1000 Words Film Spotlight

Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film 1000 Words directed by Derek Rahm.

What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?

The title for our film is 1000 Words. Everybody has heard the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Our protagonist is a photographer who can’t seem to put meaning into his photos. However, he will need to do just that in order to get hired and bring his family out of debt. So the title is the protagonist’s goal of the film.

Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.

Our story is about a nature photographer named Adam, who hasn’t been able to get a steady job for a long time. He and his wife, Jillian, are struggling to pay the bills and are in danger of losing their home. However, in a job interview, Adam is tasked to take a photo worth 1000 words. If he manages to take the photo, he will get the job. Adam will challenge his morals and put his life on the line in order to get the perfect picture. The story originated when I was thinking about ambitious people in general.

Ambition is a good motivator for people to do all sorts of things. Then I was also looking at a photo that had me questioning the ethics of photography. I took these concepts and merged them into a story together.

Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?

Although it is very cliched, Kubrick is a major inspiration for me. His ambition to pursue his craft is exactly what we are commentating on in the film, good and bad. Peaky Blinders, There Will Be Blood, Balance, and many other films about the price that comes with ambition or desire have inspired our film. Visually, Ida is our source of inspiration. We believe that in using negative space, we will be able to create a stimulating and interesting image that says a lot about the characters.

What is the goal of the film for you?

The goal of the film is to relate to those who may be feeling insecure about their
passions. Thankfully, going into the arts is becoming more accepted than it was, but there are still those who choose money over passions. The goal is to tell people that doing what you love is an end in itself.

What has the journey been like getting the film into production?

We have all been putting our all into making this film the best we can be. The project started around May of 2021, when I began to write the first scene. For the rest of the year, it was drafted again and again. Then the idea was pitched in a room of my peers, and selected to be made. There have been many ups and downs, but that’s just the business. We have a lot of creative people on the team who are just an absolute pleasure to work with, and the film would be nowhere without them.

One thing you learned from this project?

In making 1000 Words, I’ve learned that you’re only as strong as the people around you. You can’t do it all on your own, or you will go crazy. You need someone who shares in the love of filmmaking as much as you do.

How can folks find you and your film online?

You can follow the film’s production on our Instagram page @1000_words_film and support our Indiegogo by searching “1000 Words film” on Indiegogo

Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?

If I had one piece of advice to give to others, I’d say don’t be afraid to do what makes you happy.

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