A Space Race Short Film is Garnishing Praise in Hollywood
A new high-end short film, set against the backdrop of the intense 1961 space race, is making waves in Hollywood. Boasting a jewel box cast and astounding crew members,
A Passion Project with Big Dreams
The film, chronicles the harrowing journey of a determined USAF test pilot who is recruited by NASA for a daring suborbital mission in a hypersonic rocket-powered X-15 aircraft. The project, a labor of love for writer and director Jean de Meuron, took three years to complete. Meuron, a Zurich Film Festival executive and former employee of renowned blockbuster director Roland Emmerich,
pooled his resources with an old friend’s generous backing to bring his ambitious vision to life.
Star-Studded Lineup and Hollywood Heritage
The short film showcases an impressive cast, including Chad Michael Collins (known for the *Sniper* film series), Kimberly Alexander, Jackson Robert Scott (*It*), and Kevin LaRosa II (*Top Gun: Maverick* aerial coordinator).
Emmerich’s influence is evident in the film’s high-octane energy and epic scope.
It’s evident that Meuron has spent the past 15 years honing his skills and building connections throughout Hollywood, having worked on shorts in various capacities, interned at Paramount Pictures, The Weinstein Company, Universal Pictures, and MGM, and even graduated from The New School in New York. His dedication clearly paid off, attracting a who’s who of filmmaking talent to his passion project.
Behind the Scenes: A Glimpse into a Stellar Crew
Coordinating such a production required a top-tier crew.
Among those lending their expertise are two-time Best Live Action Short Film Oscar winner Kim Magnusson, who joined the project as an executive producer and will be aiming for a third win with *Edge of Space*, Emmy Award winner Nicolas Emiliani and Elena Bawiec (*Breaking*) as producers. Lending their creative skills to the project are Michel Rangel (*Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths*) and Mario Cader-Frech as executive producers; Chris Witt (*Breaking*) as editor; Emmy winner Mark Baechle (*Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse*) as composer; Emmy nominee Peter Bawiec, M.P.S.E. (*Midway*) for sound; gaffer Orlando Hernandez (*Sicario: Day Of The Soldado*); and Company 3’s Bryan Smaller, the colorist for *John Wick: Chapter 4*.
Visual effects were handled by VFX Los Angeles (Izzy Traub, Charles H. Joslain, and Joseph Sperber), a team that has already achieved recognition for their work on the Oscar-nominated *The Creator*, and casting was overseen by Rich Mento, the former Co-President and Board Member of the Casting Society of America (CSA).
A Director’s Vision Comes to Life
Emmerich, who once served as Meuron’s boss, recently hosted a screening of *Edge of Space* at CAA and effusively praised the short film. “I’ve known Jean for a long time, and it’s been incredible to watch him grow as a storyteller,” Emmerich said. “When I saw *Edge of Space*, I was blown away. The stunning production value, acting, cinematography, score, sound design, and excellent visual effects—everything comes together beautifully. It’s rare to experience a short film that feels this epic, with such massive scale and cinematic scope. It’s an impressive piece of work with great filmmaking.”
Festival Recognition and a Bright Future
*Edge of Space* has already garnered attention on the festival circuit, earning a Jury Special Mention at the LA Shorts International Film Festival, an award nomination at the HollyShorts Film Festival, and screenings at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival, the New York Shorts International Film Festival, and the New York Indie Shorts Awards.
What inspired Jean de Meuron to choose the Space Race as the setting for his film “Edge of Space”?
## Interview: Behind the Scenes of “Edge of Space”
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today we’re joined by Jean de Meuron, the visionary director behind the buzzworthy short film “Edge of Space,” currently making waves in Hollywood. Jean, thanks for joining us!
**Jean de Meuron:** Thanks for having me! It’s exciting to share “Edge of Space” with the world.
**Host:** So, “Edge of Space” is set during the intense Space Race of 1961. What drew you to this historical period?
**Jean de Meuron:** I’ve always been fascinated by the human spirit of exploration and ambition, and the Space Race perfectly embodies that. There’s a raw energy and a sense of limitless possibility that permeates that era, and I wanted to capture that in film.
**Host:** The cast is incredibly impressive. You’ve got Chad Michael Collins, Jackson Robert Scott, Kimberly Alexander – really recognizable names. How did you assemble such a talented group?
**Jean de Meuron:** Well, it’s been a long journey to get here. I spent years, literally 15 years, working in various film roles and building relationships in Hollywood – internships at major studios, independent shorts, even graduating from The New School in New York City. It was all preparation for this moment, for “Edge of Space.” Having that experience, and the support of a long-time friend who believed in the project, allowed me to reach out to these incredibly talented actors.
**Host:** And the crew behind the scenes is equally impressive, with names like two-time Oscar winner Kim Magnusson and Emmy winner Nicolas Emiliani. That’s some serious firepower!
**Jean de Meuron:** Absolutely! [chuckles] It takes a village to make a movie, and I’m so fortunate to have assembled such an exceptional team. Kim, Nicolas, Elena Bawiec, Chris Witt – these are all individuals at the top of their game. They brought their passion and expertise, and together we pushed each other to create something truly special.
**Host:** Responding to the news that “Edge of Space” is drawing attention in Hollywood, what’s next for you? Do you have bigger projects planned?
**Jean de Meuron:** I’m incredibly grateful for the positive response so far. Right now, I’m focused on getting “Edge of Space” seen by as many people as possible. We’re submitting it to festivals, and exploring distribution options.
As for the future, I definitely have more stories I want to tell. I’m exploring features now, and I’m excited to continue working with talented people both in front of and behind the camera.
**Host:** We can’t wait to see what you do next, Jean! Thank you so much for being with us today.
**Jean de Meuron:** It was my pleasure.
