The Global Search for Education: A Conversation with Lee White about Derek and His Brick

Posted By C. M. Rubin on Jan 20, 2023

This month audiences can screen Derek and His Brick on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated for the Planet Classroom Network by Kids First! Film Festival

Think Edgar Allen Poe meets Edward Gorey.  Lee White’s Derek and His Brick is a very imaginative four minute film utilizing live action, animation, and poetry to transport audiences to a world of witty storytelling. Derek is isolated and torn between the love of his pigeon and a beautiful damsel.  What’s a hermit bachelor to do?

We highly recommend this acclaimed, short, mixed media twisted fairytale.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Director Lee White.

Lee, what sparked the creation of the storyline?

I love poetry. I love pigeons. Perfect. But I also love Edgar Allan Poe. Yet another P. And boredom. Boredom is a very useful tool in playing with the imagination.  It’s not investigated enough. From boredom we push through to the land of the rich and free spirit. 

What influenced the art style?

Loads of stuff! I enjoy seeing how things are put together. So a montage idea I felt suited the piece. All hand drawn and rudimental digital play. The back to basics concept. 

Was this the only short film you made during the lockdown – what was that like?

This was the only short I made in the lockdown. I experimented with lots of ways of making (not only films).  It was good for play and allowed my mind to exercise. 

Would you ever consider making a sequel or a prequel to this short film to provide more background on the characters?

Maybe. It’s possible. I have written more poems since then in a similar key but have not yet got around to making them into shorts. I feel the next one should be bigger! 

Thank you Lee!

C.M. Rubin and Lee White

Don’t Miss Derek and His Brick, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network.  This film is curated for the Planet Classroom Network by Kids First! Film Festival.

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The Global Search of Education: Director Sebastian Law on Stories From the Past that Inspire Him The Global Search for Education: Director Carlos Douglas Jr. Talks About His Film, Kenya’s Symphony The Global Search for Education: Ana Maria Medici Talks about Dear Mrs. President. The Global Search for Education: Directors Christopher and Erin Bishop Talk About Their Christmas Dog