How Green Street Pictures Brought Together a ‘Creatively Uninhibited’ Team That Scored With ‘Scavengers Reign’ and ‘Common Side Effects’

by

In just five short years since its inception, Green Street Pictures has secured two adult animated series, “Scavengers Reign” and “Common Side Effects,” on significant platforms. Although “Scavengers Reign” was not renewed for a second season by Max, the co-founders of Green Street – Sean Buckelew, Joe Bennett, James Merrill, and Benjy Brooke – are undeterred and have already mapped out plans for an entire season ahead.

With regards to “Common Side Effects,” the announcement that Adult Swim has renewed it for Season 2 implies that Green Street Pictures is now tasked with bringing their creative visions to life, rather than just envisioning them through storyboards. They’re stepping up to produce the unique, adult-oriented animated shows they’ve long desired.

Buckelew shared with EbMaster that our team coalesced more around a shared filmmaking spirit compared to focusing primarily on animation. When we use terms like ‘independent’ and ‘scrappy,’ it implies we were producing films independently, using a minimal crew, which for us was liberating creatively because it allowed us the freedom to explore ideas unhindered. That aspect was truly invigorating.”

Or

“Buckelew explained to EbMaster that our group came together more based on a shared filmmaking attitude rather than an initial focus on animation. When we talk about being independent and resourceful, it means we were making films ourselves with a small team, which for us was a chance to work in a space free of creative constraints. That aspect was incredibly thrilling.

Following numerous discussions and gatherings spanning several years, Merrill noted that everything began falling into place in 2020. “It seemed as though we were joining a community primed to bring shows onto the air,” Merrill expressed. “Moreover, there was now a demand for this type of content.

Located over two stories within the historic Old Town area of Pasadena, Green Street Pictures has moved into their third office location in just five years. Unlike numerous other production studios that faced challenges during the pandemic, Green Street Pictures benefited unexpectedly right from the beginning.

Buckelew noted that when everyone transitioned to working collaboratively and remotely, it seemed as if we were well-prepared for this style of work and had a network of colleagues ready to collaborate. Essentially, we’re digital natives, having been brought up in the era of the internet.

A significant number of the artistic minds behind “Scavengers Reign” subsequently contributed to “Common Side Effects.” Having an internal team composed of line producers, production managers, and writers is vital for their efficient work process. However, they also partner with animators worldwide, such as artists based in France, Greece, and Argentina.

Buckelew mentioned that during ‘Scavengers’, team members shared the flag of their current location in one of our group conversations. There were approximately 30 distinct countries participating in the project, which left us all amazed.

It’s essential that we open the pipeline for our team, as it provides opportunities to those who are new or inexperienced. For instance, all directors involved in “Scavengers Reign” were first-time TV episode directors, including Brooke, who later directed episodes of “Common Side Effects.

Brooke mentioned that they originated from individuals who were making numerous self-reliant short films. This situation provided a chance to introduce a great deal of fresh talent into the system, which has always been our core philosophy since the start.

Brooke, responsible for hiring animators, designers, and storyboard artists, emphasizes the significance of discovering fresh talent with a “subtle, imaginative radar.” The secret lies not in selecting individuals based on their specific style, but rather in identifying the unique, indescribable attribute they will bring to any project.

In simpler terms, Bennett, the co-creator of “Scavengers Reign” and “Common Side Effects,” emphasizes that it’s crucial to collaborate with individuals who genuinely care.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the revamp of “Common Side Effects” that our studio is working on. Although we can’t spill the beans about our upcoming projects just yet as they’re still in the early stages, we’re definitely aiming to produce more captivating films. However, rest assured that the heart and soul of our storytelling will remain consistent with our unique thematic thread.

Buckelew emphasizes that in his writing, he consistently strives to portray characters in an authentic and fair manner, recognizing their flaws as fallible humans. He explains, “Characters behave like real people, and this can manifest as bravery, cowardice, or even foolishness.” Although the story ‘Common Side Effects’ critiques the system, it is populated by ordinary individuals going about their daily lives. Buckelew clarifies that he avoids creating villains who are evil solely for dramatic effect, finding such characters uninteresting.

(Pictured: Sean Buckelew, Joe Bennett, James Merrill and Benjy Brooke)

Read More

2025-04-11 20:18