DGA Monthly

horizonchapteronefyc.com To my movie family around the world: This is truly a thank you. The letters and calls I've received since the opening of Horizon Chapter One have been some of the most thoughtful and gratifying messages of my career. These messages have come from colleagues I've worked with over the years, as well as from those I've admired from afar. They've done more for me than you might imagine—some even went out on a limb to not only go against the tide but to highlight aspects of the film that, as a director, you can only hope people will notice. Many of you have fiercely stood by the film and my choice to make four chapters to fully tell this story. Beyond your recognition, the real thrill for me has been hearing you celebrate the work of your fellow colleagues. You started with Jimmy Muro, my Director of Photography, ensuring that his monumental e•ort of filming this movie in 52 days did not go unnoticed. His decision to put the movie first rather than wait for the perfect light reflects not only his talent but his character. Thank you for recognizing Lisa Lovaas, my Costume Designer, whose lifetime of experience and artistry made a di•erence every day, down to each stitch. There has also been thoughtful praise for Miklos Wright, my Editor, who took on this project by himself and succeeded wildly with an incredible team supporting him. So many kind words have been shared about his work. My amazing Composer, John Debney, touched people profoundly. Someone even said the music would stay with them forever after hearing it against our western landscapes—landscapes that still exist if you're willing to look for them beyond the rebate zones. To those of you who know Derek Hill, my Production Designer, your comments about his work meant the world to me. Knowing the obstacles he overcame was nothing short of miraculous. That's what you designers do for all of us directors, and it's what he did for me. Your letters about his work were as special as he is. Brilliant and tireless, Set Decorator Bryan J. Hurley and his team never stopped. They couldn't, because there was too much to do in too little time. It's a familiar refrain, and that's why letters from such careful eyes, who do the same work, mean so much. My special e•ects team managed to do the impossible. Jason and Jamie Neese, as Visual E•ects Supervisors, did everything they could each day to keep us grounded in that century. The "special" was there because of them. Philip A. Patterson, my First AD, I'm endlessly grateful to your precision. To know you were by my side every day speaks volumes to your dedication. One person to whom I am completely indebted is my co-writer Jon Baird, who made a di•erence on every page. We started working on this story in 2012. While he thought we might never get there, I always knew we would—and now it's here forever. Your comments that the writing felt intimate and charged, tender and then suddenly violent, original yet precise, are a testament to him. I often refer to the language of the West as our Shakespeare, and Jon breathed life into the words that all of us brought to the screen. Your recognition is essential in lifting your fellow colleagues, even if you don't realize it. The fact that some of you went out of your way to mention my Sound team—Joe DeAngelis, Brad North, and Chris Carpenter—touched me deeply. You reminded them why they chose this path. You did this time and again throughout the year, and I will not forget it, nor will they forget that you took the time to stop, think, and write your thoughts of appreciation. The actors, who gave their hearts to this film, are just now receiving the appreciation they deserve. Actors in westerns aren't often singled out, but your words about Sienna Miller's performance were heartwarming. The roles women play run right down the middle of Horizon's parallel storylines, and I am grateful that you acknowledged Abbey Lee, Ella Hunt, Jena Malone, and Isabelle Fuhrman. Your praise for Michael Rooker, and your appreciation for Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, Will Patton, Owen Crow Shoe, Gregory Cruz, and Danny Huston, meant a lot to them, and to me. The dynamic that Jamie Campbell Bower brought to the screen, along with his brother, played by Jon Beavers, was also invaluable to hear. I am deeply appreciative of your recognition that Horizon's strength comes from its literacy. Thank you. The time you took to share these sentiments has kept me standing. From all of us, thank you. With respect, Kevin Co ner F O R Y O U R C O N S I D E R A T I O N I N A L L C A T E G O R I E S

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