Private Project

Point 453

Point 453 follows Darren, a young boy with presenting symptoms of bipolar disorder as he searches for a normal and meaningful life. The film tracks Darren at ages 11, 17, and 21 and seeks to portray the struggles and fallout that occur over time as his illness takes hold.

  • Ethan Paisley
    Director
    Playing The Game
  • Dylan Dixon
    Director
    Playing The Game
  • Ethan Paisley
    Writer
    Playing The Game
  • Dylan Dixon
    Writer
    Playing The Game
  • Margot Lubliner
    Writer
    The Art of Escape
  • Ethan Paisley
    Producer
    Playing The Game
  • Dylan Dixon
    Producer
    Playing The Game
  • Maya Babow
    Producer
    Playing The Game
  • DonMichael Chilberg
    Producer
    The Egoic Trinity
  • Margot Lubliner
    Producer
    The Art of Escape
  • Caelan Scrivener
    Key Cast
    Mr. Student Body President
  • Kristin Kueter
    Key Cast
    Yosemite
  • Craig Miller
    Key Cast
  • Rheagan Rizio
    Key Cast
  • Hunter Woelfle
    Key Cast
  • Ken Thrift
    Key Cast
    Thirteen Reasons Why
  • Sofia Guglielmelli
    Key Cast
    Thirteen Reasons Why
  • Nicolas Chlebowski
    Key Cast
  • Leslie Ihrig
    Key Cast
  • Sol Smith
    Key Cast
  • Ari Vozaitis
    Key Cast
    Burn Country
  • Kiara Ramirez
    Cinematographer
    Detras Del Muro
  • Lori Laube/American Eagle Studios
    Casting
    Bottle Shock
  • Maya Babow
    Casting
    The Art of Escape
  • Kevin Roberts/Kevin Roberts Casting
    Casting
    Seth
  • Sean Lim
    Art Department
    The Egoic Trinity
  • Jayde Eads
    Art Department
    The Art of Escape
  • Zach Bellin
    Audio
    The Book
  • Connor Filippi
    Audio
    Parallel
  • Project Type:
    Feature, Student
  • Runtime:
    55 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    November 6, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • 32Ten Studios Screening (Private)
    San Rafael
    United States
    December 16, 2016
    North American Premiere
Director Biography - Ethan Paisley, Dylan Dixon

Ethan Paisley is an American director, producer, writer, and director based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Paisley got his start at a local theatre where he took on roles ranging everywhere from Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors to Romeo in Romeo & Juliet. His theatre experience landed him roles in several independent films, most recently Boo Men (dir. Devin Morse) and Nebula (dir. Daniela Bornstein). While acting on-camera professionally, Paisley created a YouTube parody series that accumulated over ½ a million views in less than a year and helped him realize a passion he had for behind-the-scenes work. Since then, Paisley has produced & directed over 25 short films, 2 feature films, and written a commercial for the SpikeTV Network. He currently produces through his award-winning production company, Take18 Entertainment, and has two SAG films in post-production. His talent has been recognized in the Scout, Singapore International, and All American High School Film Festivals.

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Director Statement

In December of 2014, I hit bad depression and expressed my emotions in a rough, 40 page script. The script touched on points in my life where I felt disappointed and insecure about other people, and more importantly, myself. I took a month to reflect on what made me feel unhappy, and it led me to investigating the topic of mental illness.

I was concerned about my own mental health, and talked to my family members and close friends who happened to have bipolar disorder about the struggles in their life to see if I found a parallel in mine. After reflecting, I was shocked to find how much I had in common with my own dad, who is diagnosed with the illness. His illness has played a big part in my family growing up, and his struggle to cope inspired me to give depth to my script. After talking with more bipolar people and researching the numbers who struggle with it in some way, I felt passionate about shining a light on those with untreated cases of the disease and bringing awareness to helping them. I also wanted to make a movie that spoke to families with mental illness, and those without, so that I could appropriately explain the symptoms and steps to care for something as common as bipolar disorder.

This is a film about humanity, family, and the idea that love and genuine connections can conquer any isolating factor, whether it’s mental illness or even sexuality, race, or gender. I hope the audience can learn and appreciate something about Point 453, whether it educates them on treating bipolar disorder or reminds them to tell their best friend they love them.