THE WAY WE SPEAK 2024
drama | writer-director, producer
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. In The Way We Speak, Fabian plays an up-and-coming writer who refuses to leave the spotlight at an annual thought-leader summit after his best friend and debate opponent suffers cardiac arrest—leading to an obsession over the writer’s new opponent and a growing rift with his ailing wife. Diana Coconubo, Kailey Rhodes, Ayanna Berkshire, Lowell Deo, Ricco DiStefano, and Reed Diamond round out the diverse ensemble cast.
The film is lensed by Director of Photography A.J. Marson (The Diary of a Teenage Girl) and reunites Ian with Sound Designer Brendan J. Hogan (SXSW award-winning feature Prospect) 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 Coppola’s Megalopolis and Apocalypse Now Final Cut.
“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…a scathing critique of our superficial communication culture.” -Christopher Maynard, FOLLOWING FILMS
“Under Ebright’s razor-sharp screenplay and assured direction…The Way We Speak boasts strong performances and stronger dialogue.” -Amartya Acharya, HIGH ON FILMS
“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
“Fabian offers a can’t-miss leading turn.” -Will Sayre, MOVIEWEB
The Way We Speak – Official Trailer:
The Way We Speak is distributed by Gravitas Ventures and is available to rent or own in the U.S. and Canada on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV & iTunes, Fandango At Home, and more.
Keep up with the latest on The Way We Speak by checking out the updates page.
PINWHEEL HORIZON 2023
fantasy | writer-director, producer, actor
On the planet Yiv, three elite warriors learn their final confrontation—a gang of 40—is waiting for them nearby. Pinwheel Horizon is a minimalist fantasy exploring disillusionment and the nobility of accepting reality. The film stars newcomer 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), 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 twice in the last four years. The film went on to receive 29 official selections at film festivals on five continents, won 17 awards, and received 18 nominations. 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
“Ebright builds his world by establishing lore and focusing on the motivations and goals of his characters…story wins out.” -Alan Ng, FILM THREAT
Pinwheel Horizon – Official Trailer
Pinwheel Horizon – Full Film:
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WHITE ACTION NEWS 2020
comedy | actor, writer-director, producer, editor
In White Action News—a satire of right wing media and white culture—reporter Trent Maida uses his popular news segment Eye on the Prowl to promote his personal beliefs—until his new boss (played by Lowell Deo, NBC’s Grimm and SyFy’s Z Nation) takes the network in a more diverse direction.
When COVID-19 delayed production on Ian’s third short film, he leaned into limited finances, social distancing guidelines, and the fact that his hometown (Seattle) continued to make national headlines.
The first season of the no-budget web series saw Ian in the lead role of Trent Maida—with family and friends rounding out the cast and crew. Some segments were recorded remotely, and Ian’s son played a variety of characters including White Jesus.
Watch White Action News on:
THE DEVIL NEEDS A FIX 2017
Photo by Regan MacStravic
dramatic dark comedy | writer-director, producer
An ambivalent reporter will get a big break if his interview with the Devil goes as planned in The Devil Needs a Fix—an unconventional look at disconnectedness, longing, and the nature of fear in modern times.
The film 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, Automata) and Rosalie Miller (SyFy’s Z Nation)—with music by Hensinki-based folktronica band Husky Rescue (SXSW, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits).
The Devil Needs a Fix had its world premiere at the 2017 Seattle International Film Festival and went on to play prominent festivals including Oscar qualifiers Rhode Island International Film Festival and HollyShorts Film Festival. The film won awards including Best Director, Best Dark Comedy Short Film, and Best Fantasy Short Film.
“A wonderfully scripted film with a rather brilliant turn of events.” -FILM SHORTAGE
“This smart and elegant sophomore film proves From the Sky was no accident. Ian Ebright knows how to make movies.” -Sven Mikulec, CINEPHILIA & BEYOND
“Great performances, a smart and funny script, and genuine creepiness.” -Tony Kay, CITY ARTS, THE SUN BREAK
The Devil Needs a Fix – Official Trailer
The Devil Needs a Fix – Full Film:
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FROM THE SKY 2014
Photo by Tony Tibbetts
dramatic thriller | writer-director, producer
From the Sky is the award-winning narrative short from Ian Ebright and Producer Jess Grant. In the film, a peaceful father and troubled son struggle to live a nomadic life in their region of the Middle East as U.S. Predator drones patrol overhead. From the Sky stars Maz Siam (Argo, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Mindy Project ), Mohamad Tamimi, Steven Soro, and Georges Chalhoub—and features an original score by internationally acclaimed ambient electronic artist loscil (Mutek, Decibel, Big Ears).
Ian conducted extensive research, hosted an ongoing dialogue with Middle Eastern advisers throughout the screenwriting process, and cast fluent Arabic-speaking actors. From the Sky represents a true collaboration between the writer-director, cast, crew, advisers including Oscar-nominated producer John Sinno, and interpreters such as Syrian actor Jay Abdo.
From the Sky was the recipient of the International Humanitarian Award Grand Prize out of 5,000 submissions and 250 screened films at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival (2014). The film received more than a dozen awards, several nominations, and official selections 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 PBS.org, and received coverage in MovieMaker 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:
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