Staff Choose The First Premiere "Dekalb Elementary" by Reed Van Dyck |
CONTENT WARNING This video has content that could cause harm or cause distress to some viewers.
Based on a 911 call that made headlines across the nation in 2013. This weeks Staff Choice Premiere is "Dekalb Elementary,"" an Oscar-nominated film written by Reed Van Dyck.
The film made in one space can't be more stunning than this. In only 20 minutes Van Dyck puts forth an astonishing feat in the area of pacing and setting. Tension is created by a feeling of confinement and a clear and confusing perception of the threat as an uncertain one. "I was looking to explore the things we are unable to notice," says Van Dyck. "Whether the actor has blocked his face, or simply leaving the chaotic scene of children shouting and running on the screen, it is not observed. It was my impression that you, the viewer will create better images in your mind that I can present to you." This play on space ultimately will make each second more compelling and memorable than the one before.
The incredible performances by principal actors Tarra Riggs and Bo Mitchell, it's no surprise that Van Dyck said he wouldn't make the film without best actors. The film's performance is an absolute testimony to the crew and cast and focus on the art of storytelling, "Dekalb Elementary" feels as if it's a true story of a very real event.
We sat down the director Reed Van Dyck to talk the film's inspiration along with the difficulties and how to manage the production.
Was your motivation to make your film?
"'DeKalb" The film is retelling of an incident that was reported on 911 and was featured on the news in 2013. The phone call takes place when we can hear Antoinette Tuff chatting with teenage boy Michael Hill, who walks into her Atlanta primary school carrying an AK-47 along with fifty rounds. I hadn't heard about the call when the news broke, however, I came across the facts a while later as I was doing research for a different project was in the process of developing regarding an mass shooting. I was sitting on my sofa living room couch Los Angeles riveted and emotional while I watched the 14-minute audio recordings play. Over the next few weeks I could not get their voices out of my head. Her kindness and affection, as well as his confusion and frustration. It affected me deeply in an emotional way and I wondered if I could bring their story to life on film. "
Did you encounter any problems while making this film?
"The film is in essence one-hander. Therefore, one of the biggest problems was finding the appropriate actors to portray the characters. It was my decision to not produce the movie without the adequate casting. I spent months looking through IMDb in addition to reviewing casting lists of Indie films, TV shows and more. When I came across someone who seemed to be one of the leads I'd add them to the list. When the list had grown to 30 or 40 people I'd begin reviewing all of the actors in it, and then reviewing the previous work they've done (TV performances, films, or films, etc.) before reducing it.
After that, I'd begin all over. This is how I discovered Tarra Riggs, as well as Bo Mitchell who play the leads. I personally selected every actor in the film, as well as the roles of the supporting actors, following the same process. I believed that just one wrong note by an actor can divert our focus away from the real scenario, and therefore I sought the top actors I could find to fill every part . "
It's not easy to set a compelling tone with subject such as this. What did you find that helped you while creating such an enthralling environment?
"My primary inspiration for creating the film came from the 911 call. As I was thinking about ways to create the film both visually and emotionally I decided that less was more. The film had such an intense reaction to the message that it can be described something like a radio program with just two voices. And so with the film, I was hoping at things aren't visible to us... for example blocking an actor's face or keeping children shouting and running off screen and being heard but not seeing.
I was thinking that you, the viewer could create better pictures in your own mind that I can give you. Furthermore, by providing more information, both narratively and visually, the viewers will be more engaged by watching the film and incorporate more of themselves to the film. This was our goal at least . "
This film exhibits incredible control. It makes it feel like it was made during just one day. What did the timeframe of production end up looking like?
"The script has 20 pages in length, so we shot five days. I made an effort to keep my daily page count at a a low level due to the exact reasons you mentioned. As long as my team together with me were involved in production the more deliberate and thoughtful we can be in regards to the design of shots, blocking, performing, costumes, and design concepts for production. So, to me, a longer time for production is more control. That includes a long pre-production preparation . "
What's your best tip for aspiring film makers?
"This isn't really a word of advice. I was raised in a town of a tiny size within New Jersey called Mahwah. My property is unexpropriated Lunaape Tribal land. I've studied the Lunaape extensively to make a film I'm making. One of the things which struck me, and I was moved by their connection to stories. The art of storytelling was considered to be a powerful solution for all of humanity. The Storyteller was an influential person who traveled between clans within the tribe, and shared stories to teach people about the ways to manage. Stories were part of how the tribes as well as the individuals within them developed and changed over time.
Personally, that's why I love going to the theater. And in strange times like the present, I am drawn to films and filmmakers who are transparent and honest about their world and the people they surround themselves with. I'm in search of stories that motivate me to wake up. And so my (selfish) dream or hope for aspiring filmmakers is to see them begin this work -- the path to explore their world and themselves, by telling the stories they uncover . "
What's next? Are there any projects coming up?
"I'm currently putting two feature projects currently. One of the scripts originates from me. My production team as well as I are searching for actors who can perform on. Another is based on an New Yorker piece and we're at the point of securing releases rights, rights etc. . "
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