Kevin Morthorst
A City Upon a Hill is a cautionary tale for nuclear conflict. It is a story about how people experience loss, and the process of dealing with that loss in a post-apocalyptic world. Some are able to let go of the past and find hope and a new purpose for the future. While others can't let go, marching off to certain death in hope of finding closure.
This studio-drama pilot centres around characters we all can empathise with, regardless of their background, allowing us to feel and experience a world at its end. It also shows the bleak future that awaits the world should current tensions between Russia and the West not find a resolution.
A City Upon a Hill is meant to be a splash of cold water that intends to wake people up to the utter hell of nuclear warfare. The powers that be are all too eager it seems to thrust the planet into World War 3, something I hoped to highlight.
There is very little push back it seems from either the mainstream media or anti-war organizations to end the Ukraine war before it escalates into a hot war between NATO-aligned countries and Russia allied nations. Even high-ranking government officials in the United States think they can win a nuclear war.
People need to wake up and start pushing back against their governments before everything we hold dear is reduced to ashes.
This production was very much a trial by fire for me when it came to directing. I learned an awful lot on what to do and what not to do. Effective communication between my various departments is crucial, along with continuously asking for progress reports to make sure everything is getting done. Another lesson was make sure that post-production staff are equipped and understand the amount of time that is needed. Finally, holding a proper casting session to get the best actors you can for the production is vital, something I will take forward to my next projects.
The success of this project ultimately comes down to having an amazing producer in Aaron Hallows. He was always on top of things and working out solutions to addressing the many issues that arose throughout the production. As well as having an amazing crew on set for the shoot week. Everyone came in and put 110% effort into their job. Whenever I was on the floor, every one was smiling and in good spirits - it meant we had a strong bond on set, which really helped me when I was stressed out. Their positivity helped me get through my dark moments during this production.
I am very proud of this project and eternally grateful for everyone who chose to help make it a reality.
Hello, my name is Kevin Morthorst. I’m an American who immigrated to Ireland May
of 2018 looking to start a new life and to get away from the political division that has grown in
the US since 2015. I will graduate from IADT as a mature student with a bachelor’s in
Television Production. My focus during my time at IADT has been on Documentary, historical,
and political drama. Prior to coming to Ireland I spent six years in the United States Military.
