‘From Under the Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls’ is a critically-acclaimed short film that takes aim to raise awareness to cyber-bullying, bullying, suicide, and depression. This short film was loosed based on a true story of the late Megan Meier, a teenage girl who was a victim of cyber-bullying and ultimately committed suicide. We caught up with Paul James Houghton with an interview on this short film.
UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): What were the challenges in taking Megan Meier’s story and using is as your foundation in creating this short film?
Paul James Houghton (PH): It was important to respect the sensitivity and seriousness of the true story, the family and Megan’s memory, while expanding upon the story to capture additional elements pertaining to bullying, cyber-bullying and suicide. We had already begun filming before I contacted Tina Meier (Megan’s mother), so I was quite nervous when making the connection, but the conversation and interaction went very well and we have become very close. Tina is flying in to see the film on the big screen for the first time next weekend (Los Angeles Awareness film Festival – October 23rd).
(UM): How were you able to prepare your actors to feel comfortable in playing these very uncomfortable roles?
(PH):The audition process was extensive, and key details regarding the synopsis and the core of the story were relayed to all auditioning actors during the auditioning process. We asked actors to give their own bullying stories during self-tapes and auditions, and we received far more than expected. This certainly helped. Additionally, we had a Zoom
call with Tina Meier, where she was able to chat with the entire cast. Tina absolutely appreciated this. Our lead actress (Piper Reese) is a role model for teens, via her online presence, and a strong advocate for bullying awareness and the elimination of hatred. With her online presence, she fully understands the dangers of cyber-bullying etc.
(UM): How did you find the inspiration to focus on such a difficult topic like cyber-bullying and translate that for the audience?
(PH): There are many inspirations for making the film, including my own desire to reduce and eliminate hatred, bullying and cyber-bullying in our world. I have 2 young daughters (London – 8 and Hayley – 3) and I am concerned about the world they are growing up in, especially with the growth of social media and the ability for people to bully anyone across
the globe without responsibility and accountability. With the internet and social connectivity, anyone can attack someone with anonymity from anywhere, not knowing the damage they might be causing, and not seeing the results of their bullying. This is frightening. I have also dealt with depression and suicide as a teen. Although this was not related to bullying, I recognize there are many triggers which can cause a person to step across the line into a potentially self-damaging state. And we never really know just how close a person might be to that line.
(UM): Have you worked with any organizations relating to bullying since creating this film?
(PH): We have been working with Tina Meier’s foundation (The Megan Meier Foundation – https://www.meganmeierfoundation.org/) and I contacted several global anti-bullying organizations when I began developing the film.
(UM): What purpose do you hope to achieve as you promote this short film?
(PJH): We want to illustrate the dangers of bullying and cyber-bullying, including the relationship to suicide. We also wish to show bullies are often victims of abuse themselves, and this is captured in the film. If we choose to be kind, we can change relative statistics. If we understand we do not always know the mental health of people we interact with, whether it is in person or via the internet, we can make conscious decisions to ensure we do not contribute to the demise of an individual.
(UM): Have you reached out to Tina Meier, mother of Megan Meier to consult on the idea of making this short film?
(PH): Yes – as mentioned in prior questions, we are in direct contact with Tina. I personally visited with her in St. Louis for several days during post-production, and we have become very close. As mentioned, she is flying out to visit with us next week and see the film. Tina has also asked me to help write her auto-biography.
(UM): What year did you roughly set this film to be?
(PH): Although the true story occurred in 2006, and I wrote the initial draft in 2008, the story is intended to be present day. There are many Easter-Eggs in the film referencing the original dates (the blazer badge references the year 2006, a phone number references the day of the suicide).
(UM): Have you ever experienced trolls or cyber-bullying?
(PH): I have dealt with negative comments via email and the internet over time, but I am in a state of mind where this doesn’t really affect me anymore. However, my 8 year old daughter has already dealt with cyber-bullying via social media platforms, and we are learning how to best navigate this world with her. This frightens me more than my own
experiences. Our producer has been bullied, as have members of our cast and crew.
(UM): Do you have any foundations you would like to recognize that supports cyber-bullying and mental health?
(PH): We definitely wish to recognize the Megan Meier Foundation (https://www.meganmeierfoundation.org/).
(UM): What would you like to say the viewers who watch your short film?
(PH): Thank you for watching our film and we hope it makes a difference to those who are bullied, victims of abuse and those who are bullies themselves. We advise anyone who find themselves in similar circumstances to reach out and talk with family, friends, professionals or organizations such as the Megan Meier Foundation. Positive Mental Health and the absence of abuse and hatred are essential for a happy life.
© 2021. UniversalCinema Mag.