Jason Lucas, a talented editor at bicoastal Union Editorial, has created street cred for his comedic prowess in crafting memorable spots for directors across the industry. However, his latest venture, Any Asshole, marks a departure and a homecoming of sorts as he delves into the realm of short film editing alongside longtime standup comedian Jay Larson.
In this star-studded comedy short, Larson’s directorial debut, Lucas seamlessly intertwines two worlds – the comedy scene where Larson thrives and the commercial editing realm where Lucas excels. With a stellar cast featuring Joel McHale, Kumail Nanjiani, Blake Griffin, and more, Any Asshole follows Larson’s quest to prove himself as a commercial director, blending humor with authenticity. Watch below:
REELated:
Reflecting on the project, Lucas recalls the serendipitous moment when he learned of Larson’s directorial endeavor. “I had a lot of great footage to work with,” Lucas says. “This was one of those projects that seemed like it was too good to be true from the beginning,” beams Lucas, recalling that Union Partner/Managing Director Michael Raimondi told him an editor was needed for a short film being shot by Jay Larson, a director that Supply & Demand just signed. “I was thinking, ‘Is this the same Jay Larson I’ve done stand-up comedy with at the Comedy Store?’ Turns out it was. Then I saw the script and could hear it in Jay’s voice with that thick Boston accent hitting every line.”
What seemed too good to be true quickly materialized into reality, with Larson’s distinct voice resonating throughout the script. Lucas’s editing prowess shines as he navigates through the wealth of comedic talent, weaving together a narrative that is fresh, organic, and undeniably entertaining.
One standout performance comes from basketball star Blake Griffin, whose comedic timing surprises even the most skeptical. Lucas masterfully guides the story’s flow and structure, offering multiple perspectives until the perfect rhythm is achieved.
“Almost every take was a good one since the talent we were working with were some of the funniest people in the business.” One surprise: basketball star Blake Griffin. “Most athletes who try to act are awful. Blake was hilarious. He got who his character was and nailed it.” In the assembly, says Lucas, “I offered Jay and Tim a few different ways to tell that story until we found the perfect flow and structure.”
For Larson, Any Asshole represents a culmination of his lifelong fascination with commercials and his comedic background. “As a kid, commercials were a huge part of entertainment. ‘Time to Make the Doughnuts’ and ‘Where’s the Beef?’ were taglines that defined my childhood,” Larson explains.
He adds, “SNL would always parody commercials and the Superbowl became The Superbowl for commercials. As a comedian and sketch comedy writer/director I always wanted to get into commercial directing, I just didn’t know how. I had written a bunch of spec spots and was hired a few times to write some copy. Finally one day I realized that I could take my experience in short films and sketch comedy as a tool to get me into the commercial directing world, and that’s what I did. Sometimes they don’t let you in the front door, or the side door, or the back door, so you need to climb the fire escape and get in through the roof.”
As Lucas concludes, the collaboration between Larson, the Comedy Store family, and Union Editorial family is nothing short of special. “Any Asshole” serves as a testament to the power of bridging comedy worlds and embracing the unexpected in pursuit of creative excellence.
CREDITS:
“Any Asshole”
Written & Directed by Jay Larson
Produced by Tim Case
A Supply & Demand Production
- Executive Producer: Charleen Manca
- Executive Producer: Matt Zion:Basile
- Line Producer: Aaron Weber
- Set Dresser: Evelyn Jimenez
- Art Department Shopper: Daniel Oregel
- Art Department Production Assistant: Jose Lopez
- Camera Utility: Kathryn D. Santore
- Camera Production Assistant: Wade Ferrari
- Gaffer: David Sheetz
- Key Grip: Ant Boyd
- Grip: Robert Libbee
- Grip: Tyler O’Reilly
- Best Boy: Mark Armenta
- Sound Mixers: Taylor Tosh & Kamal Humphrey
- Wardrobe Stylist: Emily Chandler
- Make-Up: Amanda Bourne
- Make-Up: Prell Charusanti
- Hair Stylist: Morgan Ferrando
- VFX Hair & Make:Up: Cale Thomas
- Stunt Coordinator: Ray Lykins
- Stuntman: Tyler Peterbaugh
- Music by Daniel Raijman
- Color: Royal Muster
- Colorist: Gregory Reese
- Executive Producer: Thatcher Peterson
- Titles: Office of Development and Design
Starring:
- Neal Brennan
- Joel McHale
- Kumail Nanjiani
- Blake Griffin
- Hannibal Buress
- Sarah Tiana
- Johnny Knoxville
- Helen Hong
- Jay Larson
Presenting:
- Marilee Frazier
- Michael Wolfe
- Charles Jones
- Carl DeGregorio
Director of Photography: Andrew Huebscher
1st AD: Tony Slakey
EDIT: Union LA
- Post-Production Executive Producer: Michael Raimondi
- Post Producers: Logan Aries and Dani DuHadway Spagnoli
- Editor: Jason Lucas
- Associate Producer: Connor Renusch
- Production Supervisor: Brooke Elliot
- Production Assistant: Hannah Cordy
- Production Assistant: William Sheldon
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