Former OC student receives international recognition and a distribution deal from Amazon Studios for the film ‘“The Vast of Night”
Andrew Patterson directed and produced his first feature movie, which was released worldwide to international acclaim this summer.
August 27, 2020
Former OC Communication student Andrew Patterson made quite the name for himself with his first full-length film. After being accepted at numerous film festivals around the country, “The Vast of Night” was purchased by Amazon Studios this summer. Movie reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with many saying the filmmaker, who is the son of OC’s Distinguished Professor of Communication Philip Patterson, is now sure to be one of the most in-demand directors in Hollywood.
“The Vast of Night” is a sci-fi thriller set in New Mexico in the 50s, coincidentally the perfect release for families to watch during a worldwide pandemic. In May, Amazon Studios bought distribution rights and aired the movie at both drive-in theaters across the nation and on-demand via Amazon Prime Video. Patterson’s film has received a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after being a favorite of Slamdance Film Festival attendees like director Steven Soderberg in 2019.
The independently produced drama features two young protagonists who hear a spooky sound while working a switchboard, reminding many viewers of a story like those featured in the classic show “The Twilight Zone.”
In 2018, Patterson wrapped up shooting in less than four weeks. Financing the film himself, he was strategic and creative in how he budgeted less than $1 million between a cast of 400. After a year of editing, the movie was submitted to its first film festival, and by 2020, it was purchased by Amazon.
Patterson gave former OC students, such as 2015 graduate Nehamiah Knox, the opportunity to work on the film. Knox, who worked as an assistant editor, is thankful for how it helped put him on the map for future films.
Two other OC alumni, Caleb Henry and Marcus Ross, also worked as executive producers for the movie.
OC professor David Jurney is proud of his former students.
“It’s fantastic to see the work they put in together,” said Jurney. “I’m looking forward to what future success Patterson will have.”
“The Vast of Night” trailer can be watched online here.