Acclaimed New York content creator Yuval David will release his newest episode of the inventive and groundbreaking ‘One Actor Short,’ in mid-November, in which he unites narrative, documentary, and reality formats to create an unscripted episodic film.
Yuval’s unique approach to man-on-the-street filmmaking showcases his remarkable creativity. He steps into public areas and assembles a diverse cross-section of humanity – all of them strangers – casting them as actors in his film. He creates a safe space for them to be playful and spontaneous on camera.
“Representing diversity in my work happens naturally because I am representing the people who make up our society,” says Yuval. “I have a mission to entertain, uplift and inspire, which goes hand in hand with my mission to use art for social change, whether through inclusivity of underrepresented communities, or in the roles I portray or create for others.”
His latest episode, cheekily titled ‘The End of the World’ was filmed during the Coronavirus pandemic. Despite our new normal, Yuval continued to find strangers enthusiastic and willing to participate. He even found strangers to be more eager to safely interact and create alongside him and his team.
Yuval starts each production day with a blank slate, not knowing what kind of film will be created, the genre, storyline, or his actors. He directs his film crew and each immediately found cast member through improvised scenes, bringing new characters to life, and eventually creating a film on the spot as the storyline is woven together.
This radically innovative and bold series, which already includes three different short films, including a crime procedural drama, a romantic comedy, and a sports film – has quickly become an award winner and festival favorite.
I got an opportunity to ask Yuval a few questions about his interests and this project. I hope the conversation perks and soothes your curiosity as it did mine!
1. Do you have a number of episodes set to complete this project?
One Actor Short is a unique original concept, which I am developing into an ongoing series. I would be thrilled to create these across the US and internationally. I want to keep going with many more episodes.
3. What will you do when this project is over, or will it help you decide?
I continuously create content, and that is a lifelong goal of mine. With the “One Actor Short” film series, I created and designed it with the intention of continuing it for many more series. So, I am not sure when this project will be over. And I don’t really want it to be!
In the meantime, I continue to work on other projects and productions as an actor, host, and director. I enjoy juggling production schedules and consistently working and creating — I find it to be very stimulating.
4. How did you get the idea to create impromptu with strangers?
Improvisation has been part of my creative and performative process throughout my career. From performing with improv theatre groups, to creating guerrilla theatre productions, to acting on hidden camera shows on ABC. I have consistently been intrigued by ‘Guerrilla Theatre’ — creating a theatrical performance for an audience that does not expect to be an audience. I wanted to take it a step further, in a way I have not seen before, to create and perform with actors who never expected to be actors.
My previous web-series, which you can see on YouTube.com/YuvalDavid, often would use public spaces and engage with strangers, such as with my series “Pranks of Kindness” and “Public Improv Experiment.”
I want to turn the cameras and the microphones on people, proving that everyone deserves the spotlight, that everyone can shine, and that everyone should allow themselves to let loose, boldly embrace silliness, and express themselves. What a great opportunity to do so with “One Actor Short!”
5. What are some of your favorite reactions received from passerby witnessing a creation in progress?
Some of my favorite moments are when people are cautiously restrained when I first approach them; but, then, when I explain the concept of what I am doing, I delight to see them decide “why not?!” and allow themselves to step out of their comfort zone. Too many people are socialized away from being silly, playful, and spontaneous. The people who embrace the concept and have fun with it are so great to capture on camera, especially when they have some awkward trepidation at first. It makes it real, and can hopefully inspire others to allow themselves to be spontaneous, so that no matter what they do, they are ok!
6. When and where in your life did you become interested in film?
Since I was a child, I always wanted to be an actor. As my career flourished, I also would create content. That started out in theatre. But, I felt limited by having a limited audience. It was a natural progression to become a filmmaker — creating in a way that extends beyond the stage, and beyond that moment. At the same time, I was booking acting roles in film and television.
7. Would this project have started without the pandemic atmosphere?
“One Actor Short” is an existing series, with three episodes now publicly viewable – to watch, click here!
The series and my work in it has been receiving some great awards this year. So, I was not going to stop creating more episodes. I merely followed production guidelines for how to create and film during the pandemic. Also, filming this concept reveals a lot about society through the people who are out and about. It’s interesting to note that during the pandemic people have actually been more interested to participate! I believe that during this time people are finding the value of being playful and creative and truly just connecting! Continuing this experimental production in these times is a unique way to reveal those same things.
8. How many countries have received your work? Do they react differently?
“One Actor Short” has screened at over 60 national and international film festivals. And, it has won over 40 awards from Best Series, Best Experimental, Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Producer…. I am incredibly excited and honored. The festivals and audiences have regularly expressed that they want me to head to where they are to create episodes there, too. That would be awesome!
9. Why did you title the series One Actor Short?
I titled the series “One Actor Short,” as a play on words: I am one actor in each short film episode that starts out by being short one more actor.
Directed and produced by Yuval, ‘One Actor Short’ has been featured as an official selection and recognized as a winner in numerous international film festivals, including The Big Apple Film Festival, NYC Independent Film Festival, NewFilmmakers Film Festival, and Hollywood Just4Shorts film competition, Top Shorts Film Festival, Vegas CineFest International Film Festival, IndieFest, Accolade Global Film Festival, Best Shorts Film Festival, New York Film Awards, Kosice International Film Festival, and Prague International Film Festival, among many others.
All of these films, in addition to Yuval’s other cinematic creations, can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/YuvalDavid.
For more on Yuval David, visit https://yuvaldavid.com, or his other social media channels at the following:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Yuval_David_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YuvalDavid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YuvalDavid
