Staff Choice Staff Choose Premiere "Dekalb Elementary" by Reed Van Dyck |

CONTENT Warning The video contains content which could cause injury or distress for some viewers.

Based on the 911 text which made news across the nation in 2013 the Staff Pick premiere this week is "Dekalb Elementary,""" an Oscar-nominated short from Reed Van Dyck.

Films made in the confines of a small space don't make more sense than this. In just 20 minutes Van Dyck puts forth an impressive feat in environment and pacing. The tension comes from the feeling of being in a confined space and an uncanny understanding of a dubious threat. "I was trying to explore the things we cannot be able to see," says Van Dyck. "Whether the actor blocks his own face or creating the chaos of kids screaming in the background, which is heard but not seen. I thought about how you as the viewers will create more fascinating images in your own mind and I will be able to show you." Space's exploration will make each second even more compelling than the preceding one.

In addition to the outstanding performances of the main actors Tarra Riggs, as well as Bo Mitchell, it's no surprise that Van Dyck said he wouldn't complete the project without the appropriate actors. The film is an authentic testimony to the cast and crew and focus on the art of narrative filmmaking "Dekalb Elementary" is a true fictional account of an astonishingly real-life event.

We caught up with Director Reed Van Dyck to talk inspiration, challenges, and how to control the production.

     What inspired you for the creation of this film?    

     "'DeKalb' is based on a 911 call that was discussed on news in 2013. On the phone, we hear Antoinette Tuff talking with young man Michael Hill, who walks through her Atlanta primary school carrying an AK-47 as well as five hundred rounds. I was unaware of the phone call until it made news and I discovered it later in the course of research for another work I was doing about the mass shooting. I remember lying on my sofa at home in Los Angeles riveted and emotional when I was listening to the 14 minute audio clip unfold. In the span of a few several weeks, I was unable to get their voices out of my mind. She was strong and compassionate as well as his confusion and sorrow. It was a touching moment for me. deep place, and so I was wondering if I could capture the emotion on film. "

Do you have any difficulties while creating this film?

     "The film is really a an all-man production. Therefore, one of the major problems was finding suitable actors to play the roles. Then I decided that it was impossible to complete the project without appropriate casting. The process took months of combing IMDb and scouring casting lists from indie films, TV series, etc. If I came across someone who seemed to be one of two leading actors, I would add them to a list. After the list had grown to 30 , 40 or more, I'd begin to go through the entire cast of the show, and analyzing their prior works (TV movies, performances and others) and making it simpler to narrow the list down.

     Then, I'd start to repeat the entire process. It was through this process that I found Tarra Riggs, and Bo Mitchell who play the leading characters. I personally selected every actor from the film, including the supporting roles by using the same method. My feeling was that one false note from any person could deflect from the actual situations, and this is the reason I sought out the most reputable actors I could get to play every part . "

     It's not easy to set an enthralling tone for a subject that is as important as this. What worked for you in creating such an edgy mood?

     "My principal inspiration in creating the film was the 911 call. Therefore, when I began looking at ways to develop the film visually and aurally, I decided less was more. It was a film that had such an intense response to the messages, that it felt like almost like a radio show -with just two voices. In the end, when I wrote the script, I wanted to find out the issues we're not in a position to observe... whether that's the actor's face being blocked or creating a chaos of kids who are screaming and running away from the screen, hearing but not being seen.

     I was thinking that you, the viewers might create more interesting images of your own than any I could show you. If I presented less detail visually and through a narrative perhaps the viewers would be able to engage even more actively with the movie, adding their own personal pleasure. This was our goal to the minimum. . "

     This movie has a remarkable control which makes it appear as if that it was created in one day. What does the timeline for the production look like?

     "The script was twenty pages long and so we shot five days. I made an effort to limit my daily page to a minimal level due to the exact reasons you mentioned. The more time my team and I were in production, the more careful and thorough we'd be when it comes to design for shots blocking, performance costume and design. Therefore, for me, more production duration is more controlled. It also includes the extended, preliminary production process . "

 What's your favorite point of advice to young film makers?

     "This isn't a lot of advice. I was born in and resided in a town of a tiny size on the coast of New Jersey called Mahwah. The land I grew up on is unceded Lunaape Tribal land. I've researched about the Lunaape extensively to make a documentary I'm making and one of the things which struck me and moved me was their connection to tales. The art of storytelling was considered to be a powerful remedy for the whole people in the group. The Storyteller was a key person who moved between clans within the tribe and told stories to educate individuals the way to live. Stories were a key factor in how these tribes, as well as the people within them developed and came to a new level.

     Personally, I enjoy going to the movies. In times of uncertainty like ours, I crave films and filmmakers willing to speak openly and candidly about their world and the people they meet. I am in search of stories that inspire me to keep on waking. So, my (selfish) hope or wish for filmmakers who are aspiring is that they begin this task -- taking a look at themselves and the globe as they study and record what they find. . "

     What's next? Are there any plans coming up?

     "I'm working on two feature-length projects together at present. The first project is my original script. My production firm and I are seeking for actors to perform on. Another is based on a New Yorker piece and we're nearing the end of securing release, rights, and agreements. . "

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