Pure Blue

A young police officer, Vanessa Bailey (Marie Wilde), must fall in line after witnessing a murder, or risk the consequences of doing what's right.

  • Justin Stapleton
    Director
  • Justin Stapleton
    Writer
  • Grant Anderson
    Producer
  • Ebony Perry
    Producer
  • Marie Wilde
    Key Cast
    "Officer Vanessa Bailey"
  • Gina Daidone
    Key Cast
    "Detective Stacey Yates"
  • Jackson Janowicz
    Key Cast
    "Curtis"
  • Kevin Leroy Leroy
    Key Cast
    "Bundy"
  • Krista Owens
    Key Cast
    "Captain Janet Dawson"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Crime, Action, Thriller
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 12, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    17:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York Film Academy
Director Biography - Justin Stapleton

Texas born and Los Angeles raised, Justin Stapleton proudly served his country as aUnited States Navy Corpsman for 10 years including 3 tours of combat overseas. Sadly afterbeing medically yet honorably discharged, he continued his education by earning his Bachelor’sin Healthcare Administration while simultaneously acting in various local projects around theCharleston South Carolina, and Atlanta areas.

After years of making his way in film in front of the camera Justin decided to try his handat being a creative force behind the lens. This journey took him from an Art Institute in AtlantaGeorgia back across the country to his hometown of Los Angeles California. Where he onceagain took up acting throughout southern California. After booking an agent, he ended up onseveral auditions at the New York Film Academy in Burbank CA. and it was there that his passion for filmmaking really took hold, and the cinematic dream began to materialize. During his tenure he worked in several crew positions ranging from Sound Mixer to Assistant Director which he currently freelances as today. Never one to shy away from the toughest path possible, he took on the task of creating and packaging his first feature film whilein school during their feature film program.

After he graduated Summa Cum Laude, Justin continued his work as both a Producer and Assistant Director, amassing many credited films from different genres, and learning fromdirectors across the Los Angeles film spectrum. His strengths rest in his ability to coordinate, create, andfunction in all phases of the filmmaking process. Whether it is his film or an associate's the project becomes the number one priority, and he is as reliable as the sunshine iswarm. This is evident by the friends he has made, the connections he has garnered, and therespect that is reciprocated between himself and everyone he meets throughout the industry.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Pure Blue" is a proof of concept for my current feature, “Chandler Blvd”. With this short, I wanted to create an origin story that is three-dimensional and honest, serving as both a character study and a visceral examination of the systems we live in.

As a former service member involved in overseas policing actions, I understand the frustration of seeking answers only to be told to fall in line. This personal experience inspired me to explore themes of redemption, corruption, and morality in “Pure Blue”. How far will someone go, and how much will they compromise their integrity, in order to achieve their goals? These questions are central to the film’s narrative, offering a reflection of America’s complex policing climate in 2024, while also paying homage to the gritty cinema of the 90s, a period that influenced me deeply.

In making this film, I focused on creating a story that resonates universally. Whether or not someone has served in law enforcement, I want them to feel the weight of a single decision, and how even the best intentions can lead to irrevocable consequences.

Technically, I kept the plot simple and the shooting tight, allowing me to focus on the dark, gritty aesthetic of the film. By using minimal, carefully shaped lighting, I aimed to create suspense and a sense of dread—almost horror-like in its execution. I invested in extensive research into policing and collaborated with technical directors who are former or active police officers to ensure the authenticity of the portrayal.

The production was not without its challenges—shooting high-action stunts at 3 a.m. with limited lighting and visibility tested our team. But thanks to a dedicated producing team, cast and crew, we overcame each obstacle and brought the vision to life.

My hope is that “Pure Blue” leaves a lasting impression, one that lingers in the minds of the audience long after the credits roll, prompting them to question their own beliefs about morality and the systems that shape us.