Bride or Die Hits Lifetime This Friday the 13th
An indie thriller shot in under two weeks at a remote cabin, led by a nimble cast and crew!
Image: Instagram
Lifetime is set to debut its latest indie thriller, Bride or Die, on Friday the 13th. Shot last summer at a remote cabin on Lake Almanor, the suspense-filled feature was completed in just 13 days by a small, multi-tasking team.
Quick Shoot In Lake Almanor
Last summer, writer-director Nanea Miyata and producer Ryan Lanel whisked a lean cast and crew north to Northern California. According to the filmmakers, “Once upon a time (last summer), a tiny cast and crew drove up to Kelley Jakle’s cabin in Lake Almanor to shoot a summer camp indie thriller in 13 days.” That DIY spirit meant everyone pulled double duty—and some even ended up on camera.
Instagram Post from @kelleyjakle:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKvC7QazIbo/
The rustic lakeside setting doubled as a character in its own right, lending the film an authentic summer-camp vibe. Under Nanea Miyata’s direction of photography, graymorison captured misty dawns and shadow-filled woods in crisp, haunting detail.
Meet The Cast And Crew
The ensemble includes Mark Hapka, Rachel Elschank, Kara Royster, MK Wiles, Bobby Laenen and Claire Woolner. Many of these actors are friends off-screen as well. In a nod to their collaborative roles, costume designer and lead Kelley Jakle even billed herself as “HBIC” in her department.
Crew credits read like a one-person show: Miyata also produced alongside @everyoneismoon and @isthatpip, while Justin Morrison handled gaffer, key grip and first-AC duties. Sound designer Tom Zmudamusic composed on set, and Matticus Berger scored the final cut. VFX were overseen by Rowan Glenn, then polished by colorist Magiclemur.
Kelley Jakle’s Journey
Kelley Jakle, best known for her breakout role as Ashley in Pitch Perfect, stepped behind the scenes on this project. A University of Southern California alum and former member of collegiate a cappella group The Gryphons, Jakle has expanded her résumé to include singing, voice work and now indie film production.
Her Instagram hints at the camaraderie on set. In March, she shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to co-star and real-life partner Mark Hapka:
Instagram Post from @kelleyjakle:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKQL_wsO08S/
Her caption read, “Happy birthday to the man who makes me laugh and keeps me present… I love adventuring through life with you!! ❤️ @markhapka.” It’s clear the pair’s chemistry extends beyond the script.
Family Ties On Set
Mark Hapka, whose credits include daytime soaps and supporting roles in feature films, brings both acting chops and off-camera encouragement to the shoot. Their partnership helped streamline the tight schedule, with Jakle and Hapka often trading duties between scenes.
The close-knit crew celebrated small victories: completing a complex tracking shot before sunset, or finishing wardrobe tweaks between takes. Costume designer Jakle quipped that her dog-eared scripts were more reliable than call sheets, since they doubled as impromptu storyboards.
Countdown To Premiere
Bride or Die premieres on Lifetime Movies this Friday the 13th at 8/7c. Fans of indie horror and suspense will appreciate the raw energy of a production where everyone truly wore many hats—sometimes literally.
Whether you’re tuning in for the thrilling lakeside mystery or to see Jakle and Hapka’s real-life dynamic, Bride or Die promises tightly wound chills straight from a cabin shoot.
Keep an eye on Lifetime’s socials for any last-minute sneak peeks, and prepare your popcorn for a suspenseful night by the lake.
Trivia
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