There I was, collaborating with the incredibly talented Mathieu Gabella, a writer who could turn any comic into a masterpiece. We embarked on a journey to create a short movie, “Walk of the Deer,” with a runtime of less than 12 minutes. You might wonder what inspired us – well, imagine “Dead Poets Society” meets “Planet of the Apes: Origins” as a coming-of-age tale set in the French-Swiss forests during the fall. This story, set ambiguously in the present day or the late ’80s, explores first love, brutality, the consequences of seemingly small acts, and the search for identity in young adulthood.
As the writer and director, I envisioned the movie in the grand IMAX format, bringing to life a character with the head of a stag. The concept was ambitious and unique, and throughout the development process, we toyed with different formats such as animation, immersive experiences, and interactive storytelling. But finally, we found our footing in live-action narration, coupled with an ambitious direction that felt just right.
Currently, “Walk of the Deer” is in pre-production, supported by a beautiful UK production house and overseen by a lovely producer who I feel incredibly lucky to have on board. The screenplay is ready, and the storyboard will soon follow. This short story is part of a humble but crazy multiverse we developed during Carbone, which has expanded into comics, short stories, novels, and even games.
You might think creating a short film is a walk in the park, but “Walk of the Deer” is a small yet intense challenge. It’s like trying to fit a full-length feature film into a tiny, compact package, all while maintaining the essence of the story and the characters. Sure, it’s a tall order, but that’s what makes it exhilarating.
The collaboration with Mathieu was nothing short of extraordinary. We bounced ideas off each other, and with every twist and turn in the creative process, we shaped the story into something truly remarkable. We were like two mad scientists, concocting the perfect potion for a captivating short movie.
But, of course, every creative endeavor comes with its hurdles. Finding the perfect balance between keeping the film visually stunning and maintaining the emotional depth of the story was no easy feat. There were sleepless nights, countless revisions, and many cups of coffee – or maybe it was tea, I can’t remember.
In the end, “Walk of the Deer” emerged as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and passion. It’s a story that will resonate with audiences, leaving them questioning their own experiences of love, identity, and the choices they’ve made.