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Crank: When did you start making films?
Nesib CB Shamah: After a few years of working as a PA, 12 years ago I went to film school with an interest in cinematography. I got a few scripts produced as class projects and got more into writing and directing. I started producing because no one else was going to do it.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a filmmaker?
Make YOUR movie. No one else has your point of view.
Where did you get the idea for your short film?
My producing partner and co-director, James Allen Smith and I were working on script ideas and our smart watches signaled us that it was time to stand. We took that idea, mixed it with our love of the horror genre and put the no dialogue twist on it.
How did you find your collaborators for this film?
I’ve been lucky enough to find friends in the community who are professional that I love working with, so we’ve been together on the last few projects.
How long — from start to finish — did it take to make this film?
About a year and a half.
What is your filmmaking process?
I despise chasing trends. I keep an eye out for things that inspire me, and shape story and visuals around a point of view.
What’s a hidden ‘gem’ in this movie?
The only dialogue comes from the smart watch.
When speaking to first-time filmmakers, what advice would you give?
Don’t try and chase trends, make a good film with a good story with good people. Everything else will come.
Do you have another project in the works?
I’m currently finishing up a script about a Satanic ritual victim back for revenge called UNDER THE LAKE, and I’m part of the producing team for the film adaptation of Ahamefule Oluo’s THIN SKIN.
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About the Filmmaker
Nesib Shamah’s credits include the music web series Destination Unknown and the NW Emmy-nominated documentary Welcome To Doe Bay, director of the dark comedy Worst Laid Plans and executive producer of the 2017 SXSW feature Lane 1974. In 2019, CB was awarded the Seattle Mayor’s Award for Achievement in Film at the Seattle International Film Festival.
