This is the fourth short film collaboration between writer Howard Lawrence and director Chris Mauldin.
The music for "The Enemy Inside" constitutes the title track on Black River Sanction's first full-length studio album, which was produced by Howard Lawrence and recorded without the assistance of hallucinogenic substances.
Hacker used to work as a respected financial and tax advisor to wealthy families. He was first attracted to the potential of advanced technology while riding shotgun on one of his client's test rockets.
The filmmakers originally wanted to end the film with Hacker dropping his laptop from an overpass, so that it would be demolished on impact with an abandoned street below. This was intended to signify Hacker's parting with his dark, criminal past. Unfortunately, that approach might have exposed innocent bystanders to bodily harm (or significant property damage). Director Mauldin did not want to pony up the cash for the excessive insurance premium the filmmakers were never quoted, so they settled on a safer, more upbeat ending. Hacker doesn't exactly "get the girl," but she at least shows him her fine dental work.
Howard Lawrence (writer) and Chris Mauldin (director) previously collaborated on three other musical shorts, all of which are based on the writer's music: Far from Heaven (2013); Hypnosis for Theatre (2014); and Water Over Wine (2015).