Ekebert Esken is an 18-year old upcoming Estonian filmmaker. He is the ultimate one-man-band of filmmaking! He is the founder of Ekufilm.
What makes him unique?
"I believe that I stand out from the crowd due to the many skills in the audiovisual media and music fields that I have acquired over the years. My ability to connect all of these skills and knowledge between different fields makes me an invaluable member on any set or project! For example - because I have made films mostly by myself, doing the writing, directing, producing, lighting, operating, sound recording, post-production in both video and sound, distributing and marketing my own films, I know almost every role on the film set - at least partially, know the challenges and mistakes others may be making and can therefore help anyone in need. I am not someone to just sit around at my own spot while the team is undergoing a big problem on set - I have the will and knowledge to go and help other departments as best I can."
What are his skills / what does he do?
Filmmaking:
Camera operation
Lighting for video & film
Audio field recording
Editing videos & films
Editing, mixing & mastering sound for videos & films
Music:
Live sound for concerts & events
Recording music
Mixing & mastering music
Playing drums (for over 10 years)
His uncle is Veiko Esken, the producer of Apollo Film Productions, thanks to whom Ekebert has been able to participate in several shootings of the Estonian film production company "Kassikuld" - was a helping hand on the film "Where The Heart Is" (Original Title: Talve), created several behind-the-scenes videos on the shooting of the film "BOG" (Original Title: SOO) and was a boom operator and photographer on the film that has recently been released called "Vacationers" (Original Title: Suvitajad).
In addition, he has edited trailers and promo clips for the following films: "BOG" (Original Title: SOO), "Fools Of Fame" (Original Title: Kuulsuse Narrid), "Vacationers" (Original Title: Suvitajad) and "Melchior The Apothecary" trilogy (Original Title: Apteeker Melchiori Triloogia)
How does Ekebert want to change the film industry for the better when it comes to storytelling?
Ekebert believes that a great and meaningful story is the single most important aspect of any film, which is why Ekebert is practicing and putting a lot of effort into creating screenplays that explore the very essence of human beings, their beliefs and how those beliefs create conflict in the world around them. Ekebert wants every single one of his films to be deeply meaningful and explore difficult moral and ethical dilemmas of life that people aren't thinking of - and bring awareness of these dilemmas to the public's attention.
Ekebert wants to spread an important message to fellow filmmakers or enthusiasts:
"I want to show to the world that you don't need an Arri Alexa camera or a 100 man crew to make a great movie. I want to prove that you can make great movies even under just 10 000 euros by working very hard, learning many new skills in the process and telling truly meaningful stories that are born from within you.
Ekebert's next project in 2023 will be a feature length adventure-drama movie, filmed in the beautiful Estonian nature!
Ekebert started creating his own films in 2023. The drama short film "The Price Of Honesty" is his first ever film he has created.
He is hoping and planning to continue creating films with his signature minimalist approach - tiny crew, inexpensive gear, micro budgets and minimalist but deep stories.
