New York-based filmmaker and curator Jason Evans has partnered with producer Myriam Schroeter to launch Ecstatic Static, a new independent production service and online resource that supports artists working across film, photography, animation and time-based practices. The new outing opens with a roster of diverse directors, whose backgrounds range from narrative to art-based filmmaking, including: Barbara Cigarroa, Jodie Mack, Kersti Jan Werdal, Luca Werner, Shaandiin Tome and two Student Academy Awards winners, Curry Sicong Tian and Karishma Dev Dube.

Myriam describes the motivation behind Ecstatic Static: “A big part of putting together a roster for us was finding artists we believe in, then listening and learning from them. Most of the filmmakers we represent come from art based or narrative backgrounds and their films usually screen in galleries or at film festivals. In collaborating with these artists to produce commercials and branded content, we hope to create space for them to make work that is far-reaching and continues to offer new perspectives while challenging existing narratives.”

Aside from the roster what makes Ecstatic Static stand apart is a commitment to shared resources. The website hosts a database of practical information and insights into process, covering topics such as budget templates, storyboards, and production notes, free for anyone to access. “We want to develop a production service that is rooted in shared resources, facilitation and education, to empower artists to create the best work possible. In re-thinking the usual approach to production, hopefully we can show how a transparent practice is more beneficial than one that is opaque about its inner workings,” says Jason.

Ecstatic Static also plan to host a regular online screening series of artists’ films and videos via the website. The first series went online last Friday and features 10 films, that explore the idea of finding joy amongst restlessness, disruption, interference, instability and noise. Filmmakers include: Luca Werner, Kersti Jan Werdal, Taiyo Onorato & Nico Krebs, Beatriz Santiago Muñoz, Simon Liu, Anna Marziano, Andrea Franco, Jeano Edwards, Melanie Smith, Gillian Garcia. The series is free to watch worldwide, until May 7th.

That’s not to say Ecstatic Static doesn’t offer a wide range of production services. Some of these include; sustainable end-to-end production, budgeting, project management, location scouting, client services, permitting, and post production.

Additionally, Ecstatic Static just finished post-production on ‘Lake Forest Park’, the debut feature film by director Kersti Jan Werdal, and are currently working on productions for two separate exhibition-based projects; one for artist Adam Pendleton and the other for artist Sara Cwynar.

Evans, who in the past has himself turned out spots for Apple, Mercedes-Benz and Shiseido, sees Ecstatic Static as a collaborative partner for filmmakers working on all types of projects, “We put the needs of artists first, by centring them in the process, and supporting their vision. We hope this will allow us to work with not only our own roster but a wide community of artists, on the production of projects that range from features, exhibitions, and multi-channel installations, to commissions for brands, organizations, and editorial platforms.”