The following is an interview with writer/director/producer Brandon Bernath regarding the upcoming release of the short film, Pool Party. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Bernath about his creative process in collaborating with the cast and crew to bring the project to life, what he is looking forward to about participating in the Mammoth Film Festival, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Pool Party! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this film?
Brandon Bernath: Starring Daigo Yamashita, Pool Party was created and produced in Los Angeles, CA, in collaboration between renowned fashion brand, L’AGENCE, and THE CHOOSE LOVE non-profit organization.
Beverly Holloway, an aged Brentwood heiress, and Danny Dynamite, her young Japanese rockabilly boyfriend, break up… again. But this time, it’s serious. Beverly decides to throw a pool party and invite all of her friends. Will Beverly and Danny get back together, or is it finally over?
BD: As the film’s writer, director, and producer, what interested you in taking on this particular project, and what can you tell us about the shared creative process of collaborating with the teams at L’AGENCE and Choose Love to bring it to life?
BB: One of the key reasons why I took on the project was because Jeff Rudes, our Executive Producer on the film and the co-owner of L’AGENCE, wanted me to make anything I wanted, “something scruffy and edgy” as he put it. Of course, their team needed to approve my concept, but I was hired based on my prior work, and they really gave me complete artistic freedom, within reason of course. It was my first time collaborating with a brand, which I was very much looking forward to. I feel that today fashion brands, as well as other product brands, are really bridging the gap into filmmaking. You used to only see commercials for brands, but now I think the possibilities are endless. Why can’t a brand make a film? Anyway, I really feel like this whole concept is fascinating, and I love the fashion world. It’s a community that is always pushing the envelope of what is possible artistically. Plus, any chance I have to make a movie, I am on board!
BD: In having worked in various entertainment mediums (and both in front of and behind the camera), what did you find to be most interesting and/or rewarding about being behind the camera for this narrative-based short film?
BB: I shot this film in 3 days, with a crew and cast of about 100 people and with a script that really needed about a week to film, but hey that’s filmmaking! I truly love a great challenge. I love the opportunity to attempt something that people say, “Oh man, you can’t actually pull that off!” I love proving people wrong. Every part of the process was amazing. Writing, casting the film with over 20 principal actors with lines, and about 35 extras, and, of course, the actual production. I found Daigo Yamashita on Instagram and pitched him the film. He lives in Japan and had never even been to America! He loved the script and I started working with him on the scenes through Zoom every week until we shot the film. I love discovering moments with actors on set that are not in the script and just allowing and facilitating these things to life. Anyway, the whole entire process, every challenge and reward, was a dream.
BD: Pool Party is a 2024 official selection at the Mammoth Film Festival, where it will have its premiere next month. What are you most looking forward to about this experience?
BB: I am excited to see the other films in the festival and, of course, share my film with a live audience and to talk about this project in detail. There were so many challenges and things that went right while making this film. I think people will be inspired by the process. I am also excited to meet and connect with like-minded filmmakers and, hopefully, get the opportunity for future collaborations.
BD: Are there any other upcoming films or projects that you would care to share with our readers?
BB: I am working on several feature film screenplays and also pitching existing scripts that will hopefully go into production this year or next! I am wrapping a few music videos that I shot recently for a few different artists. Also, I am currently in collaboration with a few fashion brands where I will be writing, directing, and producing more short films!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Pool Party?
BB: The film will be publicly released later in the year 2024, and if anyone has any questions about the film, they can always reach out to me via my instagram (@brandon_bernath) and I would be thrilled to connect!
