Author: Ben Peirce

Born 1979 in Philadelphia, PA. Currently living in Manchester, NH with wife, Jen. Musician; visual artist; video & live event producer. Lifelong fan of comic books, movies, music and the Philadelphia Flyers.

“The Heroics: Return to the Hall of Heroism” premieres online, Aug. 26

In their latest 48 Hour Film project, Pilotgroove Pictures is tackling the Superhero genre with
The Heroics: Return to the Hall of Heroism. The film will debut in a live, online screening on Aug. 26 at 7:00 PM, presented by the Somerville Theater.

The Heroics: Return to the Hall of Heroism is the 11th 48 hour film from Pilotgroove Pictures. In this satirical short, written and directed by P.J. Huot and Ben Peirce, The Heroics re-assemble to discuss heroing in a brave and bold new world. The Film stars an ensemble cast of Pilotgroove Pictures regulars, including Peirce (as Superion), Huot (Zoomer) and Aaron Compagna (Knightwatch). 2019 “Women of the 48” award-winner, Jennifer Peirce steps in-front of the camera and into the spotlight (as The Goddess) and John MacAskill dives into his first speaking role (as Gill).

Created as part of the 2020 Boston 48 Hour Film Project, The Heroics was conceived, written, shot, and edited between August 14-16, 2020, as part of the Boston 48 Hour Film Project. It was produced following Safe Sets™ protocol, in keeping with the message of the film. Peirce calls it a film about everyday heroism:

In a decade, or a millennia from now, when we (hopefully) look back on this, what will the story be? Did we all die… or fall apart, and descend into chaos? Or did we get beaten back into our houses, strap on some masks, and rise back up in whatever way we knew how?

It’s easy, to be scared, and frustrated and angry, right now—our survival probably depends on us continuing to do so—but we can also be brave! I love our stupid little Superhero movie for being about that.”

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

See The Heroics: Return to the Hall of Heroism (and 11 other 48 hour films) at the Boston 48 Hour Film Project (Group C) screening – Wednesday, Aug 26 at 7:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online or for $5. Ticket purchases include access to a live Q&A with filmmakers and the ability to vote for the coveted Audience Choice Award.

“An Explanation of Loneliness” selected for SNOB Film Festival

With the selection of An Explanation of Loneliness, Pilotgroove Pictures is proud to make its 5th appearance at the SNOB Film Festival this November. Our 2018 48 Hour Film Project will make its festival debut with 2 screenings at Red River Theatres in Concord, NH. Featured in the “Mixtape A” block, the film will show alongside 6 other shorts on Friday, Nov. 8 at 6:00 pm and Saturday, Nov. 9 at 5:45 PM.

Pilotgroove films have been well-received at the SNOB Film Festival. In 2011, P.J. Huot and Ben Peirce, won “Best Regional Filmmaker” for Just Remember That They’re Dead. In 2017, Don is the New Death took “Best Short Comedy” honors at both SNOB, and it’s sister-festival, DRAFT Fest.

The admiration is mutual. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed seeing SNOB grow into one of the regions premiere showcases for independent film. Now in its 18th year, SNOB brings close to 50 films—both shorts and features—to Concord, NH’s awesome Red River Theatres. The festival pairs screenings with beer tastings and live events at some of New Hampshire’s best craft breweries. Screenings typically include Q&A sessions with filmmakers and Pilotgroove producers will be in attendance again this year.

“It’s a great event,” says Ben Peirce, “We love being a part of it—both as filmmakers and as audience members!”

The 2019 SNOB Film Festival takes place November 7-11 in Concord, New Hampshire. For more information and links to purchase tickets, follow SNOB Film Festival and Pilotgroove Pictures on Facebook.

An Explanation of Loneliness wins Audience Choice Award, Best-of-Boston selection

An Explanation of Loneneliness was the top vote-getter at its May 14th screening, earning the film an Audience Choice Award and a spot in the 48 Hour Film Project Best-of-Boston screening — Tuesday, June 18, 7pm at the Somerville Theatre.

The Best-of-Boston screening features 16 of the top films from this year’s festival, which had over 40 participating teams. Pilotgroove Pictures will be joined by the three other Audience Choice Award winners, Wax Idiotical Films (The Bank Heist), Slice Cream (Perfect Proposals) and Obnots (Fertility). An awards presentation will follow the screening with nominations and awards, including the coveted title of Best Film.

