Written by Eleanor Kraft
The lights were dim and the crowd waited in quiet anticipation; a full auditorium cheered as the next film appeared on the big screen: The Understudy. Captivated, over 1,000 students, alumni, and guests watched intently, involved in the complex characters and intriguing plot. Michael Kysylyczyn, a senior at UNW studying communications, portrayed the lead role in this film.
“This film tells the story of a struggling actor down on his luck,” Kysylyczyn explained, “all of a sudden, a new opportunity presents itself, and he must determine if this opportunity is worth the risk.” In this short film, the main character takes drastic measures to step into the spotlight. Although condemnable, the intention behind this character’s actions is something audiences can find relatable. Kysylyczyn pointed out that, “I think we can all relate to the feeling of not being able to find that next opportunity…It does ask us to question how far are we willing to go to chase our dreams?”
However, just like with any fine craftsmanship, filmmaking takes time. Dedication to writing, planning, casting, scheduling, filming, and editing is an arduous undertaking, especially for full-time students. Although there is careful thought and consideration behind every choice made on set and in the editing room, Kysylyczyn reflected on how it is worth the hassle: “I think there is something very rewarding about filmmaking. There’s not a lot of departments where you have such a direct result. In the end, you have a seven-minute video that showcases all that work you put in.”
Kysylyczyn shared that he is grateful to have worked on this project with writer and director Isaiah Johnson and producer Cora Tsang-Johnson. Johnson’s The Understudy was a nominee for best sound design, cinematography, and acting. This film’s grand debut on the big screen enthralled a crowd and provoked, as Kysylyczyn mentioned, a deeper question: How far are we willing to go to chase our dreams?
