SHOWREEL
Maximilian Monson, Filmmaker
As a filmmaker I split my time between writing, directing and producing. I create my own original works as well as collaborate on other people's scripts and productions. I generally try to create one great short film per year, but I'm constantly practicing my craft.
I'm primarily inspired to create personal stories of individuals encountering the supernatural. Having grown up in the remote wilderness of Washington state, I'm familiar with folklore stories about sasquatch, ghosts and sea serpents. Today, those tales haunt me and I explore how they still hold relevance in the modern age.
​
I hope you find a piece of yourself in the films below. I've certainly put a bit of myself in them.
Same Word, Different Font​
2022
​
Graham unexpectedly meets Seagan
on a wild foray down the Washington Coast and in the process, confesses his own fractured past.
​
​
Same Word, Different Font is an example of my work with characters: both Graham and Seagan are the result of an intensive study in character design. As such it's also an example of my work as a director primarily. While I also produced and wrote Same Word Different Font, I chose to focus on working with actors directly. Liam and Darby (the stars) were a dream to work with and I certainly learned a few things from them.
Night Terrors
​
2022
​
An adventurous young appraiser arrives at a sinister institution late one night to appraise a mysterious collection of artifacts.
​
​
Night Terrors is one of the most collaborative pieces I've worked on thus far, combining the talents of art, theatre and music students at Cornish College of the Arts. Through the twisting vines of fate, I was invited to apply to the One Reeler short film competition with this film. I did so and while I did not come away with any formal awards Night Terrors was selected for a Special Mention.
BOOK
​
2022
​
A strange book finds its way to the stoop of a small bookstore, setting into effect the culmination of a long chase at the hands of a sinister figure.
​
BOOK is the cumulative effort of a large group of incredibly talented people. Each year I commit myself to creating a project with people I've never worked before, and for 2022, BOOK was that film. From the book, which was custom designed for the film, to the cinematographer and camera crew, this film is proof that stepping out of your comfort zone can yield some pretty great results.