Experiencing Interruptions?

From Under The Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls

A lonely high school girl escapes depression and her bullies when she meets the perfect boy online, but is he too good to be true? A multi-faceted bullying & cyberbullying awareness story you won't believe is inspired by REAL EVENTS.

  • Paul James Houghton
    Director
  • Paul James Houghton
    Writer
    Skill Crane, Home James
  • Connie Jo Sechrist
    Producer
    Single, Ingenue
  • Paul James Houghton
    Producer
    Skill Crane
  • Piper Reese
    Key Cast
    "Clare Taylor"
  • Luc Clopton
    Key Cast
    "Kyle Badger"
  • Sara Wolfkind
    Key Cast
    "Stacey Brown"
  • Rachel Alig
    Key Cast
    "Julie Brown"
    Truth, The Cleaning Lady, Wives Of The Skies
  • Chris Cimperman
    Key Cast
    "Steven Badger"
    The Retreat, Dangerous Medicine
  • Ryon Thomas
    Key Cast
    "Anthony Taylor"
  • Tezz Yancey
    Key Cast
    "Chester"
  • Erick McAllister
    Key Cast
    "Mickey"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 1, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    36,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4K, Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Dance With Films
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    September 5, 2021
    World Premiere
    Best Short Film - Audience Choice
  • Awareness Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    October 23, 2021
    Best Short Film - Grand Jury
  • London Lift-Off Film Festival
    London, England
    United Kingdom
    December 9, 2022
    Best Short Film - Grand Jury
  • Bute Street Film Festival
    Luton, England
    United Kingdom
    April 9, 2022
    British Premiere
    Best Short Film - Audience Choice
  • Believe Psychology Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    May 22, 2022
    Best Short Film - Grand Jury
  • International Children Care Film Festival
    Paris
    France
    June 26, 2022
    European Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Royal Starr Film Festival
    Royal Oak, Michigan
    United States
    September 9, 2022
    Best Short Film - Grand Jury
  • Pasadena International Film Festival
    Pasadena, California
    United States
    September 15, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Los Angeles Movie Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    September 25, 2021
    Honorable Mention
  • New York Shorts International Film Festival
    New York, New York
    United States
    October 29, 2021
    Official Selection
  • OC Film Fiesta
    Santa Ana, California
    United States
    October 14, 2021
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Dreamotion Studios
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
  • Dreamotion Studios
    Sales Agent
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Paul James Houghton

Paul James Houghton is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, creative producer and founder of Dreamotion Studios, currently working on a confidential project with WB in Los Angeles, California. Paul wrote and directed the film, 'From Under The Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls', which has earned him multiple awards including 'best film', 'best director' and 'best first-time director'. Born and raised near London, England, he moved to the United States following school and now resides in Seal Beach, California. Paul is the proud father of 2 girls, an advocate for awareness on mental health and the dangers of bullying, and a proven supporter of diversity and equality in the film industry.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Personal statement (if you read nothing else, please read this):

Bullying • Cyber-Bullying • Suicide • Based on a Shocking and Twisted TRUE STORY

The 2021 multi award-winning film (including Grand Jury and Audience Choice 'Best Short Film' at 'Dances With Films' and the 'Awareness Film Festival) - ‘From Under The Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls’ - was inspired by, and is based on the true story of Megan Meier. Megan took her own life 3 weeks prior to her 14th birthday after a severe cyber-bullying attack, which was orchestrated by an adult.

BULLYING and CYBER-BULLYING continue to rise, while seriously affecting, damaging and destroying lives. And with over 4.66 billion people accessing the internet across the globe (60% of the world's population), the stage, platforms, opportunities and techniques for CYBER-BULLYING are dramatically and continuously expanding and exploding! Of the 4.66 billion people accessing the internet across the globe, 4.33 use social media (93%).

Sadly, CYBER-BULLYING is a prominent and powerful relative trend, which is growing at a frightening pace. Bullying has become possible from anywhere in the world, with far more anonymity than ever, while the absence of accountability and responsibility soars. We must all recognize this massive problem and 'be the change'.

I have been passionate about this story and developing the script for over 12 years. In addition to experiencing personal abuse, I have witnessed the bullying and abuse of people close to me, with tragic and devastating results. With the introduction of my 2 beautiful daughters into this world, and the current state of society, I knew it was time to produce this film.

And now the film is partnered with the Megan Meier Foundation, and I have established a personal and meaningful relationship with Megan's mother and founder of the foundation, the personal and public importance of the film has reached new heights. I'm incredibly proud of this film and all that encompasses it.

Paul James Houghton.

'From Under The Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls' is a carefully tailored multi-faceted bullying and cyber-bullying film, centered around a primary story based on real events, while capturing supporting stories without disruption to the flow of the film. The captivating plot features real issues and features an array of characters approaching the story from contrasting angles, including the 'waterfall' effects of abuse. The script is powerful, while bringing awareness through creative storytelling.
Clare is a lonely and insecure high school girl, trying to navigate her way through the dark shadows of her depression, which is fueled by multiple factors.

Clare finds herself in a new chapter of her life, without her mother or any friends, while her bullies target her regularly and with increasing severity. Her loving father is overwhelmed, but trying desperately to bridge the void between them, which hides the secrets behind his daughter's state of mind.

But then suddenly from the darkness there is light. Clare is presented with the possibility of happiness, as she connects with a charming, attractive and seemingly caring teenage boy through social media. He listens to her, compliments and flatters her... and he is in college!

Surely, this chance encounter will change everything? And indeed, it surely does...

This tale is captivating, emotional and shocking. For some, it will be seriously relatable. But more than anything, we hope it leaves you pondering... what can YOU do to help?