Simon Schneider’s short film, ‘Degree of Certainty,’ delves into the complex and often ironic world of climate change data, revealing the inner workings of a major U.S. oil company in the 1980s. Set against the backdrop of plunging oil prices and the mounting pressure to prove his value, young risk analyst Jackson Miller uncovers disturbing research from the company’s own climate scientists, projecting a rapid rise in global temperatures.

Based on true events, Schneider’s AFI thesis film examines the collision of corporate self-interest, individual ambition, and moral compromise in the face of the climate crisis. By recreating the 1980s on a student budget, Schneider’s film tackles the challenging topic of climate change in a concise yet impactful way.

The Inspirations Behind the Film

According to Schneider, the film was inspired by the conspiracy political thriller genre, with films like ‘All the President’s Men,’ ‘Margin Call,’ and ‘Spotlight’ serving as significant influences. These films showcase the process of uncovering the truth and the struggle between systems, such as journalism versus corporations.

The collaboration between Schneider and his craft teams, including costume designer Coleen Chan, production designer Jessica Burnam, and head makeup artist Brandy Marlin, was crucial in creating a period-accurate world on a student budget. By drawing inspiration from the 1980s, they aimed to build a convincing and immersive environment that would transport the audience to a bygone era.

The Challenges of Tackling Climate Change in a Short Film

One of the primary challenges faced by Schneider was balancing the complexity of the climate crisis with the need to keep the film engaging and concise. As he notes, ‘the climate crisis happens invisibly, and we have to find a way to make it visible in a movie while keeping it gripping and engaging.’

By exploring the inner workings of the oil company and the moral compromise faced by Jackson Miller, Schneider aimed to create a relatable and thought-provoking narrative that would resonate with audiences. As he states, ‘My goal was to tell a story about a young man who, I think, a lot of young people will face this, and every person will face this at some point in their career: How far do I go in order to act upon my values, and how much do I go against them to make money or to be a part of a prestigious company?’

In ‘Degree of Certainty,’ Schneider offers a powerful exploration of the climate crisis, corporate self-interest, and individual ambition. By shedding light on the complex and often ironic origins of climate change data, Schneider’s film serves as a timely reminder of the importance of moral compromise and the need for collective action in the face of the climate crisis.

Watch ‘Degree of Certainty’ at the HollyShorts Film Festival to experience the gripping and thought-provoking story of Jackson Miller and the oil company’s struggle with climate change.