An artistic take on young love and the pressures of sex in a digital-age, Peter Vack’s 9-minute short SEND finds new and inventive ways to tackle some relevant and relatable subjects. Although the themes covered in this film may already feel well-explored in the short film arena, Vack’s fresh approach means this is storytelling that always feels distinct and memorable.

“I knew two girls who were exposed to many of their peers after an explicit video or photo was passed around online”

SEND’s storyline originated when Writer/Director Vack realised that he wanted to make a film that focused on communicating on the Internet. Combining this with a desire to direct the gaze away from the computer screen, the filmmaker soon devised a playful approach to representing online space physically and the idea of the Internet as a stage was born. However, like many storytellers, Vack also used a personal experience to inspire his writing – “I knew two girls who were exposed to many of their peers after an explicit video or photo was passed around online”, says Vack. “At the time I was writing the script in 2011, this event was less common than it is now and I thought that it could work as the plot for a short film. Also, I am someone who is effected by what I see online and I know how emotionally large even the smallest piece of information from a significant person can feel. I can relate to having a very raw and complicated emotional experience in front of my computer screen and that felt new and strange and potentially good for cinema.”

Shot on an Arri Alexa equipped with Master Primes over 4 days, the director utilised easily accessible locations in his high school auditorium and producer Sarah’s bedroom, to achieve the desired look of his piece. With a crew of around 40-people working behind the camera and over 150 in-front, Vack’s production certainly wasn’t lacking in ambition. The film’s success rested largely in the impact of his “stage” scenes and what they portray and SEND’s director is appreciative of everyone who helped him in bringing his vision to screen. “I am especially grateful to everyone who came to sit in the audience”, says Vack, “and I adore every person who gave their time and energy to make this film extra special”.

Currently working on two feature projects; a no-budget dark-comedy called Assholes that he will co-direct with sister Betsey Brown and an expansion of the SEND storyline entitled www.rachelormont.com, if you’re a fan of Vack’s work you can follow him on Vimeo through the link below or show SEND some love on its Facebook page