This is the 2nd single off of WOLFIE’S JUST FINE’S forthcoming album “Everyone Is Dead Except Us” out June 16th.
Hey friends, this song is an ode to a window of time in my childhood when the world felt simple, and unfettered and unfiltered joy was still easily accessible. A time when Hulk Hogan defeating Andre the Giant meant that everything was going to be okay for ever and ever. When playing with my WWF wrestling figurines in my backyard with my older brother was more thrilling and exciting than any roller coaster ride or $200 million dollar blockbuster film. As an adult, I rarely have access to that kind of emotional exhilaration anymore because, you know, life. However, that pure, blissful, unadulterated, child-like joy is so powerful, that even the memory of it can cause a small portion to travel through time to the present and put a silly smile on my solemn forty-two year-old face.
To add to the joy of it all, my mom makes her award-worthy acting debut here as “Grandma” and my nephews were pitch perfect as “Brothers in the late 80s playing with WWF wrestling figurines in the backyard” (Thank you to my brother Jer and sister-in-law Mel for kindly and recklessly letting me borrow the boys for the afternoon). Also a big thank you to my brother Jason for loaning me his precious collection of vintage LJN figurines, objectively the best toys ever made.
Video Credits:
Directed by Justin Slade McClain & Jon Lajoie
DP: Justin Slade McClain
Production Design: Justin Slade McClain
Editor: Joshua Jolcover
Gaffer / Puppeteer: Derek Lonestar Wilds
Art / Puppeteer: C.J. Mora
Asst. Camera: Marques Mallare
Color Grade: Ryan Mcneal
VFX: Fred Heidbrink
Gear Rental: Nienhuis Camera Services
Song Credits:
Written by Wolfie’s Just Fine (Jon Lajoie)
Produced by Jordan Lehning
Mixed and Mastered by D James Goodwin
Guitars, Vocals, BG Vocals, Organ, Synths, Sampling: Jon Lajoie
Piano, String Arrangement, Bass: Jordan Lehning
BG Vocals: Lea Endres
Drums/Percussion: Dom Billet
Violin 1: Kristin Weber
Violin 2: Hannah Sorrells
Viola: Betsy Lamb
Cello: Austin Hoke
Contrabass: Ethan Jodziewicz
You don’t often think of Sports Illustrated as a publication that covers new indie music releases, but here we are! Thank you @sportsillustrated and Justin Barrasso for this lovely, thoughtful piece. Read the full article @ SI.com
I wrote this song for my father 18 years ago. It was my Father’s Day gift to him. I had been playing guitar and writing songs for a couple of years by then and since I had no money to buy him anything, I figured sharing my feelings in song might be a little better than nothing. I don’t really remember writing the song, I think it just flowed out of me in one afternoon. It was at a time in our relationship where we were trying to find our way back to each other after my tumultuous and rebellious teen years. I was now a young adult, beginning to make my own way in the world, and I’m pretty sure this was my way of telling him that he had done a good job, that I appreciated him, and that I was going to be okay. But also, that I knew he was a special guy, and that I was grateful that he specifically had been my example of how a man should show up in the world.
Anyway, I recorded a quick version of the song after I wrote it, and gave it to him on something we used to call a “Compact Disc.” I remember being nervous, but playing it cool (because, you know, dudes), genuinely not knowing how he’d respond. Well, I guess he liked it, because he spent the next 18 years telling me over and over that I should record it and put it out into the world. I told him that it was for him and wasn’t meant to be anything else, but he was annoyingly persistent, so I eventually gave in and promised him that one day I would. But the time never really felt right, and the idea of sharing this song with anyone but him and the family always felt strange. Until now.
In January, I sang it at his funeral, and needless to say, it was incredibly difficult to get through. But as I sang it, it struck me that the words almost felt truer and more honest now than when I wrote them all those years ago. And so, in May I flew to Nashville and recorded this new version with the incredibly talented producer, and altogether good dude, Jordan Lehning. And since my father LOVED it when the musically-inclined Lajoie family members would play and sing together, they are singing all the harmonies on the track.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad, this one’s for you. We love and miss you with all of our hearts.
Hey all, with my adopted country heartbroken and grieving this week, I decided to push this release.
New “Wolfie’s Just Fine” single coming next Thursday (03/30), new album coming soon. I’ve been working on this album for the past year and a half, I’m excited to finally share it.
