Staff Pick The First Premiere "Dekalb Elementary" by Reed Van Dyck |
HTML0 CONTENT Warning: The video below includes content that may be harmful or traumatizing to specific audiences.
The film is based on the 911 call that was widely reported in 2013, the Staff Pick premiere this week is "Dekalb Elementary," an Oscar-nominated film written by Reed Van Dyck.
Films that are shot in the confines of a single space doesn't get much better than this. In less than 20 minutes Van Dyck puts forth an astonishing feat of location and pace. The tension is caused by a feeling of confinement and a straightforward and confusing perception of a confusing threat. "I would like to experiment with the things we do not know about," says Van Dyck. "Whether that's obstructing an actor's face or making a mess of children running and screaming on the screen but they've never been seen. It was my belief that you, as the viewer can create more interesting pictures in your mind which I could present to you." This play on space ultimately creates each moment more captivating over the last.
The incredible performances by the leading actors Tarra Riggs, as well as Bo Mitchell, it's no surprise that Van Dyck said he wouldn't finish the film with the top actors. A perfect example of performers, the crew, and dedication to the art of storytelling "Dekalb Elementary" feels like a documentary about a real-life incident.
We met the director Reed Van Dyck to talk about his inspiration for the film as well as challenges and the film's control.
Was the reason you chose for creating this film?
"'DeKalb" The film is retelling of an incident reported on 911 and was featured on the news in 2013. On the phone, we hear Antoinette Tuff discuss with young man Michael Hill, who walks through her Atlanta primary school with an AK-47 and fifty rounds. I didn't know about the call until that the story first came out, but I found the phone call several years later, while doing research for a project I had been working on regarding the mass shooting. I was sitting on my couch in Los Angeles riveted and emotional as I listened to the 14 minutes of audio recordings play out. In the weeks that followed the recording, I could not take their voices out of my thoughts. The strength of her heartfelt love and compassion as well as his sorrow and confusion. The story touched me from a profound way and I began to think about how I could take the story into the world of film. "
Have you faced difficulties while creating the film?
"The film was essentially a one-man show. Therefore, one of the major challenges was finding the best actors to fill the characters. Then I decided that I couldn't make the film without a suitable casting. I spent months looking through IMDb and looking through the list of casts for television series, independent films, etc. Every time I saw someone that was one of two leading actors, I'd add their name to a list. Once the list was up to about 30 or 40 actors, I'd begin reviewing all of the actors on it and look at their past projects (TV performances, films, and so on) and then reducing it.
And then I'd do the whole process over again. This is how I came across Tarra Riggs and Bo Mitchell who play the lead parts. I personally picked all actors in the film, including the supporting roles following the same process. It was my belief that one fake note from an actor can be a distraction from the reality of the matter, and therefore I sought out the best actors I could find to play every part . "
It's not easy to set an enthralling tone when dealing in this kind of serious matter. What was your secret to setting up such a dark and mysterious atmosphere?
"My main inspiration for creating this film came from the 911 phone call. As I began to consider how to make the film visually and aurally I decided that less was more. This was an overwhelming reaction to the call. it is more or less like a radio show -with just two voices. The film I began to look into those things that we're not seeing... regardless of whether they block an actor's face or causing the chaos of kids running [and] screaming off-screen in the background, but never being seen.
I had a thought that viewers will create more intriguing images in your own mind than any I could demonstrate to you. Through presenting fewer details visually and through an narrative, perhaps the viewers could be engaged more by watching the movie, and add their personal experiences to the story. The goal was to enhance the enjoyment to say the most . "
The movie has incredible control and makes it appear like it was produced in a day. What was the timeline of production look like?
"The script was twenty pages long, and we shot for five days. I tried to reduce my daily page count to a low level because of the motive you're talking of. For as long as my team and I were working in production, the more intentional and thoughtful I/we could be regarding the layout of shots, performing costumes, as well as production design. For me, more time means better control. This includes the time-consuming pre-production process . "
What's your most valuable tip for young filmmakers?
"This isn't an actual piece of advice as I grew up in a tiny town in New Jersey called Mahwah. The place I grew up on is an unceded Tribal Lunaape territory. I've studied in depth about the Lunaape to make a documentary and something that impressed me, and that moved me was their way of interpreting stories. The art of storytelling was believed as a powerful cure for everyone in the group. The Storyteller was a key figure who was able to travel from clan to clan within the tribe, and shared stories that taught people what they needed to be doing to stay alive. Stories are a part of the way the tribes and individuals evolved and awoken.
Personally, that is the reason I like to go to the movies. In the midst of a period of transition such as ours, I long for films and filmmakers willing to speak honestly and deeply about themselves and our world. I'm in search of stories that will help me stay to rise. So my (selfish) hope or wish to filmmakers with ambitions is to see them begin with this task -- this way -to explore themselves and their globe and sharing what they find . "
What's next? Are there any future projects in the pipeline?
"I'm trying to make two feature films at the moment. One is an original script written by myself. My producer and I have reached reaching out to actors about that. The script is based on the New Yorker piece and we're nearing the end of securing rights/releases, etc . "
This post was posted on here