Compiled by Maysen Madrola, Megan Sullivan, Staff Writers / Danielle Smith, Executive Arts Editor
Costa senior Bridger Hart is (film)making his way into college through his newest short-film, “Unfastened.”
Hart’s newest film, “Unfastened” is a psychological drama about an antisocial kid named Finnley, played by Costa alumnus Sam Sturges, who learns the advantages of making friends. As well as Sturges, alumna Hadley Wilder, and social studies teacher Wayne Knutson also have roles in the film. Additionally, Costa junior Faye Amato is the makeup artist for the film.
“The coolest part about Bridger’s film is how much time and effort went into each shot,” Amato said. “Bridger is really meticulous and payed attention to every little detail. I remember when he was doing pre-production, he spent forever planning out how to create the perfect atmosphere and the ideal shot, which really payed off.”
Hart began to teach himself the art of filmmaking when he was 10 years old, starting with videos of his friends skateboarding. Hart would watch movies and absorb techniques from those films, such as the movie “Fight Club.” Once he learned about stop-motion films, he moved away from only filming his friends and began creating short films with storylines and central plots.
“I am extremely happy with how ‘Unfastened’ turned out,” Sturges said. “As far as my acting, looking back, I think that I could done better, but Bridger did an amazing job. I am so happy that he asked me to be a part of it.”
Although Hart was required to make a film to get accepted into college, since most film schools expect a film portfolio that includes a short film, Hart was determined to make something newer and more innovative for his applications that would take him to another level, he said. Most of his inspiration was drawn from the movie “Fight Club” because it is also a psychological drama, Hart said.
“My latest film is the best representation of what I am capable of doing as a director and visual effects artist,” Hart said. “My previous short film was made two years ago and I have learned a lot since then, so I feel that I needed to make something new to represent that.”
“Unfastened” was filmed over a period of 15 days in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Malibu. Hart carefully storyboarded every shot in a way that challenges normal expectations of how to view a scene, he said. Once all of the filming was done, it took another 3 months to edit and incorporate all of the special effects.
“Due to the fact that so much editing was required to produce the film, I got only six hours of sleep everyday over the summer,” Hart said. “However, it was definitely worth it and paid off in the end.”
Although there was an extensive amount of editing involved in creating the film, it cost next to nothing to create due to the fact that he already had what he needed, Hart said. The only purchases that Hart made were a helium tank and updated lighting equipment, which was due for an upgrade anyway, he said.
“I was glad that there were no expenses involved with creating the film because I faced other challenges such as fighting with time and sleep.” Hart said. “However, the film was not very challenging to make, thanks to all of the support I received from everyone, ranging from the actors to my parents.”
Hart has screened the film to a few people who have been included in it, but hasn’t released it to anyone other than that. Additionally, he has posted a teaser trailer for the film as well as several behind-the-scenes on his Instagram. The official release date will be on Oct. 16 where it will be displayed on his YouTube channel, “Bridger Hart,” on which he has 681 subscribers and averages 5,000 views for every video he posts. In addition to YouTube, Hart will post a link to the film on his Instagram and Facebook.
“Bridger is such a perfectionist and will have everything planned out perfectly before we even get to set,” makeup artist and Costa junior Faye Amato said. “It’s those little things that make the film so unique and special.”
Next school year, Hart hopes to attend film school at the University of Southern California. Although Hart is unsure whether he will fulfill internships or jobs in the meantime, beyond college he aspires to become a film director and pursue his passion for filmmaking to the farthest extent possible.
“For now, I am excited to release the short film on Oct. 16,” Hart said. “And I am excited to one day direct feature length films because filmmaking is my passion and I love making movies” Hart said.
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