Staff Select Premiere "Dekalb Elementary" by Reed Van Dyck |

 CONTENT Warning: This video includes content that could cause harm or distress to some audiences.

Based on a 911 message that made national news 2013 and this week's Staff Pick Premiere is "Dekalb Elementary," the gripping Oscar-nominated short by Reed Van Dyck.

Films made in one room isn't more impressive than this. In the space of 20 minutes, Van Dyck puts forth an amazing feat of environment and pacing. The tension is based on an eerie feeling of seclusion as well as a simple and astonished understanding of a dubious threat. "I was looking to explore the things we are unable to know," says Van Dyck. "Whether that's obstructing an actor's face or leaving the mess of children running screaming on the screen, but not observed. It was my impression that you, the viewers, would create more interesting pictures inside your head than I could ever demonstrate to you." The play with space makes every minute more arresting than the previous.

With the impressive performances of leads Tarra Riggs as well as Bo Mitchell, it's no surprise Van Dyck said he wouldn't make the film without the best actors. It's a true testimony to the crew and cast and the care given to the art of narrative filmmaking, "Dekalb Elementary" feels as if it's a true story of a gravely real event.

 We met with Director Reed Van Dyck to talk the inspiration behind his film, as well as challenges and control throughout the film.

Was your motivation to create the film?

 "'DeKalb' is based on the 911 call which was featured on the news in the year 2013. In the call, we overhear Antoinette Tuff talking to an unidentified young man named Michael Hill, who walks through her Atlanta primary school carrying an AK-47 as well as 500 rounds. I had not heard of the incident when it first made news and I discovered the information years later when I was researching for another work I was involved in regarding the mass shooting. I recall sitting on my sofa at home in Los Angeles riveted and emotional when I was listening to the 14-minute audio recording play out. Over the course of weeks, I could not remove their voices from my mind. Their strength and kindness, his confusion and regret. It touched me in a profound way, and I wondered if I could bring the moment to life in film."

 Did you encounter difficulties while creating the film?

 "The film is in essence an action film with two hands. So one of the primary problems was to find the best actors to fill the parts. I even decided I wouldn't create the film without an appropriate actors. The process took months of searching IMDb and looking through cast lists for indie movies, TV series as well as other TV shows. If I came across someone who appeared to match one of the two leads I'd add them to a list. When the list had grown to 30 or 40 people I'd begin looking through the names of all actors in it, and looking up their past projects (TV appearances, films, or films, etc.) and narrowing it down.

 Then I'd start the whole process over again. It was how I discovered Tarra Riggs as well as Bo Mitchell who play the leads. I also hand-picked each actor in the film, not even those in parts that support them, using this identical method. It was my belief that a single false performance note from any actor could take our attention away from the actuality of the circumstances and that's why I sought out the top actors I could get for each role. ."

 It's tough to strike such an impactful tone in a that is as important as this. How did you go about making this arousing environment?

 "My principal inspiration in making the film was the 911 call. As I began to consider ways to make the film physically and in terms of sound I decided that less was more. It was a resounding response to the message, which is more or less like a radio show -with just two voices. So, with the movie I was looking to explore the things we can't see... whether that's obstructing an actor's face or keeping the chaos of kids running around the room screaming hearing but not being seen.

 I was thinking that the viewers could create more fascinating images in your own mind than the ones I present to you. By presenting less details both visually and narratively maybe the audience would take a more active interest in the filmand bring their own personal experience to the experience. The goal was to make it more enjoyable at the very least. ."

 The film is extremely controlled, which makes it feel like it was shot in a day. What was the timeline of production look like?

 "The script ran twenty pages and we shot for five days. I attempted to reduce my daily page count at a low level for the very reasons you mentioned. The longer my crew as well as I were involved to work on the project The more thoughtful and thoughtful we could be in regards to the design of shots blocking, performances, costumes and design for production. So for me, longer production time is more control. That includes a long preparation process prior to production ."

 What's your top piece of advice to aspiring film makers?

 "This isn't really a piece of guidance, as I lived in a small town located in New Jersey called Mahwah. The land I grew up on is an unceded tribal Lunaape land. I have researched the Lunaape extensively for the film I'm currently making. One thing that really struck me and moved me was their connection to stories. Stories were believed to be an effective remedy for the whole people in the community. The Storyteller was a key person who moved across clans in the tribe, and shared stories that taught people the ways to lead. Stories were part of how these communities and their individuals developed and changed over time.

 Personally, that's why I go to the movies. And in strange times like the present, I want films and filmmakers who be honest and open about themselves and our world. I am in search of stories that inspire me to keep on waking. Therefore, my (selfish) dream or hope for filmmakers who are aspiring is to see them begin the work of a filmmaker -- this path -- exploring themselves and this globe and sharing what they find ."

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

 "I'm working on making two feature films right now. The first is an original script from me. My producers and I are out to actors on that. The other is based on a New Yorker piece and we're nearing the end of securing release rights, rights, etc. ."