Help Bradley & Cullen Bring Bram to Life

Bradley and Cullen are raising funds for their short film, Bram. It is a dark comedy set in Minneapolis, utilizing local actors and crew. They are thrilled to work in the city that has given them so much and to bring exciting and fresh material to the table.

Synopsis:

Fiona, an older, free-spirited woman is visiting her son, Dalton, in Minneapolis. He has recently separated from his wife and now has a live-in boyfriend. While supportive of her son's authentic self-expression, Fiona is skeptical of the circumstances under which this all happened. Not only did her son leave his wife, but they had children together and Dalton gave up custody. To make matters worse, the new boyfriend, Bram, doesn't seem too enthusiastic about having Fiona as a houseguest. As more is uncovered regarding Dalton's new relationship as well as details of Bram's shady past, depravity and hilarity ensue.

The Budget:

With 10,000, we will be able to bring the level of production value that the piece deserves, as well as pay our crew and actors for their indispensable contributions.

For a three-day shoot, 10,000 will secure our Director of Photography, Grip and Electric Department, Sound Design, Craft Services and any additional expenses that may arise.

About us:

Bradley Hildebrandt is a writer and performer based in Minneapolis, MN. In 2017, he earned a BFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program. Along with his former classmate and writing partner, Cullen Arbaugh, he wrote and performed in an original sketch comedy show, The Gay Trauma Archives, which was showcased at Brooklyn’s Cinder Block Comedy Festival, the Joshua Tree International Improv Festival, and Bryant Lake Bowl Theater in Minneapolis. Additionally, Hildebrandt’s plays have received readings and productions at Minnesota’s Playwrights’ Center as well as the Secret Theatre in New York. In 2012, Hildebrandt was a recipient of the Kennedy Center’s VSA Playwright Discovery Award for his short play Life is Jazz.

Cullen Arbaugh is an actor and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program in 2017, he moved to Los Angeles. He has starred in numerous commercials with production companies such as Park Pictures and Anonymous Content. Film and television appearances include Station 19, Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal, and Mogadishu, Minnesota, and a comedy pilot that starred Tom Arnold. He is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. His original sketch comedy shows premiered at the Joshua Tree Comedy Festival, Cinderblock Comedy Festival, and the Bryant Lake Bowl Theatre in Minneapolis. Additionally, he writes prose and poetry and has been featured in Spectra and dream boy book club. He splits his time between Los Angeles and Guadalajara, México.

You can check out Cullen's IMDB below:

IMDB - Cullen Arbaugh

Bradley Hildebrandt and Cullen Arbaugh's first feature screenplay, God Hud, was selected as a finalist at the 19th Annual Omaha Film Festival in 2024.

Meet the Cast:

Bradley Hildebrandt (Bram)

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Bradley took on the role of Bram for the shoot. We were sad to see our previous actor drop out, but Bradley rose to the occasion and was perfect for the role!

Lucinda Holshue (Fiona) (she/her) teaches voice and text for the University of Minnesota BFA Actor Training Program. She also directs student projects, most recently A Lie Of The Mind, Antony and Cleopatra, and Fresh Scenes.

Lucinda has worked with teachers from the Roy Hart Theater since 1990 and trained at their center in France. She is a certified Kundalini yoga teacher which will come in handy for Bram.

Ryan Maltz (Dalton) is a Los Angeles based television, film, and commercial actor. He has performed in co-starring and supporting roles for networks and streaming platforms, including Netflix, FOX, Hulu, and FX, with his most recent appearances in Never Have I Ever and 911: Lone Star. Before moving to the west coast he performed in Minneapolis at the Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theater Company, Illusion Theater, Open Eye Figure Theater, and on the MN Centennial Showboat. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota / Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program and a member of SAG-AFTRA.

Meet the Crew:

Aaron Martinenko (Director of Photography) "Hailing from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, I travel the country and globe for projects ranging from small-crew documentaries to large-scale commercial productions. I approach all situations with a highly collaborative attitude and an ability to garner the highest quality result; and with over 10 years of industry experience in the camera department, my skillset has been honed to deliver whatever the production requires."

Aminee Hoff (1st AD) Graduated May of 2024 from UW-Stevens Point with a Media Studies Major and Business Minor, she is set her up for success, using every opportunity to work with others and get creative on set! Outside of school, she continues the practice, creating numerous projects including features, PoCs, and short films for festivals as an Assistant Director. A proud moment for her is the short film "Reasonable Doubt" she worked on as 2nd AD screening at the Cannes Film Festival this year!

Max Mainwood (Production Designer) Max is a Production Designer and Fabricator for Film and Television, and owns a scenic company called Makeshift located in Minneapolis, MN. He is an Emmy award winner and Telly award winner for his work within the sports media. Outside of his work he also is a multimedia artist and actor. He's thrilled to be a part of the team and looks forward to sharing Bram to the world!