We got a chance to talk with actor/writer Bruce L. Hart about his career, indie film, and his new upcoming rom-com Fathers of the Bride.
What inspired you to be an actor? Can you tell us your background and how you developed a passion for acting?
Growing up, we had all sorts of opportunities to perform in theater, music, and dance—you name it. Our hometown was unique and provided its residents many opportunities to explore the arts. I think my first serious acting role was in a no-name comedy in seventh grade. I discovered I could make people laugh, and from then on, I was hooked! I didn’t start appearing on television and in films until many years later after I moved to California. In fact, my first part was one line in the TV series Just the Ten of Us, and I got to dance with one of the stars, Jamie Lunar! Needless to say, people back home were impressed—even though if you blink, you’ll miss me in that episode!
Congratulations on your film, Fathers of the Bride! Why did you and your brother Paul A. Hart want to create this project? What was the collaboration process like?
Well, thank you so much! During the pandemic, we had nothing but time on our hands! So, we kicked around some ideas and actually wrote four film scripts. We felt that Fathers was the one we wanted to film first. I wanted to explore the idea of gay dads who didn’t have a formal wedding and what it would be like when their daughter decides she doesn’t want a fancy wedding. My brother suggested we weave in the theme of Christmas. I think we have a very unique story, and I love how we explore the concept of what really makes a family while telling the story with humor and love. I especially love the car chase scene as the dads try to stop their daughter from eloping to Las Vegas!
What were the challenges and breakthroughs you’ve encountered along the way, and how did you overcome them?
I think the toughest part was developing a script weloved that we could also realistically afford to produce. Filmmaking, even in the independent world, is costly. I think we hit the jackpot with our crew and cast. We built sets for some of the scenes because location rental costs were suddenly very high. Another challenge was filming during almost constant rain when the story was supposed to take place in sunny California. But I feel like the challenges were all met and resolved. Another aspect was the ever-increasing changes to technology. We had to do a great deal of post production on things like videos on cell phones and voice texting. But they were all fun challenges.
Can you tell us more about your character? What do you love about this character? How did you bring the character to life? Were there particular circumstances or personal experiences that shaped the character?
I play Rich, the non-biological dad to Michelle (played by Brooke Riley St. Johns). My husband Leo is played by Peter Szeliga, and we have a great marriage that is sometimes strained by the fact that we run a business together. They have been together for fifteen years but were only recently legally married when federal laws allowed it. So, they rushed to get married without a ceremony. Rich feels a bit like he missed out on the opportunity to have a fancy wedding ceremony, so he transfers all of his focus to Michelle’s upcoming nuptials, trying to shape it to his own vision. The tension between Rich and his sister-in-law
Angela (played by Raphaella Dreyer) is a constant source of frustration for him as he battles against her own agenda and ideas for Michelle’s wedding. The battles, of course, are also fun and hopefully entertaining for the audience!
What did you like about the story? How do you think this story will change and make an impact in today’s society?
Great question! I think the film will entertain and put a brand new spin on the tale of weddings and Christmas while subtly weaving in the theme of what makes a true family. It will also carefully explore the impact of the dads who maintained a relationship for many years, raising Michelle before they could legally wed. I like the fact that the film entertains, has comedy, and even some great pearls of wisdom.
What was the dynamic like between you, your castmates, and the film crew? How did they make you feel? Were there particular moments on set that were memorable?
After being in nearly 35 films and television projects and producing quite a few, I can tell you that this film set was one of the best experiences for me and for my brother. I certainly hope it was for the cast and crew as well. We shot the film on locations and sets throughout Los Angeles on a fairly tight schedule. Everyone showed up prepared and full of energy. From our cinematographer to our set designer to our hair and makeup person to our costume designer, we were a well-oiled and very professional team. It was amazing!
For independent filmmakers who are hoping to make their first feature film, what’s your advice on finding financial resources that can help them bring their project to fruition?
Talk to other filmmakers. Don’t rush into it, and select a story you really want to tell—not something you think will sell. You have to be passionate about your project. But most of all, talk to other filmmakers. Don’t be embarrassed to ask what you think might be dumb questions. I still talk to others in the business. It’s evolving, and we all need to help each other. Reach out to me if you have questions!
What kind of films do you like watching? Which films and filmmakers have been the most inspiring or influential to you and why?
I honestly love the old retro television movies from the days of yore. Back when there were only three channels, networks poured a ton of money into these gems. One of my guilty pleasures is The Great American Beauty Pageant, starring Eleanor Parker, and I also love Curse of the Black Widow. Campy fun and entertaining!
What were the monumental life lessons, mistakes, and things you’ve learned in your career so far that you would like to share with young aspiring or emerging actors, storytellers, and creatives in general?
Really just one important lesson: be tough. Not everyone is going to like you, “get” you, or even be nice to you. It can be difficult. And today, there are harshly critical comments made online and sometimes in person that can really affect you if you aren’t grounded. So, be tough! And also try to have fun. It really can be a magical business!
What kind of roles do you want to take on in the future?
Honestly, I’m up for anything. I went through a period where I was playing uncles—Uncle Bob, Uncle Gary, etc. Now I’m a dad in Fathers of the Bride. Just a year ago, I played a crazed stalker trying to abduct a woman in the series I Met My Murderer Online for CBS. So, I want to do it all!
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as a filmmaker?
Lucille Ball once famously said that she wanted I Love Lucy to be well-crafted enough to be something she could show her children and be proud of the show. I don’t have children, but I feel that any independent film I produce needs to have high production values. There are a ton of independent films out there (and some television shows) where they cut corners on sound, lighting, etc. And it shows! My brother and I want to produce films that entertain strangers. I’d love it if years from now people are still watching and enjoying our films. I’m a big believer in creating films that entertain. I feel that nowadays people want to laugh and be uplifted, and I would like to continue to create that type of film.
What’s your advice to young actors who want to break into the entertainment industry?
Study your craft. Make sure you know what you’re doing. Do some background work so you can experience being on a set. Don’t be in a major rush to “make it.” But at the same time, don’t procrastinate. There are literally 1,000 actors vying for a single tiny role in films. And finally, make sure you have a source of income that you don’t mind doing, which is flexible enough to allow you to pursue your dream of performing.
Do you have other upcoming projects you want to share with us?
My brother, Paul A. Hart, and I have written three other film scripts that we’re currently shopping around to hopefully produce. I’m also working with my other writing partner, Paul Vander Roest (yes, two different writers named Paul), to bring a new stage production to the LA stage. We used to produce a ton of theater in LA, but then things shifted, and live independent theater became less popular. However, it’s making a comeback. We produced a show last year that sold out even on Super Bowl Sunday! And of course I audition like every actor in the business. Who knows where I’ll land next!
