Kaboom Director Tobin Sanson Goes Into The Unknown

Feeling a sense of confinement and isolation beyond the physical restrictions of the Safer at Home order, director Tobin Sanson and his wife Autym Sanson set out to create something that spoke to the desire to escape and offered a catharsis of experience. Based on a script that Tobin had written before the pandemic, The Unknown centers on a woman -  played by Autym Sanson - who struggles to disconnect from the noise of the world.

Filming in their home and a forested area nearby, Tobin and Autym approached the short with a spirited sense of freedom with a nearly wordless performance that reverberates with a quiet intensity and longing. Editing and visual effects were then crafted by Tobin, working from their home studio. While he prefers a larger group of creative collaborators that productions typically bring, Tobin was appreciative of being able to develop and produce a creative piece that captures the onslaught of information buttresses against the quietness of isolation. 

Born in the mountains of Colorado, Tobin was raised to appreciate the majesty of the natural world. This immense power is a never-ending source inspiration, compelling him to create stories driven by the rawness and authenticity it demands. This appreciation is also present in The Unknown, with nature as a presence and companion to the central character.

“Autym and I craved a way to expel and express how we were feeling and it was very liberating to film together, being vulnerable and exploring as we went,” explains Tobin. “Like commissioned projects, this had its own parameters and constraints that helped inspire the content and our approach. It’s been great to see how it resonates with people.”

Tobin is a director, cinematographer, photographer and storyteller who is represented by kaboom in the branded content and advertising arena. With every film or photograph, there is always a unique story to be told, a fresh perspective to be taken, as demonstrated in his collaborations with clients Clif Bar, Camelback, Cole Haan, Mountain Hardware, Huckberry and Hanah, as well as the band 30 Seconds to Mars.