An Explanation of Loneliness has been nominated for ten awards, including Best Use of Character, Best Use of Genre, Best Use of Line, Best Score (Mike Testa), Best Song (for Wish by The Whatnot), Women in the 48 Award (Jennifer Peirce), Best Acting: Ensemble, Best Acting: Supporting Performance (P.J. Huot) Best Acting: Lead Performance (Aaron Compagna) and Best Editing (Ben Peirce).

The winner of Best Film will represent Boston at Filmapalooza 2020, where they will vie for the title of Best 48HFP Film of 2019 and an entry into the Cannes Film Festival.

To see the full lineup of films and purchase tickets to the Best Of screening, visit: 48hourfilm.com/boston.

“An Explanation of Loneliness” – Now Playing!

On the heels of its premiere screening in Boston, Pilotgroove Pictures is proud to present our latest 48 Hour Film Project – An Explanation of Loneliness.

“An Explanation of Loneliness”
48 Hour Film Project Boston, 2019
(Genre: Silent Film)

This 7-minute silent film examines the lonely life of George Diffely (Aaron Compagna) – an artistic office drone, longing for belonging. It’s a heartbreaking and humorous story about failing to fit in and daring to find acceptance.

An Explanation of Loneliness is the 10th short film in 10 years from Pilotgroove Pictures. It is the 6th film from the award-winning writer/director pairing of P.J. Huot and Ben Peirce (Don is the New Death, Just Remember That They’re Dead). The film was written, shot, edited and scored between May 3 and May 5, 2019, as part of the Boston 48 Hour Film Project. It was screened theatrically at The Somerville Theater on May 14, 2019.

Copyright © 2019, Pilotgroove Pictures

Celebrating 10 years of filmmaking with the Boston 48HrFP premiere of “AN EXPLANATION OF LONELINESS”

Explanation-PosterCelebrating 10 years of 48 Hour Filmmaking this month, Pilotgroove Pictures will return to the Somerville Theater on Tuesday for the Boston 48 Hour Film project screening—and the premiere of our latest short, An Explanation of Loneliness.

An Explanation of Loneliness is a 7-minute silent short, written and directed by P.J. Huot and Ben Peirce. It marks their 6th writer/director pairing and the 10th film in 10 years from Pilotgroove Pictures.

Aaron Compagna (Don is the New Death) stars as George Diffely—an artistic office drone, longing to fit in. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever struggled to find acceptance and belonging. It’s a comedy. It’s a heartfelt character study. It’s a silent film. It’s… a lot about Game of Thrones. It’s premiering next Tuesday at the Somerville Theater, and you won’t want to miss it.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

Come see An Explanation of Loneliness (and 14 other 48 hour films) at the Boston 48 Hour Film Project (Group C) screening – Tuesday, May 14 at 7pm at the Somerville Theater. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office for $12.

Pilotgroove Pictures to defend “Best Short Comedy” title at DRAFT Fest ’19

DRAFT-Fest-2019-Laurals---Selected

With just a few short weeks before production begins on our next film, Pilotgroove Pictures will return to DRAFT Fest 2019 to defend the title of “Best Short Comedy.” DRAFT Fest is a week-long festival that pairs independent films with craft beer tastings for a truly unique experience. Pilotgroove Pictures directors, P.J. Huot and Ben Peirce took home honors at last year’s festival for their film, Don is the New Death. 

The 2018 film, Casual Causality – which, like Don, also appeared at the SNOB Film Festival – was selected for DRAFT Fest 2019 and will be screened on Monday, April 1, 7PM at To Share Brewing Company in Manchester, NH… No fooling! Directors and stars of the film will be on hand for a Q&A session after the screening

Screening’s at DRAFT Fest are a multi-sensory film experience! Each event is held at a different NH brewery. Six short films are shown, each with a specialty beer pairing selected by the host brewery. Attendees are treated to a flight of beer samples, paired thematically with the evening’s films. 32 short films will be on display throughout the week, with closing ceremonies held at Great North Ale Works on Saturday, April 6 at 7PM. Ticket’s for all screening events are on sale now, at draftfestnh.com. Seating is limited and expected to sell out.

We hope to see you there!

“Casual Causality” headed to SNOB Film Festival

Pilotgroove Pictures will return to the SNOB Film Festival in November with Casual Causality. The 48-hour short comedy was selected for the 2018 festival and will have two screenings – Friday, November 9 at 6pm and Saturday, Nov. 10 at 9:30pm – at Red River Theatres in Concord, NH.

