OEN®

Short Memorising project brought to us from Director Daniel Askill, We have decided not to die is a groundbreaking experimental project developed on the concept of three figures undergoing a transformation through three rituals. Askill creates a surreal world though this piece in which these three figures seem to separate themselves, free from conventional space and time, they distance themselves from the rules we follow within our world. At first it is hard to see the narrative of this piece, or determine wether there is one, and many will watch this and become a little lost to what they have just seen.

I think thats the beauty of this, It can be so many things to so many viewers, and still be admired. You could sit and analyse this piece for hours, but just looking on the surface level, we have fantastic construction and execution. We don’t know whats going to happen from one section to the next, and this keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat throughout. The visual and audio are in complete sync, the edgy experimental sound adds tension suggesting something sinister is on the cards, completing what is a well spent eleven minutes of each viewers time.

The shots as the first figure leaving the pool of water defy our expectations and this begins the be-puzzlement of the whole short, nothing is explained and we are left to develop in our own heads what has just happened. I think it is best left this way, so Im not going to talk any more about this piece, watch it for yourself and develop your imagination, if you have further questions after, feel free to comment and I will explain my vision and interpretation of Daniel Askill’s Masterpiece.

Originally from Sydney Daniel has worked internationally as a director of short films, music videos and commercials. In addition to this strong roots in music led his to create and release and album as composer/ producer at only 19, at this time he was also designing record sleeves and multi media projects.

He began studying design in sydney and later moved on to Central Saint Martins in London, here he was given the opportunity to become creative director of London agency Williams before completing his studies. While working for Williams he was involved with a wide variety of projects including web design for infamous fashion head Alexander Mcqeen, also directing his first commercial for desire fragrance by Alfred Dunhill.

Leading into more directing work for fashion brands such as Ghost and Rochas he started shooting all over the world, ranging from Africa to the Maldives. Daniel later returned to Sydney to co-found Film and Design collective Collider. Through this he was involved with work for Mtv, Virgin Warner Music, Universal, The Australian Ballet and Panasonic among many others.

Find More From Daniel Askill Here