Experiencing Interruptions?

The First Believer

Three couples, two people, and one story. What is it to believe in someone? Sometimes the greatest gift one can do is believe in someone else.

  • Nicolas Shake
    Director
  • Julie Restivo
    Writer
  • Nicolas Shake
    Producer
  • Murièle Solange Bolay
    Producer
  • Amaro Shake
    Producer
  • Maxime Leflon
    Producer
  • Meghan Langley
    Producer
  • Nicolas Shake
    Key Cast
  • Murièle Solange Bolay
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 41 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 1, 2018
  • Country of Origin:
    France
  • Country of Filming:
    France
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Nicolas Shake

Nicolas SHAKE is a bilingual (English and French-speaking) mixed-race actor.

Born in Paris, at the tender age of 6 years old, Nic's family moved to Los Angeles where his love for acting was sparked. He's been a professional actor for over 20 years and works as well as a filmmaker in Paris. He trained at the acclaimed Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in Hollywood for several years. As well as appeared in TV, film, and commercials. Holding both French and American citizenship, Nic is able to work abroad as well as a SAG/AFTRA member.

Being mixed race has allowed Nic several distinct experiences. Particularly, having lived on three continents the US, France, and Malaysia.

Nic has a strong appreciation for the arts. A lifelong actor at his craft who has studied since he was 14 years old. He took an introduction to filmmaking class at the Art Institute of Los Angeles where a passion for creating content ensued. In turn, he has written, directed and produced several shorts, web series and commercials over the years. He is also a singer/songwriter with a passion for 70s rock. He would describe himself an artist who enjoys creating his own content.

Nic currently trains at the Bilingual Arts Workshop in Paris with, coach, Celia Anne Browne. His goals are to fuse his passion for acting with filmmaking by combining his French and American journey.

He will next appear as the lead actor in an indie horror film The Follower, directed by French director Kévin Mendiboure. He also had a minor role in acclaimed director, Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire's, "A Prayer Before Dawn".

Finally, Nic has directed and acted in a new short film entitled, "The First Believer", that will be on the festival circuit in 2018.

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Director Statement

I really have a strong appreciation for the arts. I am a lifelong actor and filmmaker who would like to illustrate the stories of my upbringing and generation through my work.

I wanted to make a film that represented three different facets of the same theme. What is it to believe? To believe in someone knowingly, unwillingly, and unknowingly. You are told all your life that if you believe in yourself that is all that matters. But is it? What about the belief from others? Friends, family, lovers, coaches, mentors, etc are all examples of people that shape who we are.

So to create a narrative around this idea of someone else's belief in another was an interesting subject matter. I have known my costar Murièle Solange Bolay for over 15 years. And when she told me she wanted to make a film called "The First Believer" that is all I needed. I think that this is the most important factor to anyone's success. Having that one or several people who support you on your journey.

I hope that audiences can connect to the film on more than one level. Like in life there are phases we must complete in order to reach our final destination.