Production is officially underway on Peaking, a psychedelic comedy marking the feature directorial debut of Brent Pella, who also wrote the film and stars in it.
The project is currently filming in Austin, Texas, where production took place alongside the real-life Peak State music and arts festival—an immersive event also produced by Pella and his team to support the film’s large-scale festival sequences.
The story follows a couple trying to reignite their relationship by searching for a threesome at a remote music festival, blending relationship comedy with surreal, psychedelic festival energy.
The ensemble features a mix of comedy and film talent, including Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), Ashleigh Murray, and Erik Griffin. The film also stars Nikki Howard (American Crime Story), Aristotle Georgeson, Jonathan Kite (2 Broke Girls), and Paul Soter (Super Troopers franchise).
Supporting appearances include Reggie Watts and Erik Griffin in cameo roles.
Peaking is a Door 11 Studios production, with the company also leading development on the project. Door 11 Studios is producing alongside Pella, Nikki Howard, Rene Besson, and Sarah Craig. Executive producers include Sean Mullin, Melissa Wylie, and Matt Beales.
A notable creative choice for Peaking is its integration with the real-world Peak State, which doubled as a production environment for key sequences filmed during its April 15–19 run.
By blending a live festival setting with scripted storytelling, the film aims to capture a heightened, immersive energy that mirrors its psychedelic tone.