Staff Select premiere "Dekalb Elementary" by Reed Van Dyck |
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Based on the 911 text which was featured on news 2013 and this week's Staff Choice Premiere is "Dekalb Elementary,""" gripping Oscar-nominated short produced by Reed Van Dyck.
Films that are shot in just one room can't be more amazing than this. In less than 20 minutes Van Dyck puts forth an amazing feat of environment and pace. The suspense is caused by a feeling of confinement along with a basic and astonishing understanding of a baffling threat. "I wanted to play with the things we don't see," says Van Dyck. "Whether it's blocking an actor's face , or leaving the chaotic sound of kids running] screaming in the background, which is heard but not seen. It was my impression that you, as the audience can create more fascinating pictures in your mind that I've ever shown you." The juxtaposition of space and time ultimately make each minute even superior to the one before it.
The incredible performances by the lead actor Tarra Riggs as well as Bo Mitchell, it's no surprise that Van Dyck said he wouldn't create the film without his best actors. A perfect example of team, cast and the care given to the craft of storytelling filmmaking "Dekalb Elementary" appears to be a document of a very real event.
We met with Director Reed Van Dyck to talk the inspiration behind his film, as well as challenges and how to control the film.
Was your source of inspiration to create your film?
"'DeKalb' is based on a 911 call that made the news in 2013. In the call, we listen to Antoinette Tuff discussing the young man, Michael Hill, who walks through her Atlanta primary school carrying an AK-47 and five hundred rounds. I had not heard of this phone conversation in the moment the news initially broke, however, I came across the phone call after a while when I was researching the work I had been involved with regarding the shooting massacre. I remember sitting on my sofa at my home at home in Los Angeles riveted and emotional while I watched the recording's fourteen minutes unfold. In the weeks that followed it was difficult to get their voices out of my thoughts. Her strength and compassion along with his confusion and sorrow. The moment touched me in a profound wayand made me wonder whether I could bring their moments on film. "
Do you have any challenges while making the film?
"The film is essentially the story of two characters. One of the biggest challenges was to locate the top actors for the roles. The decision was mine to not produce the film without an suitable casting. It was a months-long process of combing IMDb as well as looking over cast lists for Indie television series, films and many more. Anytime I saw someone who seemed to be one of two leading actors I'd include them in the list. When the list had gotten to 30 , 40 or more I'd begin looking through the names of all actors on it and watching their prior work (TV performances, films or even films.) prior to cutting it down.
Following that, I'd take the time to start to repeat the whole procedure. That's how I found Tarra Riggs, as well as Bo Mitchell who play the main parts. I picked every actor who appeared in the movie, not just those in supporting roles, employing the same process. My feeling was that even a single fake performance note by anyone could divert our attention away from the reality of the circumstances, so I had to find the best actors I could get to play each character. . "
It's difficult to create an enthralling tone when dealing in a situation as critical as this. What was your experience in crafting such a tense atmosphere?
"My north star in creating the film was the 911 call. In my initial thoughts of ways to make the film both visually and emotionally, I came to the conclusion that less was more. It was a resounding response to the request, that was almost a radio play -with just two voices. So, with the movie I was looking to explore what we're not seeing... whether that's keeping an actor's face hidden or keeping children in chaos around the room, screaming and not being able to see.
I was thinking that the audience would make more intriguing visuals in their minds that I can present to you. By presenting less details, narratively and visually maybe the audience would take a greater enjoyment of the film by incorporating their own experiences into the experience. This was our goal at the very least. . "
The film is extremely controlled, which makes it feel as if it was made in one day. What would the timeline of the production process like?
"The script measures 20 pages in length which is why we took five days. I tried to restrict my daily pages at an uninvolved level, due to the exact reasons you stated. The longer my team and I spent working on production, the more intentional and thoughtful we were in regards to the design of shots and blocking, as well as performance costumes and design for production. For me, a longer production times are more manageable. This includes a lengthy pre-production process . "
What is your top trick for film students?
"This isn't so much guidance, however I lived in a tiny town on the coast of New Jersey called Mahwah. My homestead that I grew up on is unceded Lunaape Tribal land. I have researched about the Lunaape to make a film I am producing. One thing which struck me and moved me, was how they saw stories. Stories were believed to be powerful remedies to the entire group. The Storyteller was an important person who moved between clans in the tribe , and shared stories that taught people what they needed to do for survival. Stories played a role in the way these tribes and their members were able to grow and evolve.
Personally, that's the reason I like to go to the movies. In times of uncertainty , such as ours, I long for movies and filmmakers that are honest and transparent about themselves as well as the world around them. I crave stories that will enable me to remain on the path of awakening. Therefore, my (selfish) wish or desire for future filmmakers is that they set about filmmaking in this mannerinvestigating themselves and the world and recording what they find out. . "
What's next? Are there any plans coming up?
"I'm currently working on two feature projects right now. One is a brand new script written by me. My production team and I have reached to actors in order to get their input. Based on the New Yorker piece and we're at the point of obtaining release rights, right to perform, etc. . "
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