Creators of ‘Sketch’ Unveil the Inspiration Behind the Film

The new film “Sketch,” released by Angel Studios on August 6, 2023, explores the imaginative yet chaotic world of a young girl whose drawings come to life. This fantastical narrative unfolds as the girl and her brother race against time to contain the havoc unleashed by her art, while their father navigates a town spiraling into crisis.

The film’s director and writer, Seth Worley, shared insights during a recent discussion about his creative process and the inspirations behind “Sketch.” He recalled how a childhood experience with “Jurassic Park” ignited his passion for filmmaking. “I’ve always really wanted my first feature to feel like those movies that I grew up with,” he stated.

Worley elaborated on the unique premise of “Sketch,” explaining that it originated from a personal moment with his daughter. “She came home one day having drawn pictures that were just inventively violent,” he recounted. This sparked reflections on childhood creativity and emotional expression, leading him to create a narrative that intertwines art and emotional turmoil.

The director shared a poignant memory of his younger sister, who faced consequences for drawing a violent picture of her teacher. “The counselor said, ‘I think you did the right thing…drawing this was a much healthier choice than doing it,’” he recalled. This revelation became a cornerstone of Worley’s approach to the film, emphasizing the duality of art as both a safe outlet for darker emotions and a reflection of inner turmoil.

Young Stars Embrace Their Roles

In “Sketch,” young actors Bianca Belle and Kalon Kox portray pivotal characters navigating the film’s emotional landscape. Belle expressed a deep connection to her character, Amber. “I love that she doesn’t care about what anybody else thinks because she wants to be free to express herself,” she noted. Reflecting on her own experiences, she added, “I remember that point in my life where I just didn’t care about anybody else’s opinions.”

Kox, who plays Bowman, described his character as the comedic relief. “I love the annoying aspect of Bowman. He is like that one mosquito at 3 a.m. that constantly buzzes in your ears,” he joked. Both actors emphasized the importance of emotional authenticity, with Kox quipping, “Be a courageous b-hole,” a humorous takeaway from his character.

Worley emphasized the lessons learned throughout the filmmaking process. “Writing this movie taught me that I need to trust my kids with their emotions,” he said. He acknowledged the importance of creating safe spaces for children to express their feelings, encouraging parents to engage with their children’s emotional experiences.

The Journey to Creation

The journey to bring “Sketch” to life was not without challenges. Worley revealed that it took nearly eight years to develop the film. “It was a long time trying to get people to believe in the movie and let us make it,” he explained. His dedication was fueled by the desire to tell a story centered around a character, Amber, who is perceived as broken but ultimately embodies emotional strength.

Worley expressed his excitement about a particular scene that encapsulates his vision. “I wanted to see that movie in the world…that scene in the world and that movie in the world,” he said, referring to Amber’s transformative journey throughout the film.

The filmmakers encourage audiences to embrace their emotions openly. “Feel your feelings! Don’t be afraid of the darker stuff, and use art as a way to express it safely,” they advised. They hope the film serves as a catalyst for parents and adults alike to foster environments where emotional expression is welcomed and encouraged.

As “Sketch” continues to resonate with audiences, the creative team behind the film hopes to inspire conversations about the complexities of emotional expression and the importance of art in navigating those challenges. For more updates on director Seth Worley, follow him on social media platforms.