Aspiring filmmaker Jeremiah S. Chechik was on a mission to carve out a path in the movie industry, blending his academic theater background with his passion for music and design. His initial steps into filmmaking involved showcasing his talent to various directors and consequently entering the commercial scene. Chechik’s innovative and moody commercial style soon captured widespread attention.
With determination, Chechik moved forward, stating: “I had studied theater when I was in university and so I had a background in that. I also had a background in music, and I had a background in design, and I thought, well, maybe filmmaking is the best kind of use for what I know. I chose to try and go into film. Now, I didn’t know anything about how you would actually do it. So, I started showing my work to directors, who hooked me up with production companies, and I became a commercial director.”
In an industry where commercial work is rarely the toast of high art, Chechik’s ads stood out for their atmospheric and daring aesthetic.
His unique approach eventually echoed in the ears of none other than the legendary Stanley Kubrick, who cheekily expressed his praise: “I had made these commercials that became quite iconic here in the US. They were very dark and sexy and sort of a little bit ahead of their time in terms of style. And what happened was they gained the notice of Kubrick, who had mentioned them as his favorite American filmmaking, ironically, in a New York Times article. By the Monday following the Sunday, the phone rang off the hook.”
Suddenly, Chechik’s career catapulted into stardom, all thanks to a nod from the master filmmaker Kubrick.
FAQ Section
- Who is Jeremiah S. Chechik?
- Jeremiah S. Chechik is a Canadian filmmaker who initially started his career directing commercials before moving into feature films.
- What was it about Chechik’s commercials that attracted Stanley Kubrick’s attention?
- Chechik’s commercials were noted for being exceptionally stylish, dark, and sexy, which was considered ahead of its time, and this drew Stanley Kubrick’s favorable comments in a New York Times article.
- How did Stanley Kubrick’s mention affect Chechik’s career?
- After Kubrick mentioned Chechik’s work as his favorite American filmmaking, Chechik received a surge of attention and calls, significantly boosting his career in the film industry.
- What is the connection between Chechik and “Christmas Vacation”?
- The article implies that Chechik’s rise to prominence, aided by Kubrick’s mention, led to opportunities that included directing “Christmas Vacation,” although the exact nature of this connection isn’t explicitly stated in this excerpt.
Conclusion
In an interesting turn of events, the commendation of Stanley Kubrick, a filmmaker known for his meticulous and visionary work, enabled Jeremiah S. Chechik to gain the recognition necessary to advance in the filmmaking world. This indirect influence by Kubrick opened doors for Chechik, revealing the interconnected nature of artistic influence and success in Hollywood. Kubrick’s appreciation showcased the potential impact a single endorsement can have on an aspiring director’s career. It’s a testament to the power of recognition in shaping futures, highlighting how a few words from an icon can be the catalyst for another’s success, and in Chechik’s case, eventually leading to the creation of a beloved holiday movie like “Christmas Vacation.”