Stephen David Brooks will direct, Meet the Pumps, a gritty tale of music and excess from an original script he co-wrote with Mike “in Tokyo” Rogers. Legendary music producer, singer, songwriter and composer Linda Perry has joined as the Composer and Music Supervisor. Brooks and Rogers will also produce the film with Lara Rosenstock and Perry serving as executive producers.
Casting is underway with the film set to shoot in Los Angeles beginning in Spring 2022. The story revolves around an all-female LA punk band THE PUMPS and the rise, fall, and ultimate resurrection of their charismatic lead singer Antoinette “Toni” Sabo.
Linda Perry said: “I’m attracted to unusual suspects, drawings outside the lines. When Stephen and Mike came to me with this project I thought: ‘this is so weird count me in.’ I have not seen a movie like it — it’s out there in the most awesomely deliberate way. I’m excited to get started, casting is gonna be fun and the music will be infectious. The Pumps are more than shouted slogans and Anti- authoritarianism -they are the underground Femme Fatales of Los Angeles and you’re gonna love every twist. “
Stephen David Brooks began his career in visual effects, before turning his focus to writing and directing. Stephen King chose Brooks to adapt his short story The Mangler for the screen, which lead to directorial debut, Heads N Tailz and subsequent features including Flytrap. Stephen is also a director of notable music videos including “Charlie, Keith and Ringo” by The Tearaways (starring Clem Burke of Blondie).
Perry, a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award-nominee and veteran film and television composer, came to fame as the lead singer and primary songwriter of 4 Non Blondes, and wrote the group’s international hit “What’s Up?” prior to establishing herself as a major songwriter and producer. Her credits include chart-toppers such as Pink’s “Get The Party Started” and Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” Alicia Keys’ “Superwoman,” Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For?” and “Wonderful Life,” Courtney Love’s “Letter To God,” Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt” and “Candyman,” Kelly Osbourne’s “One Word,” Celine Dion’s “My Love” and James Blunt’s “No Bravery,” and many others. Perry has also founded two record labels (Rockstar Records and Custard Records), won two ASCAP awards for her song-writing and has been inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame.
Co-writer Mike “in Tokyo” Rogers also brings music credentials to the team. Rogers was lead singer of the legendary ‘70s LA punk band, “The Rotters” under the pseudonym Nigel Nitro. He has since built a career as a radio and TV host, producer and writer in Japan with film credits including Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock N Roll Ghost Story and the documentary, Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha.
