Focus on AFI Conservatory - Prey
A backwoods hunter realizes she may be the prey of another hunter when she stumbles upon bloodied articles of clothing during her daily trap checkings. Escaping the forest is the key to her survival.
Interview with Cinematographer/Writer/Director/Producer Nick Vera
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
When I originally came up with the idea of the film, I had wanted to experiment with working in the wilderness rather than on a controlled set. Most of what I had previously shot had been in interior locations or studios. So this was a learning curve for me. I didn't want to feel comfortable. I wanted to push my capabilities as a cinematographer and director. Saying that, I also wanted to have fun on this project. I didn't really want to be deep or send out a message. The purpose was for the audience to be entertained or have fun watching the short. I think a good amount of artists forget that now in days.
There's this current idea in some circles that in order for your film to be considered "great filmmaking", it has to deal specifically on what's politically trending now in days. I think it's definitely important to tell these type of stories that touch on trending crucial matters, especially if these topics affect you or people around you. I just don't believe it's the only stories you have to tell to be a good filmmaker. There's absolutely nothing wrong with creating well written and executed entertainment for audiences that want to have a break from their daily lives.
The John Carpenter films were definitely an inspiration for me to create this piece. But unlike the Carpenter films that are shot on anamorphic lenses, I wanted to have a more portraiture claustrophobic feeling to the film. Shooting 1.33:1 4-perf 35mm film allowed me to not only visually enhance the claustrophobic aspect of the film, but it also allowed me to better compose the characters amongst the height of the forest trees. Something that shooting 2.40:1 wouldn’t have visually communicated.
I have to give credit to the whole team that worked on this. They did a phenomenal job and I could not have done it without them. Also a huge shout out to the AFI Conservatory, Kodak, Fotokem, and Keslow Camera for making this film a reality. All of them were extremely helpful throughout the process.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
If you like thrillers or just want to to be entertained with folks running around with guns, I think this would be a film for you. I believe it's up to the audience to decide what they want to watch.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Generally feedback has been positive for the film. I personally believe it's difficult to engage audiences in a 3-minute narrative short, but it isn't impossible. I definitely would love to do a longer take of the short down my career path.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
By having this film be more visible on https://www.wearemovingstories.com/, I'm hoping that it inspires others to create their own short stories/films and not feel limited. You can literally can pick up a digital camera and go shoot the same film I did. You don't have to drive to Oregon or Washington. You can go to the Los Angeles National Forest and literally have the same exterior setting. Part of what is great about filmmaking are the challenges you are given and how you can overcome them creatively. I believe that's what separates great filmmakers from unexperienced filmmakers.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
A life goal of mine is to work in IMAX cinematography. It's extremely difficult to have access to IMAX cameras as well as astronomically expensive. Currently, I'm experimenting with medium format film cameras and motion capture. You should be seeing more soon!
Interview: August 2021
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Prey
Length:
3:13
Cinematographer/Writer/Director/Producer
NICK VERA was born and reared in Miami, FL. He has worked with some of the largest cinema camera companies in the country from Keslow Camera to Red Digital Cinema Camera Company. Before attending the AFI Conservatory in 2018, he was in the Local 600 – International Cinematographer’s Guild. He focuses on both celluloid and digital formats, bridging the gap of what is possible through technological and artistic expression in visual storytelling. He is currently based in Los Angeles and works as a director, cinematographer, and camera operator for narratives, commercials, music videos and documentaries.
Key cast:
Rosslyn Luke (Hunter), Hugo Martin (Killer)
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickveradp/?hl=en
Hashtags used:
#shotonfilm #keslowcamera #kodak #kodakfilm #arri #zeiss #masterprimes #arrilt #35mm #35mmfilm #cinematography #shortfilm #cinematographer #afi #fotokem #directorofphotography #americanfilminstitute #afi #celluloid
More info:
https://www.nickvera.com/
Made in association with:
AFI Conservatory, Kodak Motion Picture Film, Fotokem, Keslow Camera