This year will mark Bridger Nielson’s second annual return to Park City during the Sundance Film Festival to promote “The Pact” as director of photography. The film has been so popular that even Nielson and his parents can’t get tickets to the premiere.
Nielson grew up in Park Meadows and remembers many past film festivals. During high school, he bussed tables and delivered room service to Sundance guests staying at the Stein Eriksen Lodge and gained experience by volunteering at the West High School television station in Salt Lake City, which he attended. He started shooting action photos for sports magazines at 19, before attending the University of Southern California and graduating with a degree in film in 2001.
“I’ve always been surrounded by visual artists. My dad was into photography and I’ve always been very interested in that,” Nielson said. “I started shooting for free at first and then moved into paid work. The largest amount of work I do is in commercials and music videos.”
This is Nielson’s first feature-length film in Sundance. He co-produced “The Pact” as a short film last year that was picked up after the festival by Executive Producer Jamie Carmichael, who completely financed its re-make as a feature length film.
A part of the Park City Midnight film series, “The Pact” is about Annie, a girl who returns home for her mother’s funeral and finds something amiss in her childhood home. She hires a local police officer and clairvoyant to help her clear the troubling presence within the walls, according to the Sundance Film Guide. The film was written and directed by Nicholas McCarthy, who, Nielson said, is talented at his job.
“I’m happy to be his collaborator,” Nielson said, “It’s my job to be the director’s mouthpiece in terms of the visual storytelling.”
Bridger’s father, John Nielson said his son started in photography at 16 and was focused enough to know what he wanted to do.
“I’m proud. He’s extremely talented and I’m hoping that this will be a good break for him. He is very good at what he does, and it’s just a matter of time before he makes it big.”
John said one of his proudest memories was of attending “The Pact” wrap party in Los Angeles after the crew had finished filming.
“I went on the set of this film in L.A., where they had this house that they were using for the film,” John said. “Everyone came up to me without fail and said ‘You’re Bridger’s dad? He’s so talented,’ and it made me feel good.”
“The Pact” is one of eight films featured in the Park City at Midnight series which screens:
Saturday, Jan. 21, midnight, Broadway Center Cinema 6, SLC
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 11:45 p.m., Library Center Theatre, PC
Thursday, Jan. 26, 9 p.m., Egyptian Theatre, PC
Saturday, Jan. 28, midnight, Tower Theatre, SLC