Masuk Free Press

“Making Bones”, a short film produced by Joey Ambrosini, is just about as Monroe-centered as a movie can get. The 17 minute film follows two relatives in the Mafia after the older cousin is ordered to kill off his troublesome younger cousin. “Making Bones” not only stars a Masuk alumni, but also features two current Masuk students and multiple Monroe locations. 

Ambrosini, who both directed and acted in the film as the younger cousin, graduated from Masuk in 2020. He went on to major in theater arts at Housatonic Community College, simultaneously acting in various movies including Johnny and Clyde and Alarmed. Ambrosini graduated last year, and “Making Bones” was the first movie he directed alone. It was filmed almost entirely in Monroe.

“Monroe’s closer to the heart,” Ambrosini said. “Just bringing my passion into my hometown.”

In addition, Masuk juniors Lexia Hayden and Sophie Gustinis both had roles in the film. Hayden played a woman in a bar scene who slaps another character, while Gustinis was an extra. Hayden, who has been involved in acting for years, connected with Ambrosini through Instagram to get her role. 

“The director found my Instagram, asked about my work experience, then picked me,” Hayden said.

Even though she had acted in many different roles before, Hayden still considered this “a great experience.”  

“It definitely helped me realize I do love acting. Everyone was so talented and fun,” she said.

Unlike Hayden, Gustinis did not have a history in the film industry beforehand, though she did have modeling experience. Her desire to pursue commercial modeling attributed to why she sought out this role. 

“The movie helped me get more exposure and comfortability with the type of environment I would be in,” Gustinis explained. 

As for casting, she mentioned, “I was cast because I knew Joey personally through my sister, who had attended Masuk with him.”

Similar to Hayden and Gustinis, Ambrosini also began his acting career during his high school years.

“Seeing these people, who are on their first movie in high school, it brings me back to memories from when I was in Rhode Island,” Ambrosini said, referencing the time he played as an extra in his first movie. He was 16, in sophomore year of high school. The movie was shot in Rhode Island and featured actors like Theo Rossi, Samira Wiley, Clive Standen and more.

Getting Monroe citizens into “Making Bones” was an engaging process. 

“I was willing to have anybody involved,” Ambrosini commented. “I posted a casting call on this Facebook group of Monroe residents. We got well over 150 responses.”

With multiple scenes shot in the Monroe Social, Ambrosini described the location as “the backbone of this entire film.” The scene featuring Hayden was also shot at the Monroe Social.

“The director Joey Ambrosini is so talented, and you can tell he has a real love for this town,” Hayden said.

Gustinis expressed similar feelings: “It was great to work with him. I felt more connected because he had attended Masuk, and it allowed for easier conversation.”

Ambrosini knew since he was a kid that he wanted to get involved in the film industry. 

“I was just like, you know, I think I want to do this. I want to see myself on the big screen,” he said.

In his high school years, in addition to seeking acting roles, Ambrosini began his own filming. He created a documentary on the 2020 Masuk Football team. The documentary was supposed to premiere at Masuk, but unfortunately could not because of the COVID pandemic.

While Ambrosini did not participate in Masuk Theatre, he was still engaged with the film industry through taking a video production class.

“I remember Joe Carino, who was the video production teacher when I was a junior, and Nancy DiPietro was the video production teacher when I was a senior. Their guidance and their help really pushed me forward and made me want to take when I learned and pass it onto other people. Masuk has been a really incredible support system,” Ambrosini said.

For other opportunities for students to get into the industry, Ambrosini recommended taking acting classes. He also mentioned that “if Masuk students ever needed any advice, I’m always able to be reached. If they ever want to do a workshop, I just did one at my college.” At his workshop, they also premiered “Making Bones”, which was very well received.

“I couldn’t thank this town enough for everything they’ve done for us,” Ambrosini said. 

“Making Bones” will be free to stream on the website LateFlix on June 21.