‘Hitpig!‘ Composer, Isabella Summers Talks About Composing for the Indie Animated Feature that will Shake up the Animation world out November 1, 2024.
‘Hitpig!‘ is creating quite a buzz, and at the heart of its enchanting soundtrack is the talented Isabella Summers. I had the pleasure of discussing her creative journey and the magical world of this animated feature, which is based on the delightful work of Pulitzer Prize winner Berkeley Breathed.
Summers, often referred to as ‘The Machine,’ has made a name for herself as an Emmy-nominated composer, songwriter, and musician. You might know her as the mastermind behind the sound of the indie rock sensation Florence and the Machine. After spending 14 years immersed in pop music—writing, producing, and touring—she made the exciting leap into film and television scoring. It all began with Sam Levinson’s *Assassination Nation*, but it was her work on Hulu’s ‘Little Fires Everywhere‘ that truly put her on the map, earning her an Emmy nomination.
‘Hitpig!‘ is inspired by Breathed’s acclaimed book ‘Pete and Pickles‘, and it features an all-star cast, including Jason Sudeikis as Hitpig, Lilly Singh as Pickles, Rainn Wilson as The Leapin’ Lord of the Leotard, and RuPaul as Polecast. Isabella explained how this ensemble brings a unique blend of talent and humor that is bound to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The collaboration with the animation studio Cinesite has been integral to bringing ‘Hitpig!‘ to life. The team at Cinesite focused on capturing the vibrant visuals and whimsical humor that are hallmarks of Breathed’s storytelling. Working closely with the director duo and Art Director Sylvie Lacroix, they embraced an ‘80s, maximalist aesthetic that truly encapsulates Berkeley’s distinctive style. “It’s about creating a world that feels both fantastical and emotionally rich,” Isabella shared, emphasizing the synergy between animation and music.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I was excited to hear that Summers is also working on her debut solo album, in addition to her busy scoring schedule. With projects like ‘Physical‘ season 2 and ‘Sex/Life‘ season 2 on the horizon, it’s clear that her creative journey is just getting started.
‘Hitpig!‘ is a delightful experience, showcasing not only the stunning visuals and humor from its talented cast and crew but also the powerful musical underpinnings that Isabella Summers brings to the project. It’s a film that is sure to captivate hearts and minds, inviting audiences into a whimsical realm filled with joy and laughter. Keep an eye out for this magical adventure when it hits theaters!
‘Hitpig!‘ comes to theaters on Friday, November 1, 2024.