Album art once again by the incomparable @jessetreececollage
Pre-save links for Spotify, Apple Music…etc in bio
My brother found an old pic of us from right around the time I’m referring to in the song/video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant.” Pure. Joy. (I’m the kid sandwiched between Bundy and Mr. Wonderful)
#ThrowBackFridayThe13th New Wolfie’s Just Fine LP coming soon
As kids, we took playing with our toys VERY seriously. As adults, it only felt appropriate to do the same. What a joy it was to recreate this historic match with the toys that embodied pure magic and imagination for me (and so many of us) as children. To view the full video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant,” go to my profile page.
As kids, we took playing with our toys VERY seriously. As adults, it only felt appropriate to do the same. What a joy it was to recreate this historic match with the toys that embodied pure magic and imagination for me (and so many of us) as children. To view the full video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant,” go to my profile page.
Hey all, this is the first single off of my forthcoming WOLFIE’S JUST FINE album “Everyone Is Dead Except US,” out June 16th. Streaming link in bio.
If you enjoy this music a) that makes me happy, and b) please share it with anyone you think might enjoy it as well. Just a quick reminder/disclaimer that WOLFIE’S JUST FINE is my super not funny music project. It’s a real labor of love, and I put a lot of work into this album in particular, with the help of a lot of talented and altogether lovely humans. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you over the next few months. This song in particular is special to me and close to my heart. It’s my way of reminding myself how very temporary and incredibly rare this whole “being alive” thing is, and to perhaps enjoy and cherish the clothing while I’m wearing it.
Video Credits:
Written and Directed by Jon Lajoie
Producer – Kristen Brancaccio
Executive Producer: Brandon Dermer
Cinematographer – Wojciech Kielar
Costume Designer – Rachel Grady
Color – Ryan K McNeil @ RKM Studios
DIT/Editor: Andrew Wilsak
Production Company – Exit Twelve
1st AC – Deangelo Harding
2nd AC – Piotrek Niemczewski
Steadicam – Dylan Burzinski
Costume Assistant – Sarah Cabigas
Production Designer: Justin Slade McClain
Art Assistant – CJ Mora
PA – Mike McCarthy
Location – Stonewall Ranch
VFX: JReams
Older Man – Harwood Gordon
Child – Kya Koplin
Song Credits:
Written by Wolfie’s Just Fine
Produced by Jordan Lehning
Mixed and Mastered by D James Goodwin
Guitars, Vocals, BG Vocals, Organ: Jon Lajoie
Guitars, Piano, Synths, String Arrangement, Bass: Jordan Lehning
Drums/Percussion: Dom Billet
Violin 1: Kristin Weber
Violin 2: Hannah Sorrells
Viola: Betsy Lamb
Cello: Austin Hoke
Contrabass: Ethan Jodziewicz
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
Making the music video for “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” was a magical experience, and really brought out the child-like joy in all of us. The video is as special as it is because of the following people:
@justinslademcclain
There is no video without Justin Slade McClain (Or there’d be a really bad one shot on my iPhone on my back porch). He not only co-directed it with me, but was the DP, production designer, camera operator… Basically, he did all the beautiful work you see, and I got to say “Maybe the shot should be a little wider here?” once in a while. He was my creative partner in this, or more accurately, I was his creative partner. He did the filmmaking equivalent of lifting a 520 lbs giant and slamming him.
@marquesvmallare AC extraordinaire brought his A game into the ring, and a contagious lightness of spirit that brought laughter and smiles on set even when the match wasn’t going our way.
@cjmorarocks Art Department / Puppeteer who not only controlled the chaos of everything you see on screen, but was one of two puppeteers who breathed life and humanity into these
motionless vintage LJN rubber wrestlers.
@walleyewilds was our wonderful gaffer who lit these wrestlers gorgeously, and was also the second puppeteer responsible bringing humanity to 35 year old hunks of rubber.
@dunphy7 Our editor who turned 6 hours of footage into a nuanced, gentle 4-minute emotional journey into the past.
@midnightdogs for bringing the 80s VHS vibe to our fam footage
@rkmstudios_color for once again giving our footage a glorious, nuanced cinematic beauty that gives everyone the impression that we had the budget of a Spielberg movie.
