Director's Works
Orville Peck & Noah Cyrus, How Far Will We Take It? Austin Peters
Austin Peters is a director/writer that takes an elevated approach to making cutting edge and moving films. His work is atmospheric and timeless, using bold camera work and inventive ideas to bring intimacy to his characters within a profound sense of place. The Los Angeles times has called him a “master of aesthetics” and the Wall Street Journal described him as being “in complete control of tone.” He is known for his effortlessly stylish work and getting incredible performances from his subjects which include a-list actors, professional athletes, musicians and real people. His debut narrative feature film Skincare, a movie he directed and co-wrote starring Elizabeth Banks was released in theaters in the US on August 16th 2024 by IFC Films and is currently being rolled out globally by Universal. The movie has been described as “A gripping thriller that (acu)punctures the American Dream” (WeGotThisCovered), “Truly Impressive” (RogerEbert.Com), and “A smart and promising debut feature” (The Wrap) In the short form space Austin has directed celebrated campaigns with brands like Nike, Vogue, Wrangler, VW, Beats by Dre, A24, American Express, J Crew, and Samsung and iconic music videos for artists such as HAIM, Orville Peck, Charli XCX, Diplo and CHVRCHES. He also directed the feature documentary Give Me Future about the free Major Lazer concert in Havana, Cuba which was acquired by Apple. His work has been featured at international cultural institutions such as the Sundance Film Festival, London BFI Film Festival, SXSW and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art among others.
How Far Will We Take It portrays the emotions of the song with a humanistic narrative presented in an editorial style: by capturing genuine emotions and intimacy in a deliberately artificial environment the film achieves an impact that is strikingly photographic while also being authentically emotionally affecting. Taking inspiration from fine artists such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Nan Goldin, Kenneth Anger and the screen tests of Andy Warhol the film shows us the agony and ecstasy of one contemporary polyamorous relationship placed against the timeline of queer art and cinema. How Far Will We Take It opens with an homage to the opening shot of Kenneth Anger's "Fireworks" (1947) - made when Anger was just 17, it is known for being the first gay narrative film in the United States which he was arrested for making. Using "Fireworks" as the film's point of departure into a deconstructed human narrative the film uses the history of queer art and cinema to form a specific and personal narrative.