Nicolas Clarke on Refraction, and Finding His Voice as a Filmmaker

Hailey Lachman
Mar 27
3 min read

From discovering filmmaking on YouTube to directing his own high-concept sci-fi short, Nicolas Clarke is quickly establishing himself as a bold new voice in the indie film world. His latest film Refraction is not just a passion project—it’s a testament to his growth, ambition, and creative drive.

A YouTube Discovery That Sparked a Dream

Nicolas didn’t grow up dreaming of being a director. In fact, it wasn’t until he stumbled upon behind-the-scenes YouTube videos that he discovered the magic of filmmaking. That revelation opened the door to a whole new world. He dove into the craft, watching films obsessively and creating amateur test shorts during COVID quarantine to better understand the process. After graduating high school, he made his first professional short film—and hasn’t looked back.

Influenced by Greatness: From Nolan to Villeneuve

Many filmmakers have left their mark on Nicolas’ style, but none more than Christopher Nolan. Seeing TENET in IMAX was a game-changer for him. "It completely altered my perception of what films could be," he shares. He also credits Denis Villeneuve, David Fincher, and Damien Chazelle for helping shape his vision: bold storytelling, grounded cinematography, and emotional intensity.

Refraction: Time Travel Meets Grief and Mystery

Refraction is Nicolas’ most ambitious project to date. The sci-fi mystery explores themes of pain and grief through a non-linear narrative, with stylistic inspiration drawn from Oppenheimer and story inspiration from the YA book series The Missing. He blends genre elements with emotional storytelling, aiming to make audiences both feel and think.

On-Set Memories: A Boom Mic Blooper

The funniest moment on set happened while filming a serious scene for Refraction. As the camera pulled back for a dramatic reveal, the boom mic—complete with a big fuzzy windscreen—slid into the frame. The boom operator’s solution? Slowly lifting it out while everyone on set burst into laughter. It was a perfect reminder that even in tense moments, filmmaking brings unexpected joy.

Wearing All the Hats: The Reality of Indie Filmmaking

As an independent filmmaker, Nicolas wears many hats—writer, director, casting, production coordinator, and sometimes even prop master. The biggest challenge? Organizing an entire production with limited resources and no studio support. Still, he embraces the responsibility with pride:

"I don't necessarily mind carrying this much responsibility… but a large studio-backed team would certainly ease the weight."

A Pivotal Scene: The Ending of Refraction

For Nicolas, the final five minutes of Refraction are the most meaningful. It’s where all the threads come together, intensity builds, and emotional resonance peaks. Balancing complex sci-fi with grounded humanity isn’t easy, but Nicolas considers this scene proof of his progress as a filmmaker.

Beyond Entertainment: Leaving a Lasting Impact

Nicolas wants viewers to do more than enjoy his films—he wants them to reflect.

"If the film ends and the audience leaves without any somewhat profound reflection… I've failed," he says.

Every project he creates is driven by a core message or theme meant to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Advice for Aspiring Creators: Just Start

Though early in his career, Nicolas offers advice that’s simple and powerful: just begin. Use what you have, make what you can, and embrace the process. “Progress is impossible without beginning at the lowest level,” he says. "Start now."

Looking to the Future

Nicolas is still in the early chapters of his filmmaking journey, but his drive and passion are clear. With a growing portfolio, a strong creative voice, and big stories to tell, he’s well on his way to creating the kinds of films that once inspired him to pick up a camera in the first place.