Last but not least, the heart of the video, the boys and grandma. It was an honor, and such an incredibly beautiful and emotionally layered experience to recreate a moment from my childhood with my family. There were 3 generations of Lajoies involved! My nephews played the role of the “the boys” and my mother played “Grandma.” My brother Jer and my sister-in-law Mel were on set as well. And the classic LJN figures and the championship belt were from my older brother Jason’s collection.
Peak life/creative experience ❤️
My fellow Canadians, my dear friend, and all-together brilliant human (and co-director of many of my Wolfie and comedy videos), @brandondermer made an incredibly moving, wildly original, and hilarious movie that is available in C to the ananda as of today! It’s got it all… Aliens, grief, healing, Papa Roach, tears, drugs, road trips, @jillianbell, @nataliemoralesloves, and @blakeanderson as a terrible bass player. It’s available to rent or buy everywhere. Support independent movies! Woohoo!
Album art and a shot from my new Wolfie’s Just Fine song and video coming next week (05/18). If you’re old enough, you might have an idea of what it’s about.
Hey all, I just want to highlight the work of some incredibly talented artists and all together lovely humans that I got to collaborate with on this latest Wolfie’s Just Fine music video. This video is all one take, no tricks, and so, there were A LOT of moving pieces to coordinate.
-This video is as beautiful as it is because of the genius of my friend and frequent Wolfie’s Just Fine DP @wojciech23. He is absolutely brilliant and took my strange idea and truly made it come alive and sing.
-There would be no video without the determination, stamina, sensitivity, and artistry of our SteadyCam operator @dylan_burzinski
-Overseeing all the clothing choices and costume design was the terribly gifted wardrobe wizard @bow_bat
-Making it all happen, every single moving piece from concept to execution was our fearless, perseverant, and incredibly patient producer @kristensreality
On a small budget shoot like this everyone is wearing five different hats, and is absolutely essential. So a huge thank you to everyone who was a part of making this little music video about death come to life.
Written and Directed by Jon Lajoie
Producer – Kristen Brancaccio
Executive Producer: Brandon Dermer
Cinematographer – Wojciech Kielar
Costume Designer – Rachel Grady
Color – Ryan K McNeil @ RKM Studios
DIT/Editor: Andrew Wilsak
Production Company – Exit Twelve
1st AC – Deangelo Harding
2nd AC – Piotrek Niemczewski
Steadicam – Dylan Burzinski
Costume Assistant – Sarah Cabigas
Production Designer: Justin Slade McClain
Art Assistant – CJ Mora
PA – Mike McCarthy
Location – Stonewall Ranch
VFX: JReams
Older Man – Harwood Gordon
Child – Kya Koplin
To watch the full video, link in bio
Jordan Lehning was my collaborator in the truest sense on this forthcoming Wolfie’s Just Fine album. And if you are in some way moved by the song “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” it’s in big part because of him. He is not only an incredibly talented, intuitive, genius of a producer, but he’s a brilliant string arranger as well (Listen to his hauntingly beautiful score for the fantastic film “Old Henry” as proof of that). The string arrangement on this one in particular was deeply in tune with what this song is about. Forever grateful my friend and musical tag team partner. You leg-dropped this one BROTHERRR!
And thank you to the crazy talented musicians who played on this track as well, what an honor it was to play with you, you all made me sound WAY BETTER than I actually am.
Drums/Percussion: Dom Billet @dombillett
Violin 1: Kristin Weber
Violin 2: Laura Epling
Viola: Betsy Lamb
Cello: Austin Hoke
Contrabass: Ethan Jodziewicz East Nashville, Tennessee
Jordan Lehning was my collaborator in the truest sense on this forthcoming Wolfie’s Just Fine album. And if you are in some way moved by the song “Hulk Hogan Slammed Andre the Giant” it’s in big part because of him. He is not only an incredibly talented, intuitive, genius of a producer, but he’s a brilliant string arranger as well (Listen to his hauntingly beautiful score for the fantastic film “Old Henry” as proof of that). The string arrangement on this one in particular was deeply in tune with what this song is about. Forever grateful my friend and musical tag team partner. You leg-dropped this one BROTHERRR!
And thank you to the crazy talented musicians who played on this track as well, what an honor it was to play with you, you all made me sound WAY BETTER than I actually am.
Drums/Percussion: Dom Billet @dombillett
Violin 1: Kristin Weber
Violin 2: Laura Epling
Viola: Betsy Lamb
Cello: Austin Hoke
Contrabass: Ethan Jodziewicz East Nashville, Tennessee
