Stuck In A Hard Place

Stuck In A Hard Place is a short film created by a team of third year students at Massey University. We are raising money to fund this project and what will be a graduation film for many members who are finishing their study this year.

Logline:

Stuck in the middle of rural NZ bush, an unassertive young man is thrust into a situation out of his depth. He must take charge in order to save his father from a life or death situation before it’s too late.

Synopsis:

‘Stuck in a hard place’ is a coming-of-age drama short film which follows Greg Stadler. The loss of his mother years before has left Greg incapable of making important decisions for himself. Greg’s father, Chris having undergone the same loss, has overprotected his son to spare him from future heartache. In the present day the two feel unfulfilled in a toxic codependent relationship.

The story centres around Greg as he accompanies Chris on an off-grid river hike, kilometres away from the nearest town or city. On the hike, Greg attempts to convince him and his dad that he is ready for independence and a reality check from his father leaves Greg lost and resentful. It is discovered that a vital supply of medication is missing from their gear. As they rush back through the muddy bush, Chris slips and falls into a gaping pit, leaving him wounded and vulnerable. Stuck in a desperate situation against the clock, Greg must prove to himself and his disapproving father that he is capable of taking charge when the going gets rough in order to rescue the one parental figure he has left.

Crew:

Writer/Director - Jesse Garratt

Producer/1st AD - Finn Davey

DOP - Patrick Gibson

2nd AD - Robin Glen

1st AC - Zachary Cornelisen

2nd AC - Jack Croasdale

Gaffer - Lachlan Semmens

Lighting Ast - Andre Dapitan

Art Dept - Noah Crooks

Composer - Jordan Jacques

Editor/Data Wranger/BTS - Samuel Ogle

Runner - Victor Woodfield

Director's Statement:

While I was a child, one of my family members told me the story of how they lost their father.

When he was about 29, he went out for a scuba dive for mussels and fish.

While on the dive, their father experienced a heart attack under the water. By the time he was pulled out, he was gone.

In the aftermath of losing his father and lifelong best friend, he was left having to simultaneously work through his grief, take over and run the family business, all the while raising four children.

His story resonated with me, inspiring me to create my short film ‘Stuck in a Hard Place’;

A coming-of-age drama told through a highly grounded, warm, and romanticistic visual style. 

A story that encapsulates the true essence of what it means to grow up.

Like in my family members’ story, I want to capture this message through the beautiful nuances of the father and son relationship. 

What happens when we can no longer flee from our problems? What happens when our “safety net” is no longer there to protect us?

There comes a time in every person’s life where they must step up to save those that have previously saved us. 

Through this film, I want to inspire audiences to take charge of the situations they find themselves in and pull themselves out, even in the toughest of circumstances. In supporting this project, you help spread this message to those that need to hear it.

Thank you