awkward but in a more whimsical way compared to Taylor, embracing her weirdness and not caring much about fitting in.

  • Pig Man

    The PIG MAN is a sinister, mysterious figure hiding behind a cartoonish pig mask. A brutal, unpredictable killer, he targets men in grotesque and symbolic ways. His high-pitched, unsettling laugh and bizarre rituals—like leaving pig snouts on his victims—add an eerie, almost absurd element to his crimes. Though initially believed to be punishing toxic men, his true motives remain unclear, creating an aura of chaos and fear. The Pig Man represents society’s darkest undercurrents, a figure whose actions are as baffling as they are terrifying.

Writer/Director Statement

I’ve always been fascinated by the contradictions in modern society - how we communicate, miscommunicate, and project meaning onto things that may not have any meaning at all. Hogwash is born from that curiosity, but also from something personal. I’ve recently found myself reflecting on the absurdity of relationships, identity, and how we try to make sense of chaos. This film became an outlet for those thoughts, marking a shift from my previous work, Beauty of a Blank Space, which was a more introspective character drama.

With Hogwash, I want to explore the tension between satire and sincerity, laughter and horror. The film follows Taylor, a socially awkward podcast producer, as he navigates love, friendship, and personal growth, all while a killer known as the Pig Man terrorizes the city. I see parts of myself in Taylor’s struggles - his uncertainty, his desire for connection, and his tendency to overthink everything. But I also relate deeply to both Ned and Sebby. Like Ned, I’ve had moments of brash confidence that mask insecurities, and like Sebby, I embrace the strange, offbeat side of life, where nothing makes sense and yet everything is "Oopla" - an embrace of the absurd that speaks to the film’s darker, more chaotic undertones.

-Ryan Love

Adam Gharib’s Reel

Meet the Team

  • Ryan Love (Writer/Director)

    Ryan Love is an independent filmmaker from Texas, now based in Los Angeles, specializing in bold, character-driven stories. With a background in directing, writing, and editing, Ryan has successfully helmed several features, short films, commercials, music videos, and online content, including the AFF Audience Award-Winning Feature Beauty of a Blank Space. A versatile creator with a passion for exploring complex themes, Ryan is driven to craft films that provoke thought and challenge expectations. From concept to completion, Ryan is dedicated to delivering impactful narratives that leave a lasting impression.  He finds meaning in giving a voice to the voiceless - such as playing as Waluigi in Mario Kart and Mario Party - no one ever chooses him.

    https://www.lovebsfilms.com/

  • Emily Reas (Producer)

    Emily Reas is an Independent Producer from Texas that has produced 50+ projects in her career thus far. She recently produced the AFF Audience Award Winning feature BEAUTY OF A BLANK SPACE. Notable short films that have screened at Oscar-qualifying film festivals include FLOW and BIRDS, BEES, AND THREES. Emily is a member of Women in Film LA, has been a part of their Peer Mentoring Group, a Film Independent member, was a second-rounder in 2024's Sundance Producer’s Lab & Fellowship, is a co-founder of the production company Blind Salamander Films, and has her BFA in Acting from Texas State University. She loves cheese, but is lactose intolerant… she likes to live on the edge.

    https://www.emilyreas.com/

  • Laurel Toupal (Actress/Associate Producer)

    Laurel Toupal is an accomplished actress, executive producer, and writer, recognized for her dynamic presence both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. As an actress, Laurel has graced both the small and big screens, captivating audiences with her performances in notable projects such as Hulu's "Pooka Lives," TNT's "Animal Kingdom," and Showtime's "The L Word: Generation Q." Her compelling portrayal in the indie film "Beauty of a Blank Space," has been critically acclaimed, showcasing her ability to dive deep into complex characters.

    Off-screen, Laurel’s expertise extends to executive producing and writing. Her keen eye for detail and strong storytelling instincts enable her to oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring they not only reach the screen but also resonate with audiences.

    She likes long walks on the beach and will potentially crochet you a stuffed Pokémon if she likes you a lot. Funnily enough, her favorite animal is NOT a pig, but an Otter.

    https://www.laureltoupal.com/

  • James Herrera (Actor/Associate Producer)

    James Herrera has always been captivated by the magic of cinema, but his true passion for filmmaking ignited at age 12 after watching JAWS. As a teenager, he honed his storytelling skills by writing and directing plays for his church before deepening his craft through formal studies in writing throughout college. After graduating from Texas State, James crossed paths with filmmaker Ryan Love, sparking a creative partnership that led to the production of numerous short films in San Marcos. James is also pursing a career in acting, he has acted in plays for the Electric Company Theater as well as the feature film Beauty of a Blank Space, which he also served as Associate Producer. Beyond filmmaking, James is a co-host of a Star Wars podcast, where he shares his enthusiasm for the franchise. He lives in Hollywood, California, with his wife, Nicole, and their beloved dog, Kit.

  • Riley Songer (Associate Producer)

    Riley Songer grew up outside the Los Angeles Area where he developed a fervent appreciation for all stories from his parents. After moving to Texas near the end of his high school tenure, Riley spent the next decade studying psychology and mythology, all while working a variety of jobs in an effort to understand humanity. He is dedicated to inclusivity and is a passionate believer in the ability for stories to champion those who have often been marginalized. He hopes one day to be able to create a space where everyone can bring their unique talents together to create great art. On moonless nights you can find him staring beyond infinity.

  • Adam Gharib (Cinematographer)

    Originally from Chicago, Adam Gharib is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer with a strong ability to adapt to diverse environment. He’s worked with artists including Lil Wayne, YG, Mario, Bella Poarch, Lauv, Big Sean, and many more The music video ‘LIL BIT’ by Nelly featuring Florida Georgina Line which Adam was the cinematographer for was nominated for Best Collaborative Music Video at the CMT Music Awards.

    https://www.adamgharibdp.com/