Recently, FTC Alumnus and Assistant Manager of Social Media, Jacob Bila had the opportunity to interview another FTC Alumnus and Filmmaker, Christian Nilsson, who has made a name for himself in film and cinematography locally and nationally. From his early college days shooting over a dozen short films on campus to building an impressive career across digital media powerhouses like BuzzFeed and HuffPost, Nilsson shared how early resourcefulness shaped his approach to storytelling. In this engaging conversation, he took a deep dive into the creative journey, technical hurdles, and core themes behind his new drama, Westhampton.
The discussion unpacked the fascinating inspiration behind Westhampton, exploring its central themes of forgiveness, atonement, and the unreliable nature of memory. Nilsson candidly reflected on how earlier low-budget viral hits—including his headline-making Zoom horror film, Unsubscribe—fueled the momentum to bring Westhampton from script to screen despite budget constraints and production setbacks. He shared how he built trust on set with lead actors Finn Wittrock and RJ Mitte, using creative workarounds to deliver a sleek, cinematic vision.
(Note: This interview took place prior to the passing of RJ Mitte. The entire Five Towns College community extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.)
Want to learn more about Christian Nilsson’s advice for aspiring filmmakers, his experience directing Hollywood talent, and the behind-the-scenes secrets of Westhampton? Check out the full interview!
