The Last Supper
Calvin Ryerse
Project Description
The Last Supper is an apocalyptic family drama short film that I wrote, directed, and edited. The film was completed as my graduation requirement for the film production minor at the School for Public Engagement. We did a friends and family premiere of the film at Film at Lincoln Center's amphitheater on December 15, 2022. Outside of school, I plan on taking the completed project to film festivals.
What Form will your Final Project Take?
Premiere of the film at Film at Lincoln Center's amphitheater on December 15, 2022
Who was supporting you in your work?
Bill Pace, Greg Takoudes, Jeremy Brooke - Film Production minor professors. These professors worked with me via a personal and in-class critique of first the script, the directorial approach, and finally the edit.
Project Themes:
Creative
How has this project has been impactful or transformative?
A particularly incredible moment for everyone on set occured during the first take of the big climactic dinner scene. It was the first time the crew had seen the cast really in action, all together, doing the scene that is key to the film, and it was my first time seeing people react to the writing and casting. As Laura, who plays the mother, Abigail, started to build up, the intensity in the room was palpable. I looked over to my friend Nellie who was our set PA and she was watching the scene play out, riveted. Nellie's mouth was agape. As we called cut, the room let out a collective sigh of relief and excitement. I think in that moment, I realized how emotionally impactful the film could be and I felt like all the work I had poured in was paying off.
What would you do differently?
Since shooting The Last Supper, I've been on a handful of other sets and I think I would be more intentional about being creative with the camera to tell the story. For as much work as I poured into the story, meaning, casting, and direction of actors, I wished I had more time to articulate the visuals for the film.
Short summary of your experience:
This was my first time taking a film through the entire production process, and through that, I deepened my love and reverence of film.
