In Paris, I had the opportunity to study the history of cinema and the film noir genre at the American University of Paris. With the creation of Smoke Break, I hoped to implement my studies, while drawing inspiration from the famous "Caveau de la Huchette" jazz club. Previously an area of executions during the French Revolution, this venue has been transformed into a lively and vibrant jazz club flooded with red lighting and smoky lounges. I intended to use this juxtaposing atmosphere and make it a character within itself in this short film-noir piece.