NEW PROJECT!

The tone of Power & Way is introspective, melancholic, yet warm and tinged with dry humor, capturing the bittersweet essence of small-town life and the quiet struggles of its characters. Set against the backdrop of a forgotten train town,  the film's mood reflects Frank's internal battles—past mistakes, strained family ties, and an unresolved relationship with his son Kevin.  I hope to bring warmth to the story, balancing the film's various themes, while taking the audience for a ride filled with intrigue and mystery,  I will create a tone that is both realistic and hopeful, showcasing life’s imperfections with empathy and subtle optimism, qualities which will further be elevated by a vulnerable and charismatic portrayal of Frank.

THE TOWN

In Power & Way, the town, functions as much more than a backdrop; it is a character in its own right, shaping the lives, relationships, and mindsets of those who live there. Small, rundown, the town has a gritty charm and stubborn resilience that mirrors the life of  Frank. The town’s aging infrastructure—dilapidated buildings, creaky old homes, and worn-out establishments like the diner and local coffee bar—reflects the lives of its inhabitants, who are tough, quirky, and a bit broken.

​The town's character is woven into the story through its physical presence and its influence on the characters’ routines, relationships, and sense of identity. It's is a place where everyone knows each other’s business, for better or worse, creating a communal sense of family that’s comforting yet confining. For Frank, the town represents both stagnation and home—a place where he grapples with past regrets, complex relationships, and small, everyday interactions that provide moments of humor, warmth, and friction. In this way, it's not just a setting but a living, breathing presence that shapes the story’s mood and tone, reflecting the film’s themes of resilience, nostalgia, and finding meaning in the seemingly ordinary.

Moments That will remain with the audience...

THE CHARACTERS

(Images for reference only)

Characters rooted in reality and deeply relatable often carry a unique authenticity that makes audiences see reflections of themselves. These characters are typically flawed, resilient, and shaped by real-life challenges, whether they’re dealing with family struggles, financial hardships, or inner doubts.  Their relatability comes from their ordinary desires and quiet struggles: they seek love, acceptance, purpose, or stability, but they do so with imperfect judgment, facing setbacks, disappointments, and small triumphs along the way.  Frank, Kevin, Tom and even Hollis have nuanced personalities, balancing moments of vulnerability with humor, frustration, and even stubbornness, which feels true to human nature. Their lives may not be glamorous, but their depth, resilience, and capacity for growth resonate, allowing audiences to form a personal connection and root for them as if they were real people rather than fictional creations.

THE TRAIN DERAILMENT...

The train derailment is symbolic and the catalyst for so much that unfolds in the story.  It will be a powerful, visceral moment that uses dynamic camera angles, sound design, and pacing to create suspense and intensity. The moment Kevin gives the go-ahead, to have the passenger train continue down the tracks, He locks eyes with a young boy, looking at him from a passenger compartment up above, he watches the boy as the train gains momentum and moves away..,unaware what is about to be unleashed. 

The sequence might begin with close-up shots of the wheels on the tracks, capturing subtle signs of impending danger—a loose bolt, a sudden jolt—before pulling back to reveal the whole train in motion. As tension builds, we cut quickly between passengers inside the train, their faces marked by a mix of confusion and fear, and wide shots showing the train’s precarious movements as it speeds down the track. Once the derailment begins, the cinematography becomes more chaotic, switching to handheld shots, jarring cuts to mimic the shock and disorientation of the event. The sound design intensifies with the screech of metal, the thunderous crunch of the cars hitting the ground, and the shattering of glass, creating an immersive sensory experience.

​As the dust settles, the camera may linger on the aftermath in silence—twisted metal, overturned cars, and stunned passengers—to let the weight of the disaster sink in fully.

MY APPROACH TO CREATING A POWERFUL
TRAIN DERAILMENT ON SCREEN

I plan to use a blend of miniatures, visual effects, and practical shots to create a scene that feels both real and heightened, adding layers of detail and authenticity that fully immerse the viewer.

