Pig Siren Written by Jeff Laprade Photographs provided by Angela Anderson
Photograph By: Joseph Umbro
Pig siren, when I first heard the name my mind was firing trying to make sense of it, where does the name come from? Yeah, it’s a pretty unusual name and a pretty crazy story. When I was a young girl, growing up in Iowa, I used to help on the farm. When it came time to take the pigs to market, we would have to sort them by weight, put them on a truck and then off they’d go to the butcher. I would feel sorry for them and didn’t like the forceful, aggressive way they were handled. I would sing to them and try to mellow them out and often times they’d follow me around or onto the truck. So I guess I was a Siren singing them to their demise. I like to think of it as some comfort before they became bacon. I still think I’m definitely a Siren, just not to pigs anymore. Haha
Illustration By: Antoni A Peluce
What is the format and platforms of the video game? The game is a multi-world, multi-character adventure with an explore/run/shoot (no guns!) feel. You earn points and your progress based on learning how to use the tools you have available to overcome challenges and obstacles. The platform is strictly iOS right now (iPhone and iPad), but we are looking to launch an Android version in the near future. Where did the inspiration come from? What led you down the video game route? Well, it started as a memoir then a screenplay about several
events in my life. I sold the rights to it several years ago and as I started writing it, I became very nervous about being so exposed. I kind of freaked out because I knew I wasn’t ready to release it, but what could I do instead? How could I give the positive lessons from the story while leaving me protected? The video game idea came to me driving down the 405 and seeing a violent video game billboard advertisement. Everywhere I looked I was bombarded with images of sex, violence, anger and materialism. It was like a light bulb went off. If I can’t beat ‘em, I’ll join ‘em. Pig Siren could be a video game that’s cool, fun with a positive message behind it. I texted my artist friend, Ryan James, told him the concept and asked if he could draw that into a character--- that was a pig. Within 15 minutes he sent an image back and my original pig was born. It was exactly what I saw in my mind and I knew the journey had begun. This concept seems to have evolved so quickly, it started back in November? Yeah we really hit the ground running. It’s been a collaborative effort and I have been blessed with a stellar team. Jameson Stafford is the genius mastermind behind the game. I call him the Tech Savant. I don’t understand how his brain works, the being that smart and all, but I am grateful that there are brains that big out there. My dear friend, Ryan James, a very avant-garde, Brooklyn based talent, was integral in the original design concept. Then there’s Tony Peluce. Tony kills it. Every time I get the samples back to approve, I am blown away by his talent. He has taken my little pigs and given them life. They can do all kinds of crazy stuff now. I love it.
There is so much potential with the Pig Siren brand idea, any other plans for the brand? What next steps are in the works? I want to raise awareness in the world. I hope our Pigs and this brand message reaches people of all walks of life. There are so many causes that are near and dear to my heart, mostly involving kids. I hope to have very successful philanthropic organizations through Pig Siren. There is tremendous cross marketing potential from a business perspective and charity platform. This brand doesn’t have geographical confines, a language barrier or age limitations and represents a multitude of genres. The opportunities are really limitless. I also think an animated feature would be awesome and a children’s book series has been written. I have Pig Siren clothing available with various characters from the game ready in our online store at pigsiren.com. Hoodies, tee shirts, beanies and backpacks are available for infants through adult.
I have seen a few of the shirts already, the characters are funny and adorable, Hipster Pig, Jesus Pig, what other characters do you have in mind?
Well, the pigs being released in the first game are a surfer Pig named Keilani Siren, a Motorcycle Riding Stunt Pig named Kimmer Siren, a Piggily Hills socialite Pig named Paris Olivia Siren, a Kick-ass Rocker Pig named Piggy Stardust Siren and a Genius Nerd Pig named Einy Siren. There are a few non-pig characters as well that will make their debut. Which one is your favorite? Well each character represents a person or time in my life so I love all of them but from a cuteness standpoint, I gotta say I love Einy. He is a combination of 3 people that are very dear to me. He’s a smart pig who’s full of surprises. He’s so far been our best seller too. How does it feel to have something you dreamed up forming? What qualities do you think are most important for bringing an idea like this to fruition? It feels really wonderful. Sometimes it’s overwhelming but most of the time it’s really good. I try to surround myself with positive people and people that had the balls to follow their dreams or fight for their life. Following your dreams is, in many ways, a fight for your life. So much of our existence gets lost in the day-to-day grind. It becomes common to lose the focus of passion. “Creating” is essential to really living. Perseverance, stubbornness, wildly courageous authenticity and a genuine love for what you do are the qualities that are needed to bring an idea like this to fruition. You just do it. There are no other options. Keep going. I like to call “No’s”, “Knows”. A “NO” means learn more, do more and figure out another way until you “Know” how to get it done. When is our trip to Tahiti? I’m ready when you are! Cannon Ball contest off the overwater bungalow?
CONTACT Angela Anderson Founder & CEO Siren Enterprises Email: angela@pigsiren.com Web: www.pigsiren.com facebook.com/PigSiren twitter.com/PigSiren
summer 2013 | swoopmagazine.com |
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