Experiencing Interruptions?

Party People

Kate, a woman riddled with social anxiety, fears the worst ahead of a surprise party with a group of people she doesn't know.

  • Brian Hartley
    Director
    Glimpse
  • Taylor Kottke
    Writer
  • Clayton Conroy
    Producer
    Out To Run
  • Jorie McDonald
    Producer
  • Carter Carstens
    Producer
  • Taylor Kottke
    Key Cast
    "Kate"
    Pulse, Occurrence, What's My Name Again?
  • Kevin Holloway-Harris
    Key Cast
    "Matt"
    The Rookie
  • Christina Colgan
    Key Cast
    "Mikayla"
    In The Waiting, Cross My Mind
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Psychological Horror
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 24 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 22, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    14,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Brian Hartley

Founder & Creative Director of Happy Medium Films, Brian has a passion for filmmaking in all its forms, especially story-driven projects that have heart, inspire us, and move people to see the fun and hope in humanity. He’s been capturing stories and filming for over 15 years and has shot and directed a variety of projects— from music videos, to digital commercials and social content, to short narrative films.

Growing up in Colorado, Brian found a voice in making movies and using video camcorders to see the world in a way that could be shared. That passion informs his work across genres and platforms. As a freelance filmmaker, Brian has worked with companies like Shopify, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, 160over90 and ObsidianWorks, Buzzfeed, Refinery 29, and Beautiful Destinations.

Brian is currently developing a new narrative project as well as actively working as a commercial director and cinematographer.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Party People was created as a psychological horror that deals with real issues around social anxiety and the pressure that our main character, Kate, experiences when a fun surprise party for a friend turns into her own personal nightmare.

When writer and producer, Taylor Kottke, came to me with the idea and invited me to be a part of it, I was so excited. First - I was excited to step out of my narrative comfort zone by directing a short about the very act of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Second - I was excited to partner with our incredible team, notably Cory Gehr, our director of photography and Colin Dennard, our composer, to create something truly special that would bring Taylor's vision to life.

I can't wait to share this film with audiences across the country and the globe. Let's party.