Miniatures, for example, allow us to construct highly detailed, small-scale models of environments or vehicles, which can be filmed in close-up with controlled lighting to simulate full-sized objects. When shot properly, miniatures have a tactile quality that CGI often lacks, especially in scenes involving complex destruction or crashes, such as a train derailment.  Visual effects come into play to add elements that would be too costly or dangerous to create physically, like fire, explosions, or background enhancements. These effects allow the scene to be heightened just enough to add drama without breaking the illusion of reality. When visual effects are carefully blended with practical shots, they enhance existing elements—like adding smoke, debris, or movement—rather than overwhelming them, which makes them more believable. Practical shots, including stunts, controlled pyrotechnics, and physical sets, anchor the scene in reality. The use of real, tangible elements gives the actors something to react to, and audiences can sense the weight, impact, and stakes within the environment. The interplay between practical shots, miniatures, and visual effects ultimately enhances the scene by combining the strengths of each method, grounding viewers in a believable world while pushing the action and visuals beyond everyday reality. This hybrid approach draws the audience into the moment with a sense of awe and authenticity.

THE LIGHTING

The lighting is understated and naturalistic, reinforcing the film’s grounded, realistic tone. By using soft, diffused lighting to enhance the atmosphere of the small-town setting, we often will bathe scenes in muted grays and blues to reflect the melancholy of Frank’s life. 

Interiors are lit with a warm, slightly dim glow, adding an intimate, worn-in quality to Frank’s familiar haunts like the local bar and his home. ​

This careful balance between cool, desaturated exteriors and warmer, homier interiors highlights the contrast between Frank’s loneliness and the sense of yearning for a forgotten past. ​

​Overall, the lighting subtly complements the film’s themes of resilience underscoring the character’s emotional journey without overpowering it.

CAMERA MOVEMENT

Camera movement, when used thoughtfully, can enhance scenes by guiding the audience’s focus and emotional response without drawing overt attention to itself. In scenes of intense introspection, slow and deliberate movements, like a gentle dolly-in or a subtle pan, create a sense of intimacy, pulling the viewer into the character's emotional space. This careful pacing allows us to linger on a character’s expressions, gestures, and environment, giving insight into their thoughts and internal conflicts. Conversely, in high-stakes scenes filled with intense emotion or action, the camera becomes wild and unpredictable, with handheld shots, swift zooms, or sudden shifts in framing to mimic the disarray of the character's experience. This dynamic, unstable movement infuses the scene with a palpable urgency, pulling the audience into the chaos. 

With whatever tool I have at my disposal I can integrate these contrasting styles to transform the film into a journey that mirrors the characters’ inner worlds, making their struggles, joys, and tensions an unforgettable, visceral experience for the viewer.

MY APPROACH TO DIRECTING

 As a director, it's my job to create an environment that allows actors to bring organic, authentic qualities to their roles, this involves balancing guidance with freedom. In fact, one of the first questions I have for actors, is "How do you like to be directed?"
Often the answer is , "No one has ever asked me that before!" But it's very important and a good starting place for me to learn how to allow the actor to do their best work.
​
I like to involve actors in the character-building process. Share my vision, but encourage them to explore their own backstory and motivations for the character. I encourage actors to develop personal connections to the role, connecting to a place or person with whom they are familiar, this will come through in their performance.

I use rehearsals sparingly, I generally want the most original and fresh performance to be saved for the cameras; unless the actor really wants it and gets better through the process.  Otherwise, I use rehearsal time to discuss some blocking and as a safe space for exploring the characters motivations, fears and background.
I like exploring improvisational exercises or loosely scripted moments which can help actors explore new facets of their characters. Sometimes the most organic moments come from unplanned actions or lines that feel true in the moment, I encourage this wholeheartedly.

​I create, and frankly demand, a set culture where vulnerability is respected, as this lets actors feel secure enough to express themselves and be vulnerable.  When actors feel they can be vulnerable without judgment, their performances often become more grounded and genuine.

I do my best to provide clear guidance on key moments or emotional beats, but remain open to adjustments in tone or delivery.   I don't have a rhythm in my head of how the lines should sound, in fact I hope that they are original and 'in the moment' each and every time. I encourage listening and reacting authentically, organically.

I may at times, make a suggestion on small adjustments, whether in body language, tone, or phrasing, in hopes that this may reveal subtleties that feel more natural for the character.

I let the the actors find their own rhythms before stepping in with notes. Sometimes, the best choices come when they have the space to react intuitively. Watch for when they tap into something real, and encourage them to build on it.   During shooting, I highly encourage actors to respond in real time to the environment, their co-stars, and spontaneous moments. This often leads to unexpected, organic reactions that add depth and realism to the scene. In all, fostering a trusting, collaborative environment where actors feel free to bring their instincts and ideas to the role leads to performances that feel both organic and true to character.

*Paul Emami is a graduate of the USC school of Cinema Television and speaks frequently to students and professionals about the craft of directing.

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