💫 SPOTLIGHT / INTERVIEW 💫
An Exclusive Interview with the Directors, Jesus Narvaez & Jonathan Lanz, regarding their creation, 'Dark Tenet'
What was the very first image, scene, or concept that came to your mind when developing Dark Tenet?
The first image that I saw was the scene at the cabin where it was night time. The female character Amber arrives at the cabin to meet up with the young adults. That’s where the mystery against unravel.
How did you balance storytelling and character development within such a compact runtime?
I balanced storytelling and character development in such a compacted runtime with the help of storyboards that I drew. It help things visually to make the pacing seem quicker by editing parts from the dialogue from the script.
What emotions were you hoping audiences would experience while watching the film?
I wanted the emotions to be where people feel scared, discomfort, vulnerable, and dissatisfaction when they are watching the film.
About:
Emily, Abby, Dan and Jake, arrive at the remote cabin for a relaxing weekend. After settling in, Jake receives a call and leaves abruptly, expressing concern over a family emergency. Later that evening a hysterical woman, Amber, shows up in a panic pleading for safety. Unfortunately, Amber has led an dark, ominous cult right to their front door.
Did you draw inspiration from any classic horror films, filmmakers, or real-life fears while creating Dark Tenet?
One of the inspirations from any classic horror films, such as John Carpenter’s Halloween where evil lurking somewhere not to far away. It’s hidden somewhere that we don’t know exist.
How important was sound and silence in shaping the tension and atmosphere of the film?
It was very important to have sound and silence to create the atmosphere in the short film. Because you wanted to feel not only the isolation, but also the silence is another tension that’s where the unpredictable happens when a sound erupts.
What was the most rewarding moment for both of you during the production process?
The most rewarding part during production was how everything was shot framed by frame even though there were some technical difficulties but overall, it was almost exactly how I imagined it in the storyboards. Plus, getting the short film done was the ultimate miracle.
Independent horror films often rely heavily on creativity over budget. How did you maximize the resources available to you?
I think the the resources was more available to us because we were able to borrow a few things like a cabin, a park, some video equipment from a community college that I was using at the time. Plus, we were able to get lucky to get other things that matter the most like some skills and knowledge that we pick up along the way.
Were there any unexpected challenges during filming that ultimately improved the final result?
There were unexpected challenges that happen during the filming was that seeing what creative direction that we should go for. On one hand, you want to have some comic relief. The other hand, make it more nostalgic.
How did you approach directing the actors to maintain such an intense and suspenseful tone throughout the film?
Directing the actors where we had to use a lot of emotions to make those performances just make it realistically bring it out to light. But, it was important to give them oxygen to breathe when you are creating intense and suspenseful tone in a short film.
What role did lighting and visual composition play in establishing the unsettling atmosphere of Dark Tenet?
We were using low key lighting to bring out more of the darkness to make an unsettling atmosphere and the visual composition we were using colors and camera shots to give some symbolisms.
If you had the opportunity to revisit the film today, is there anything you would approach differently?
Yeah, there would be something more different approach. I’ve revisited the short film and realizing that I should have took my time and getting more input before actually shooting it. It started as an idea which wasn’t completely fleshed out until more things come up instinctual then you have a story to tell.
What do you think makes horror such a powerful genre for independent filmmakers?
The horror genre is more than just an interesting genre. It’s an engaging genre where you’re telling scary stories, cautionary tales, or even survival guide.
How do you personally define a successful short film?
How do I define the success of the short film?There is no one word can’t describe the success that it has brought. It has been very amazing and exciting at the same time. It’s a big WOW factor.
What was the audience reaction that stayed with you the most after screenings of Dark Tenet?
The audience reaction after screening of Dark Tenet where they are several. I saw a woman leaving immediately maybe the feeling of discomfort or scared even though it was short film. The other seeing the men trying to unravel the mystery like what’s going to happen next.
Looking ahead, what kinds of stories or genres are you both most excited to explore in future projects?
I’m working on a dark fantasy story at the moment while my film partner is doing a crime drama. We just want to find genres and stories that engaging and not just peak our interests.