THE WAY WE SPEAK
feature | drama | 2024
Ian’s first feature-length film is a modern cautionary tale starring Actor Awards nominee Patrick Fabian, who played Howard Hamlin for six seasons of the Peabody Award-winning series Better Call Saul. In The Way We Speak, Fabian plays an up-and-coming writer who refuses to leave the spotlight at a prestigious thought leader summit when his best friend and debate opponent suffers cardiac arrest, leading to a rift with the writer’s ailing wife and an obsession over his new opponent—a bestselling author. Diana Coconubo, Kailey Rhodes, Ayanna Berkshire, Lowell Deo, Ricco DiStefano, and Reed Diamond round out the ensemble cast.
The film is lensed by Director of Photography A.J. Marson (Iris) and reunites Ian with Sound Designer Brendan J. Hogan (SXSW award-winning feature Prospect), VFX Artist Luke Swain, and Composer Billow Observatory—comprised of Denmark’s Jonas Munk (Manual) and Detroit’s Jason Kolb (Auburn Lull). Long-time Francis Ford Coppola collaborator Robert Schafer edited The Way We Speak; Schafer’s credits include Apocalypse Now Final Cut and Megalopolis.
The Way We Speak had its world premiere at the 2024 Florida Film Festival as one of 10 narrative features selected for their American Independent Competition. The film won awards including Best Director at the 2026 Liverpool Film Festival, Outstanding Writer of a Narrative Feature at the 2024 Anchorage International Film Festival, and Best Actor at the 2024 Albuquerque Film & Music Experience. The Way We Speak is available to stream in the U.S. and Canada—and on Emirates Airlines.
“A rich character study.” –Morgan Rojas, CINEMACY
“A career-defining role for Patrick Fabian.” -Anne Campbell, FILM GATE REVIEWS
“Undeniably fascinating…the type of dialogue-driven feature that would make screenwriter Aaron Sorkin beam with pride.” -Peter Gray, THE AU REVIEW
“Patrick Fabian’s knife-edge performance…a stellar, memorable, even risky piece of work. Diana Coconubo, Kailey Rhodes, and Ayanna Berkshire make a spectacular ensemble.” -Anne Brodie, WHAT SHE SAID
The Way We Speak – Official Trailer:
PINWHEEL HORIZON
short | fantasy, sci-fi | 2023
On the planet Yiv, three elite warriors learn their final confrontation—a gang of 40—is waiting for them nearby. Pinwheel Horizon stars Cassie Stires and reunites Ian with From the Sky actors Maz Siam (Mr. Mayor, The Affair) and Steven Soro. Pinwheel Horizon’s international crew includes Director of Photography Haley Watson (2022 Oscar-winning documentary short The Queen of Basketball), Production Designer Erin O. Kay (Captain Fantastic), Sound Designer Brendan J. Hogan (SXSW award-winning feature Prospect), Italian Comic Book Illustrator Luca Erbetta, and Composer Billow Observatory—comprised of Denmark’s Jonas Munk (Manual) and Detroit’s Jason Kolb (Auburn Lull). The film is also produced by Kieran Schafer, Kelly Campelia, and Christopher W. Graham.
Pinwheel Horizon had its world premiere at the 2023 Omaha Film Festival—a MovieMaker Magazine top 50 festival. The film screened at film festivals on six continents and won awards including Best Direction at the 2023 Accolade Competition. Pinwheel Horizon is repped by Festival Formula.
“A powerful, thought-provoking piece that deserves to be seen…[with] a cinematic depth that’s rare for shorts.” -SHORT FILMS MATTER
“A meaningful adventure…Ebright stretches himself and works with wisdom and insight.” -Richard Propes, THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
“Story wins out.” -Alan Ng, FILM THREAT
Pinwheel Horizon – Official Trailer
Pinwheel Horizon – Full Film:
THE DEVIL NEEDS A FIX
short | fantasy, dark comedy | 2017
An ambivalent reporter will get his big break if an interview with the Devil goes as planned. The Devil Needs a Fix reunites Ian with From the Sky award-winning Producer Jess Grant, Actor Steven Soro, Editor Eric Frith, Assistant Director Ian Van der Werff, and the Emmy-winning audio team at Bad Animals. The Devil Needs a Fix also stars Stefan Hajek (SXSW audience-award winner Eden) and Rosalie Miller (SyFy’s Z Nation)—with music by Hensinki-based folktronica band Husky Rescue (Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits).
The Devil Needs a Fix screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals including the 2017 Seattle International Film Festival (its world premiere) and HollyShorts Film Festival. The film won awards including Best Washington Made Film at the 2018 Gig Harbor Film Festival and was named one of Film Shortage’s favorite fantasy/sci-fi shorts of 2018.
“A wonderfully scripted film with a rather brilliant turn of events.” -FILM SHORTAGE
“Great performances, a smart and funny script, and genuine creepiness.” -Tony Kay, CITY ARTS, THE SUN BREAK
“This smart and elegant sophomore film proves From the Sky was no accident. Ian Ebright knows how to make movies.” -Sven Mikulec, CINEPHILIA & BEYOND
The Devil Needs a Fix – Official Trailer
The Devil Needs a Fix – Full Film:
FROM THE SKY
short | drama, thriller | 2014
In From the Sky, a peaceful father and troubled son struggle to live a nomadic life in the Middle East as U.S. Predator drones patrol overhead. The film stars Maz Siam (Mr. Mayor, Argo), Mohamad Tamimi, Steven Soro, and Georges Chalhoub—and features an original score by internationally acclaimed ambient-electronic artist loscil (Mutek, Decibel).
From the Sky was the recipient of the International Humanitarian Award Grand Prize at the 2014 Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival and screened at festivals including the Seattle International Film Festival, Savannah Film Festival, and Edmonton International Film Festival. From the Sky aired on PBS’ Seattle affiliate KCTS 9, streamed on Alaska Airlines, and received coverage in MovieMaker Magazine and Al Arabiya.
“Thought-provoking and unforgettable.” -THE INDEPENDENT CRITIC
“Intense…it leaves a lingering impact.” -SHORT FILMS MATTER
“A must-see.” -THAQAFA MAGAZINE
From the Sky – Official Trailer
From the Sky – Full Film:
