Experiencing Interruptions?

Midtown Mixup

A shy, nerdy science major finally gets the nerve to help his crush, and finds himself embroiled in murder and international intrigue.

  • Ryan Collins
    Director
  • Taylor Van Arsdale
    Writer
  • Bradley Levine
    Producer
  • Taylor Van Arsdale
    Producer
  • Joey Goldman
    Producer
  • Spencer York
    Producer
  • Bradley Levine
    Key Cast
  • Joey Goldman
    Key Cast
  • Spencer York
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 49 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 14, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    1,200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony A7S II 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Ryan Collins

Ryan Collins was born and raised in the Carolinas (including a 4-year stint at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts,) Ryan moved to New York in 2008. Working as a director, editor, and sound recordist for nearly a decade now, he finally produced and directed his first feature film, Bar Songs, in 2015. He has spent more time than he can remember watching bad TV, swilling booze, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and following the Detroit Pistons.

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Director Statement

FROM WRITER/PRODUCER TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE-

I was brought into this project when these three actors had one very broad assignment in their class at Pace University - Make a short film that they would star in. With such a blank canvas, I knew I had to focus on the actor’s strengths. When we had our individual Skype sessions I realized Bradley was really funny and appealing in a nerdy “Harry Potter” type way. I thought he would be a natural Woody Allen type so I crafted the story primarily around him. His character lives inside his head; thinking and fantasizing about what it would be like to have a real relationship.

I love the idea of relationships that are imagined or not what they seem to be on the surface and how that affects a person’s behavior. I loved the idea that here’s this guy who has adored this girl in his class from afar, hasn’t had much luck with women in general and suddenly she’s at his apartment door. It’s really everyone’s fantasy—to have the person you are smitten over, standing in front of you asking for help. In setting up the scenarios, I wanted this story to be more than just a boy/girl crush gone wrong. The Russian spy twist is really an allegory for what actually happens within a majority of relationships. You are with someone, and you like that person and that person may like you, however the reason isn’t why you think, or perhaps it never was. Rejection is universal, so why not play with the reason—make it broader and comical and completely over the top. Plus I love a little intrigue and murder thrown into the mix!