writer-director, producer | feature | drama | 2024
Ian’s first feature-length film is a cautionary tale starring 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards nominee Patrick Fabian, who played Howard Hamlin for six seasons of Better Call Saul. Fabian plays Simon in The Way We Speak, an up-and-coming atheist writer who refuses to leave the spotlight when his best friend and debate opponent suffers cardiac arrest at a prestigious thought leader summit, leading to a rift with Simon’s ailing wife and an obsession over his new opponent—a bestselling Christian 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 editing credits include Apocalypse Now Final Cut and Megalopolis.
The Way We Speak had its world premiere at the 2024 Florida Film Festival (FFF) as one of 10 narrative features selected for their American Independent Competition. IndieWire and MovieMaker Magazine named FFF a top festival multiple times in recent years, and Chris Gore’s Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide ranked FFF one of the top 10 festivals in the world.
“A career-defining role for Patrick Fabian.” -Anne Campbell, FILM GATE REVIEWS
“The type of dialogue-driven feature that would make screenwriter Aaron Sorkin beam with pride…The Way We Speak refuses to lose its hold on its audience’s fascination.” -Peter Gray, THE AU REVIEW
“The Way We Speak is more than a film; it is a poignant reflection of our contemporary world.” -Christopher Maynard, FOLLOWING FILMS
“A rich character study…with a script that Aaron Sorkin would likely tip his hat to.” -Morgan Rojas, CINEMACY
“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
“Under Ebright’s razor-sharp screenplay and assured direction…The Way We Speak boasts strong performances and stronger dialogue.” -Amartya Acharya, HIGH ON FILMS
“Fabian offers a can’t-miss leading turn.” -Will Sayre, MOVIEWEB
The Way We Speak – Official Trailer:
The Way We Speak is available to rent or own in the U.S. and Canada on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV & iTunes, and more—or catch the film on American Airlines, United, and Emirates.
Keep up with the latest on The Way We Speak by checking out the News page.