David Breschel’s Film “The Singers” Ties for Oscar in Live Action Short

In an unexpected turn at last week’s Oscars, the award for Best Live Action Short Film resulted in a rare tie, marking only the seventh instance in the event’s history. Among the winners were director Sam A. Davis and David Breschel, an alumnus of Arizona State University’s film school, for their work on “The Singers.”

“The Singers” stands out for its unconventional approach, drawing inspiration from a 19th-century Russian short story. The film, which unfolds in a gloomy dive bar during an impromptu singing contest, was shot entirely on 35mm film without a script or professional actors. The cast was discovered through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Breaking New Ground in Filmmaking

David Breschel, speaking from the set of his latest project in LA, shared insights into the innovative methods used in “The Singers.” Breschel admitted that when director Sam A. Davis introduced the idea, it initially seemed “nuts,” but both were driven by a desire to create something unique. In Breschel’s words, “it is only really worth doing if it feels like you’re stepping into unknown territory.”

Unlike traditional filmmaking, this project eschewed a script to capture a more authentic, human experience. Breschel explained, “We didn’t have a script, not because we were unprepared, but the intent was to make it feel as handmade as possible and as human as possible.” This approach included casting first-time actors and relying on Davis’s expertise in shooting on film, which requires a keen eye for capturing special moments due to the limitations and costs of film.

The film’s raw authenticity was further enhanced by involving real people, like veterans who engaged in genuine conversations. Davis’s strategy involved discreetly capturing these interactions without the typical cues of filmmaking, such as calling action or using a clapper.

An Emotional Culmination

The production’s approach paid off, culminating in a memorable Oscars experience for Breschel and his team. Reflecting on the journey, Breschel described the tie as a “dream come true” and emphasized the significance of taking risks in filmmaking to achieve something truly special.

One of the film’s standout moments involved a group hug, which was a spontaneous decision made on set. Breschel recounted, “Sam came up with the idea, but he originally thought just one person would hug the bartender.” However, the emotional atmosphere on set led to a more profound collective embrace, encapsulating the film’s themes of vulnerability and expression.

Ultimately, Breschel sees “The Singers” as paving the way for future projects that embrace experimental techniques. He noted, “It’s not just a risk, it is a necessary risk in order to have a much higher ceiling for how special of a film that you can make.”