Hollywood, CA - INNOCENT BYSTANDER is the third short film from writer/producer/director Bruce Wayne Gillies after having made THE SPLITTING HARE-ACHE as his second short film, and making CAR TROUBLE, DARLIN', his first short film.

It’s no accident that INNOCENT BYSTANDER and the other two short films employ apocryphal legends as a plot device since they will all be part of Digital Pictures Studios first TV pilot for the series URBAN LEGENDS AND SUSPICIOUS TALES.

This most recently completed short film, INNOCENT BYSTANDER, finishes the trilogy allowing URBAN LEGEND AND SUSPICIOUS TALES to be produced and submitted to major televison, cable and internet channels and networks for distribution.

The short film INNOCENT BYSTANDER is over very quickly, but it speaks long on how one man sees his fellow man through pre-conceived notions.

When a mild-mannered Jogger heads out for his routine morning run he is surprised when he runs smack into a Rave Rocker enjoying music on his headphones. After the brief encounter, the Jogger resumes his run only to realize his wallet has gone missing!

Jumping to conclusion, the Jogger returns to the scene of the crime forcing the Rocker to give him back the stolen goods. After a short struggle, the Rocker complies and the Jogger finishes his run.

Upon returning home, it is only then that the Jogger is hit with the realization of what has mistakenly transpired -- and the knock at the door confirms his worst fear!

Ben Sykes steps into the role of the JOGGER quite imperceptibly. A regular jogger in real life, he quickly met one of the criterion for the part and is positively right for the self-contained role. A friendly jogger who stands-up for himself, even if it is mis-directed energy.

Mr. Sykes has had other acting roles, one in the film Cemetery Club and another on The Amy Alkon Show a TV pilot. Also included in Ben’s performing background are numerous theater appearances and stand-up comedy shows.

Developing and training Ben’s acting talents has been assisted by programs at Carnegie Melon University, Drama Program, Pittsburgh, PA, and individuals like Mike Marino - Stand-up, and Russ McCaig - Actor’s workshop.

RAVE ROCKER Nicholas Fee aptly undersells his free-spirited performance as a young skateboarder in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Ironically enough Nick also possessed a qualifying criterion; he had the skateboard that the script called for the Rave Rocker to be using. Of course Nick would still have been cast as the Rocker, but the production’s ‘work for food’ budget certainly appreciated the free prop no doubt!

Nicholas has an extensive background in films, TV, theater, commercials and other facets of the artistic performing talent industry.

He can be seen in the recent independent films Romp and Random Act of Violence, and on TV in the lead for the pilot Online Love.

Additionally, Nick’s training and special skills range from UCLA acting workshops to the Lee Strasberg Institute.

Gillies was born and raised in the downriver area of Detroit, Michigan; a suburb known as Southgate. He studied Cinematic Arts at Central Michigan University while supporting himself as a college sports television producer/director, cable TV production manager, and radio D.J.

Bruce moved to Hollywood directly after college to pursue his writing and directing career. He has supported himself working as a Line Producer, UPM or 1ST A.D. on feature films, music videos, commercials, and television.

Gillies has also written five screenplays, five shorts films, and two television treatments.

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Like many short films, INNOCENT BYSTANDER would not have been possible without the generous contributions from cast and crew alike.

Cast and Crew of INNOCENT BYSTANDER

INNOCENT BYSTANDER is now being completed for submission to film and video festivals and will be available for private screening.

END TITLES/CREDITS

Apocryphal Pictures
presents

a
Digital Pictures Studios
production of

a
Work For Food
film

INNOCENT BYSTANDER
based upon an apocryphal story

Starring
Ben Sykes

Starring
Nicholas Fee

Introducing
Dave Nilson

Screenplay
Bruce Wayne Gillies
based upon an apocryphal story

Executive Producer
Maria Milan Gillies

Director of Photography
Andrew Parke

Editor
Bruce Wayne Gillies

Production Support
John Hankammer

Specials Thanks
The Ol’Boy

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