The Honeycut: Filmmaker Christopher Magennis Talks New Movie ‘Let’s Get Wyrd New Jersey’

Christopher Magennis is an independent filmmaker based in New Jersey. I’ve known him for a while, and he is punk rock through and through. His latest short film, “Let’s Get Wyrd New Jersey,” premiered Oct. 3. It stars Chris as the host of a show where he investigates paranormal activity around, you guessed it: New Jersey. He talked with me about this movie, as well as some of his other projects.

R. Jacob Honeybrook: I just watched “Let’s Get Wyrd New Jersey.” What a wild ride! Let’s start at the beginning. Where did you come up with the idea for this film?

Chris Magennis: It’s weird that it took this long to do something based around all the New Jersey lore we have here. It really just snowballed because I went in wanting to make something that seemed like something I’d be stoked on if someone else did it.

RJH: The first thing I noticed was how well-shot it was. Can you tell me about what went into the production of the movie? Did you handle all of the shooting and editing?

CM: Thank you! I always appreciate those compliments. Yeah, it’s all me and two GoPro Hero 7s. Also, two beat-up tripods. I really focused on lighting in this movie. That made a world of difference. I would edit the next day after shooting so I could see if I needed to reshoot anything, which did happen. There was also no rush on making this, so if something didn’t look good, I could regroup and go back again.

RJH: You and I are both big fans of professional wrestling. You’re a Bret Hart guy and I’m a Shawn Michaels guy. We’ll settle it in the ring. Anyway, how did your love of wrestling factor into this one?

CM: Haha! My brother was a Shawn Michaels guy as well. That’s what’s weird. It felt natural to incorporate it. When I was writing and figuring out where the film should go next, a wrestling match was the first thing that popped into my head, along with the Michelle Branch song. Plus, I needed to make sure people remember that Bret Hart is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be!

RJH: “LGWNJ” is a funny movie! There were times I was laughing out loud. But it’s also really freaky and trippy. How did you go about mixing comedy with horror elements?

CM: That’s really just kind of my vibe. I love both comedy and horror. This movie was so natural to make. It’s a shoutout to all the things I love. “Airheads” is one of my favorite movies. I used to try and make horror and would ignore the comedy stuff I could have created. This time I just let my freak flag fly. This movie is really just me through and through.

RJH: I remember seeing you post a video where you realized late in production that you needed an extra costume. How did you handle that setback and obstacles like that in general?

CM: Doobies. Mostly doobies! It’s super stressful when something happens or doesn’t work or changes, mostly because you already have a vision. It sucks when it has to change. It’s usually for the better! You just have to roll with it at this point. Otherwise, I’d lose sleep over this stuff.

RJH: Speaking of costumes, we see a lot of different creatures in the film. Where did you come up with or find the costumes?

CM: I would literally go on Google and search “creepy costumes” and scroll, mix and match stuff, find stuff I have in closets. The Jersey Devil mask was two different masks I put together with all the added spikes and stuff. It’s fun making your own stuff instead of buying it straight up, but I can’t make a sheep monster outfit look good.

RJH: The soundtrack rules. It’s full of punk and pop-punk songs. How did you go about selecting the music?

CM: Most of the ideas, when thought of, the music immediately popped into my head. Some I thought of later, but this whole movie came together like throwing puzzle pieces into the air and having them land put together. I mean, Alkaline Trio’s “Over and Out” couldn’t have been more perfect for the scene it’s in!

RJH: As I was watching, it felt like a punk rock song come to life. Did you tap into that old-school DIY mindset when making this movie?

CM: Big time! I just love the style. I like rawness. My thought process is I can figure this out on my own and do something radical. I think the chances of capturing lightning in a bottle are greater when it feels like something is on the line. I mean, it may not look like it, but this project cost me a lot of money. Worth it! Million Dollar Man laugh

RJH: In “LGWNJ,” your character investigates strange occurrences around New Jersey. Have you ever checked out any of the urban legends there in real life?

CM: Yeah, when we all got our driver’s licenses, we would go to all the “Weird NJ” spots. We never saw or heard anything at any particular location. I go to Shades of Death Road and Ghost Lake to hang out. If anyone watches my other project “Aren’t I Special?” the story at the beginning is 100 percent real.

RJH: I think it’s a misconception that you have to be in L.A. or New York City to make movies. Can you tell me more about the filmmaking scene in New Jersey?

CM: I spent years thinking that’s what you had to do, not realizing everything I needed was in my backyard. Young and dumb. Jersey literally has everything you need very close together. Now Netflix is building here. Jersey just rules. Filming in the fall here — chef’s kiss.

RJH: You’re not just a filmmaker; you’re also a musician. Tell me about some of the other movies and music you’ve made.

CM: Music is everything to me along with movies. My projects “Aren’t I Special?” “Miss Lycanthrope,” and “The Bleeder of Warren County” — I did all the music for. I’m pretty proud of that. “The Bleeder” rules. “Miss Lycanthrope” I think I did all the music on a keyboard. “The Bleeder” was all guitar. I chose not to do the music and sounds on “LGWNJ” because I knew it needed those songs. I also used sound effects to make it what I wanted it to be.

RJH: What are you working on next?

CM: “Let’s Get Weird New Jersey: Chapter 2!”

You can watch Chris’ “Let’s Get Weird New Jersey” here. Be sure to also follow him on Instagram!