STONE HARBOR – The Yacht Club of Stone Harbor hosted the South Jersey premiere of the independent short film, “Trust Me, I’m A Lifeguard” Aug 1.
Shot entirely in Stone Harbor last August, Hollywood came east with a series of multiple showings of the film.
Executive producer and star, Tyler Hollinger explained that growing up in Stone Harbor was the inspiration for the unique movie. “I grew up in Stone Harbor,” Hollinger said. “I had a whole lifetime of living down the shore, and I idolized lifeguards in many ways. I had friends who were lifeguards. Our film is a fun, sentimental romantic comedy – it’s kind of campy. The comedy is broad – our film is a mix between such comedies as ‘Airplane!’ and ‘Caddy Shack.’ It’s also a bromance comedy about two lifeguards going through this summer of craziness.”
The plot centers around two lifeguards and their immediate objectives.
The lifeguard played by Hollinger wants to win back his childhood sweetheart while the other lifeguard, played by Christian Kieber, wants to overcome his fear of water. The film also hosts a variety of quirky, charismatic characters as well.
A week of pre-production was followed by rehearsals on the set as two and a half days of filming ensued. The 16-minute production has appeared in numerous independent film festivals across the country including the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Its next premiere is at the Holly Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood, Calif. Aug. 16.
“Response to the film,” said Hollinger, “has been great. Our reviews have been favorable. The general audience has enjoyed the film – it’s a real crowd pleaser.”
Hollinger praised Stone Harbor Borough Council, as well as the people and the businesses of the borough. “The local merchants have been absolutely incredible in their help. Stone Harbor is such a picturesque town. It was wonderful shooting the film here. The Council was incredibly generous in their help. I think it’s great that the Yacht Club held the premiere. I’d like to create a film festival in Stone Harbor,” Hollinger stated.
Hollinger has acted in numerous television shows and movies over the years. He studied theatre and acting at Boston College and the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Institute. He has worked on four seasons of the ABC hidden camera show “What Would You Do?” and his film credits include, “Fishers of Men,” “Witches of OZ,” and “Excuse Me for Living,” as well as others.
Hollinger has grandiose plans for his film. “This short film is to raise funds and awareness to make a larger project. This is like a pilot pitch for a film or a TV series… perhaps a TV sitcom or to find a network like Comedy Central.”
Tony Glazer directed and screenplay was written by Hollinger and co-star Keiber. “Trust Me, I’m A Lifeguard” poses the comedic existential question, “What happens when the summer of your life comes to an end?”
Hollinger praised the creative contributions of the cast and crew as well, many of whom served in more than one capacity prior to and during the production. Hollinger acknowledged the “Team Trust” and confirmed the importance of authentic collaboration. “If you don’t need a team to achieve your dream, you’re not dreaming big enough,” he said.
Auditions for the film were held in New York City and several of the actors came from the New York Actors School Professional Ensemble.
Hollinger’s enthusiasm for this independent film – this “screwball comedy” – is evidenced by his desire to expand upon the project. “I want to come back next summer with a larger project – perhaps the TV show,” he said.
More information about the film can found at the website www.trustmelifeguardmovie.com.
To contact Terence Harris, email tharris@cmcherald.com.
Avalon – While suggesting that the Ukraine should surrender its territory to Russia, he remarked you can't replace the dead people. I could not help but think of the hundreds of thousands of dead people…
