Staff Choose First Premiere "Dekalb Elementary" by Reed Van Dyck |
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Based on a 911 message which made news across the United States in 2013, and this week's Staff Choice Premiere is "Dekalb Elementary,""" a gripping Oscar-nominated short written by Reed Van Dyck.
A film that's made in one space isn't any better than this. In less than 20 minutes, Van Dyck puts forth an amazing feat of environment and the pace. The tension is caused by an eerie feeling of seclusion as well as a clear, confusing understanding of a dubious threat. "I attempted to discover those things that we don't notice," says Van Dyck. "Whether the actor blocks his face or leaving children in chaos screaming off-screen, heard but never observed. I was thinking that you, the viewer can create more interesting visuals in your head that I can show you." Space plays are every second more intriguing over the preceding.
Given the astounding performances from leading actors Tarra Riggs as well as Bo Mitchell, it's no surprising that Van Dyck said he wouldn't finish the film without the best actors. This is a true testimony to the crew and cast and the care given to the art of storytelling "Dekalb Elementary" feels like a non-fiction account of an actual incident.
We spoke to Director Reed Van Dyck to talk the motivation behind his film, as well as challenges and the control of the movie.
Was your motivation to create your film?
"'DeKalb" is the source of a 911 phone call which was featured on news in the year 2013. The call is in which we hear Antoinette Tuff conversing with the teenage boy Michael Hill, who walks through her Atlanta primary school carrying an AK-47 and fifty rounds. I was unaware of the call at when the story first broke and I discovered this information later on when I was doing research on a different work I had been involved with an armed mass shooting. I remember my couch on the couch at home in Los Angeles riveted and emotional while listening to the fourteen-minute audio tape play out. Through the weeks, I could not remove their voices from my head. She was strong and compassionate, his confusion and regret. This story moved me in an emotional level, and I started to consider ways I could bring the story into the world of film. "
Do you have any difficulties while creating the movie?
"The film was essentially a only a one-man-show. Therefore, one of the major problems was to find the best actors to fill the characters. It was my decision to not produce the film without having the best actors. I spent months searching IMDb in addition to looking over the cast lists for TV shows, independent films series, etc. If I came across anyone who resembled one of the leads, I'd add their name to a list. When the list had grown to 30 , 40 or more, I'd start looking up the names of characters on it and researching their previous projects (TV movies, appearances etc) then cutting it down.
And then I'd do the whole process over. That's how I discovered Tarra Riggs as well as Bo Mitchell who play the leading parts. I personally selected every actor from the film, including those in secondary roles using the similar method. I was of the opinion that a single false note from an actor could divert our attention from the real situation, and this is why I needed the best actors that I could locate for every role . "
It's hard to create an effective tone in a matter as serious as this. What did you find to work for you when setting this up?
"My principal inspiration in making the film was an emergency call. As I considered methods to create the film both visually and emotionally, I decided to go with less. The film was so emotional and had an overwhelming response to the phone call which could be described as a radio show -- just these two voices. Also, while watching the film I tried to find what we don't get to be able to see... for example the face of the actor being hidden, or children who are screaming and screaming on the screen, being heard, but not seeing.
What I felt is that, as the person watching, could produce more intriguing images inside your head that I would be able to show. By presenting the least amount of information, both visually and in terms of narrative, maybe viewers would be more engaged in the film, adding their personal stories to the overall experience. The aim was to make it more enjoyable at the least. . "
The film is extremely controlled that it feels as though it was produced in just one day. What was the timeline of production look like?
"The script is twenty pages long and so we shot it for five days. I was able to cut down the number of pages I read daily by a small amount for precisely the reasons you mentioned. The longer my crew and I worked on this project The more focused and attentive I/we were in regard to the creation of the blocking of scenes, costumes and design of the production. Therefore, for myself, being able to work longer gives me more control. It's a fact that includes an extended preliminary production process . "
What's your best trick for film students?
"This isn't really a piece of guidance, however I lived in a tiny town on the coast of New Jersey called Mahwah. The place I grew up on is an unceded tribal Lunaape reserve. I've done research on the Lunaape in depth to make the documentary I'm working on. One aspect that stood out to me and moved me was their way of interpreting stories. Storytelling was thought to be a powerful healer for the whole members of the community. The Storyteller was one of the key figures who traveled between clans within the tribe. They told stories to teach people what they needed to do to survive. Stories were part of how the tribes and individuals evolved and awoken.
Personally, I believe this is the reason I enjoy going to the movies. When I am in a time of change like the present, I want films that allow filmmakers to talk openly and honestly about their lives and their surroundings. I am in search of stories that inspire me to wake up. Therefore, my (selfish) desire or goal for those who want to be filmmakers to begin the work of filmmakers by following the path of exploration themselves and this world as well as sharing what they discover . "
What's next? Do you have any new projects that are in the works?
"I'm working on two feature projects together currently. The first is my original script. My production team and I are looking for actors to perform on. Another is based on a New Yorker piece and we're nearing the end of securing release, rights, and other contracts. . "
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