The SNOB (Somewhat North of Boston) Film Festival marks its 17th season in 2018. The annual showcase brings nearly 50 independent films, both short and feature-length in a variety of genres. The festival also features a full slate of live music as well as craft beer tasting from SIX New Hampshire breweries.

Casual Causality is the 4th SNOB selection for Pilotgroove Pictures, having previously appeared with Just Remember that They’re Dead (2011), A Bloodless Crime (2014) and Don is the New Death (2017). The latter won “Best Short Comedy” at last year’s festival and at SNOB’s sister-festival, DRAFT Fest. Writer/directors, Ben Peirce and P.J. Huot took “Best Regional Filmmaker” honors at SNOB in 2011.

For more event information and links to purchase tickets, follow SNOB Film Festival and Pilotgroove Pictures on Facebook.

“Casual Causality” – Now Playing!

Fresh off it’s premiere screening in Boston, Pilotgroove Pictures is proud to present our latest short film – Casual Causality!

“Casual Causality”
48 Hour Film Project Boston, 2018
 (Genre: Time Travel)

This short comedy, follows the misadventures of time-travel trainee, Theodore Taylor (C.J. Dudek). During a training run to the early 21st century, Taylor’s cover is blown by Christopher “Ch” Providence (Jay Galinauskas), a jaded time-hopper from a distant future. Aaron Compagna (Don is the New Death) returns as Ch’s uncle Lou, a patsy to his nephew’s penchant for practical jokes, which threatens to derail Taylor’s time-travel mission.

“Casual Causality” is the 9th short film by Pilotgroove Pictures, and the 5th from the award-winning writer/director duo of P.J. Huot and Ben Peirce. The film was written, shot, edited and scored between May 4 and May 6, 2018, as part of the Boston 48 Hour Film Project. It was screened theatrically at The Somerville Theater on May 15, 2018.

Copyright © 2018, Pilotgroove Pictures

Want to see more?
Check out the Pilotgroove Pictures Facebook Page to see production stills, posters, behind the scenes photos and more.

“Casual Causality” set to premiere in Boston

Returning to the Boston 48 Hour Film Project, Pilotgroove Pictures will debut our ninth film – Casual Causality – on Tuesday night, 9:30pm at the Somerville Theater.

Casual Causality is a comedic time travel short, written and directed by P.J. Huot and Ben Peirce (Don is the New Death). C.J. Dudek (who made a cameo in last year’s Don is the New Death) stars as Theodore Taylor – a timid first-time time traveler who is unwittingly spotted by Ch – a jaded, time-hopper from a distant future played by Pilotgroove newcomer, Jay Galinauskas.

Aaron Compagna (Don is the New Death) returns as Ch’s Uncle Lou, a victim of his nephew’s spree of practical jokes, which threatens to derail Theodore’s time travel mission.

See Casual Causality (and 16 other 48 hour films) at the Boston 48 Hour Film Project (Group D) screening – Tuesday, June 8 at 9:30pm at the Somerville Theater. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office for $11.


Don is the New Death  wins at DRAFT Fest

Pilotgroove Pictures’ 2017 short, Don is the New Death won it’s second award for Best Short Comedy, this time at Derry NH’s DRAFT Festival. The annual festival, now entering its 3rd year, pairs short films with craft beers for a unique viewing and drinking experience. Don is the New Death was also named Best Short Comedy in November’s SNOB Film Festival.

More Awards, More Screenings, More BEER!

Continuing an almost full-year theatrical run, Don is the New Death, was an official selection in this year’s DRAFT FestivalDon is the New Death will show on Thursday, April 12 at 7pm at From the Barrel in Londonderry, NH. Space is extremely limited, but tickets can still be purchased online at: draftfestnh.com/2018-tickets.

DRAFT Festival (Derry Regional Ales & Films Together) is a celebration of Indie Films and Local Craft Beer. The festival will showcase over 30 films, paired with craft beers at screenings held throughout the Derry, NH area.

The selection for DRAFT Fest comes on the heels of another award-winning festival appearance for Pilotgroove Pictures. Don is the New Death won Best Short Comedy at the 2017 SNOB Film Festival in November. This marks the 4th festival award for the film, which also won for Best Writing, Best Actor (Ben Peirce) and Best use of Genre at the Boston 48 Hour Film Project awards.