Schism director of photography Dorota Swies wants people to remember one word when it comes to director John C. Lyons’ first feature: serious. When you see the photography, know that the crew took a serious amount of time working on lighting and framing. When an actor is wearing the right costume at the right time, know that they seriously strived for continuity.

Other than the director, Swies is the one individual who can tell you just how serious Schism is compared to Lyons’ previous films. Why is she an authority? Because she’s participated in all of his films.

As an extra in Shakespeare’s Dilemma and a camera operator on BOGO, Swies has seen the other side of the Erie filmmaker’s productions. It does help that the two are married, but she’s not working on Schism as Lyons’ wife. She’s one of many individuals who has taken a lead role in the production, allowing Lyons to manage everything in a more professional manner.

“We are definitely a team,” said Lyons, who has turned over control of everything from sound to script supervising. The most visible example in the finished product will likely be Swies’ photography.

Swies and lighting director Michael Best have been taking much of the production time getting every shot just right. The film’s high-contrast look requires the filmmakers to get serious in a way that will hopefully be evident when Schism is screened for the first time.

“It’s better than we ever had because this time we’re taking care of it,” said Swies. In earlier productions, Lyons was the only camera operator and there was no lighting setup to speak of. Now with Best providing a full lighting set, Swies can control the look of the film the way she as an artist sees fit.

And she is an artist. She has to be. Much of the film takes place in the main character Neil’s mind as he is descending into dementia.

“We want to show a beautiful picture and give a more artistic dimension to the character,” said Swies. “We are communicating Neil’s mind.”

It’s a difficult task, but as the director’s spouse, Swies is able to commit in a way no other crewmember can.

“We are 24/7. (John and I) are living with making this movie,” said Swies. “It helps to have a second person engaged as much as I am.”

Beyond the filmmaking, Swies is involved in the production as a graphic artist. She’s the sole person behind Lyons Den Productions’ graphic design arm and plans on producing the film’s marketing package. She’ll design the DVD cover and the poster. She already created the Schism Web site. For her, every part of Schism is an extension of the art on screen. Because there are no marketers telling her or Lyons what to do, their vision on screen and everywhere else can be exactly what they want it to be. Seriously.

This article is part five in a series about the upcoming Erie-produced feature Schism. More articles will follow as the production progresses. For more information on Schism visit www.SchismMovie.com.