From Vinyl to the Silver Screen: “My Sharona” Sets the Pace for Addison Sandoval’s USC Film “Pops”
Classic Rock Anthem “My Sharona” Powers the Opening of Sandoval’s New USC Film “Pops”
Los Angeles, CA — For his latest film “Pops,” USC filmmaker Addison Sandoval has tapped one of rock’s most infectious anthems: “My Sharona.” Through a collaboration with Wise Brothers Music, Sandoval secured rights to feature the Doug Fieger and Berton Averre anthem as the soundtrack to the film’s vibrant introduction.
Electric Nostalgia Kicks Off the Journey
Sandoval’s take on the coming-of-age genre gets an electric kickstart as the film opens with the bold, unmistakable riff that catapulted The Knack’s song into music history. Bringing “My Sharona” into the opening sequence, Sandoval wanted audiences to feel a sense of both nostalgia and momentum. The song doesn’t just set the mood—it signals a film that’s as much about energy and connection as it is about family and discovery.
Pop Culture, Heartfelt Moments, and Generational Ties
Sandoval’s style is all about mixing heartfelt moments with pop culture touchstones. With Pops, he uses music to frame generational relationships, creating a world that feels both timeless and lived-in. The opening scene alone bursts with color, movement, and attitude, inviting viewers to buckle up for a ride that’s part memory, part revelation.
The Power of an Iconic Track
For Sandoval, weaving such an iconic track into his film was more than a nod to music history—it was about creating an instant connection.
“Music has the power to transport. I wanted ‘Pops’ to greet audiences with something instantly recognizable, then invite them into a story that’s entirely its own.”
Pops continues Sandoval’s exploration of human psychology, but this time with a distinctly rhythmic pulse—one that’s bound to keep festival audiences tapping their feet long after the credits roll.