We have wrapped principal photography for the new MPI Original short film Melons. This is the first of five films scheduled to shoot this year from our MPI Original film slate.

Melons is a delightful comedy about a jolly, but meek, grocery manager who learns to stand up for himself after a misunderstanding brands him as public enemy #1. This witty film points out the dangerous and often ridiculous nature of the cancel culture that is becoming more prevalent by the day.

The film stars hilarious comedic actor Brian Huskey as Nigel, the grocery store manager. You may recognize Huskey from his roles in HBO’s Veep, TBS’s People of Earth, and FOX’s Bob’s Burgers. He created Mr. Neighbor’s House with Jason Mantzoukas and Jesse Falcon, which was selected as one of the best shows by the New York Times. And also starred in the viral CollegeHumor YouTube miniseries If Google Was a Guy.

Appearing alongside Huskey is acclaimed actor and comedian Martin Mull. His notable roles include Colonel Mustard in Clue, Leon Carp on Roseanne, and Gene Parmesan on Arrested Development. He has also appeared on Two and a Half Men, The Ranch, and Veep, for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. 

MPI filmmaker Matthew MacDonald developed the script for Melons in our 2020 Short Film Creative Development and Production Lab. “MPI has an incredible track record of supporting exciting, thought-provoking stories,” said Matt. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with the team and bring to life this story of fruit, freedom, and fighting for yourself when the masses write you off.” 

In addition to writing the script, Matt also directed the film. And now with principal photography complete, we are assisting him with post-production which includes editing, sound mixing, and color correction.