[Published at Film Inquiry] Bryce Hirschberg, the writer, director, editor, producer, and actor behind Counterfeiters, has a promising future in the film industry. More micro-budget films are being made and doing what many big budget blockbuster films can’t do: captivate audiences with their story, not their mind-numbing spectacle.

It’s a business model that the Duplass brothers have perfected. We’re not talking about modern independent films that cost an average of around five million to make, but rather, films that are made for under $100,000. Hirschberg‘s directorial debut, Counterfeiters, was made on an astounding budget of only $8,000, making it all the more impressive that it’s a well-made film.

Counterfeiters is about a young man, Bridger (Hirschberg), who, with no other options, is forced to submerge himself into a life of crime, inventing a DIY way to counterfeit money in order to save his dying mother (Julie Simone). It is a no holds barred thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of its seat throughout its lean, 73-minute runtime. With an engaging, well-structured story, naturalistic dialogue, an engaging cinematic world, and solid performances from a cast of predominantly non-actors, Counterfeiters is a proof that oftentimes infectious passion is the key ingredient to making a successful film.

Painstakingly Researched

In Counterfeiters, Bridger discovers a unique way to counterfeit money by happenstance after his mother accidentally bleaches his laundry with money still in the pocket of his pants. It is at this point that he notices the blank sheet of paper underneath a dollar bill, and the idea is born. Essentially, Bridger’s method of counterfeiting entails bleaching one dollar bills, and printing fives, tens, and twenties onto the blank surface. The result is a a bill that looks, smells, and feels like money, but one that wouldn’t pass the test of holding it to the light, as there is no plastic strip embedded into it.

Why small bills? Well, vendors really only check large bills, so, Bridger figures if he sticks to counterfeiting smaller bills, then he’ll avoid trouble with the authorities. Now, I can’t attest to the accuracy or effectiveness of this method (kids, don’t try this at home), but Hirschberg put in enough research into this process that fuels his Breaking Bad-esque empire, that it seemingly could inspire real-life criminals…but let’s hope it doesn’t.

Hirschberg Wears Many Hats

Hirschberg co-produced Counterfeiters along with his gifted cinematographer and friend, David Klassen. As aforementioned, he also directed, wrote, edited, and starred in the film. It is as if, by sheer power of will, he made Counterfeiters by forgoing the usual steps that one takes to get a a film made; he bypassed the studio system, skipped the tricky labyrinths that can make up the independent scene, and used his own production studio, Call It Pictures, to get the job done. If you want to get your creative work out there, Counterfeiters is a testament to do-it-yourself, pun intended, filmmaking.

It may have taken six months to film a 24-hour period, spanning 15 days of shooting, but the cast and crew were more-than up to the task. Along with a committed performance from Hirschberg, a few of the standout performances come from Peyton Pritchard as Bridger’s girlfriend, Amber, Shawn Rolph as Bridger’s loyal friend, Jimmy, Robert McEveety as the foolish but entertaining Robbie, Noel Castellanos as the drug kingpin Jose, and Bridget Avildsen (daughter of the Oscar-winning director John G. Avildsen) as the scene stealing Genise.

So, how exactly can one make a film on an $8,000 budget? Well, for one, Hirschberg owns the boat featured in Counterfeiters, and there are only three primary locations, all shot in Marina Del Rey, California. Klassen brought some of the heavy duty filming equipment for the shoots, and Hirschberg brought his knowledge and hands-on experience from the Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. As for the rest of the cast and crew, most were friends and family (Hirschberg‘s father, Jim Hirschberg, plays the intimidating police officer laudably).

Three Chapters. One Explosive Climax

This tale of disorganized crime is divided into three well-organized chapters: i. risk, ii. monopoly, and iii. jenga. Obviously, there is risk involved in Bridger’s operation. Bridger is smart in how he manages his empire, but his friends become greedy, which greatly jeopardizes everything Bridger has worked for. One of them, Rob (McEveety) buys a flashy Porsche Macan S with the money they’re making. Preston (Taylor Lockwood), the computer whiz, grows tired of being a “subordinate” of Bridger, and wants to print larger bills, which would further jeopardize the miniature monopoly that they have on the local counterfeiting market.

As Bridger says, “This isn’t monopoly money.” Sooner or later, somebody makes a slip up, and everything goes awry. That one piece that that held the metaphorical, intricate but lopsided and delicate jenga structure together, is pulled, and the pieces come tumbling down in a heartbeat.

The climax of Counterfeiters is not to be missed. It is a mile-a-minute, grab-your-armrest thrill ride that will leave audiences wanting more of this world. And this is exactly what Hirschberg wants. Indeed, there is a Counterfeiterssequel in the works that will take place in an exciting new setting with a new cast of characters.

Conclusion: A Thrill Ride Worth Taking

Sometimes a film’s low budget can get in the way of its narrative, cohesiveness, and overall watchability. However, viewers won’t be disappointed with Counterfeiters and its quality. You can feel the passion in every frame and the palpability that it exudes. It leaves one looking forward to the next project that Hirschberg and Klassen have in the works. It isn’t easy making a film, but Hirschberg and his cast and crew make it look like a walk in the Marina Del Rey sun.

This is the work of a talented filmmaker just beginning his creative endeavors in the industry. By combining realism with some of his favorite cinematic influences, maximizing an impressively minimal budget, and embracing the the art of collaboration, Hirschberg makes a commendable film debut with Counterfeiters.

Are you a fan of crime thrillers? Have you seen Counterfeiters yet? If so, what was your favorite scene?

Counterfeiters is available to rent on iTunes and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. It will be released in select theaters on June 15, 2018.