Jordan Raf on The Drama and His European Taste

There is a specific kind of creative alchemy that only seems to happen when the grit of Novel York City meets a highly curated, almost clinical European sensibility. It is the kind of energy that fuels the indie cinema scene from the lofts of Bushwick to the editing suites of Manhattan. When you look at the recent buzz surrounding The Drama, the latest A24 morality play directed by Kristoffer Borgli, it is easy to get swept up in the star power of Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. But for those of us paying attention to the actual architecture of the film’s atmosphere, the real story is often found in the recurring collaborations that happen behind the scenes—specifically the role of NYC musician Jordan Raf.

The Synergy of Sound and Screen in the Five Boroughs

In a city where everyone is trying to “make it,” the most enduring professional relationships are often the ones built on a shared, niche aesthetic. The partnership between Kristoffer Borgli and Jordan Raf is a prime example of this. Raf isn’t just a guest contributor; he has appeared in almost all of Borgli’s films, creating a sonic and visual thread that ties the director’s body of work together. This isn’t just about filling a role; it is about a shared language. When Raf discusses his relationship with Borgli, he notes a “so European” taste that informs their collaboration, a vibe that often contrasts sharply with the loud, chaotic energy of the New York streets outside the studio doors.

This intersection is where the magic happens. New York City has always been a sanctuary for the avant-garde, and when a filmmaker like Borgli brings a structured European perspective to the table, the local talent—like Raf—provides the necessary grounding. It is a push-and-pull dynamic. You have the high-concept morality play elements provided by A24’s production style and the raw, authentic pulse of the NYC music scene. This synergy is what allows a film like The Drama to feel both distant and intimate, like a polished mirror reflecting the anxieties of modern life.

The A24 Effect and the Modern Morality Play

A24 has essentially develop into a brand of its own, signaling a certain level of intellectual rigor and aesthetic daring. By casting Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in a morality play, Borgli is leaning into the strengths of these performers—their ability to convey internal conflict and social tension. But the “morality play” aspect is where the local NYC context becomes interesting. The city is a pressure cooker of social hierarchies and ethical dilemmas, making it the perfect backdrop for a story that examines human behavior under scrutiny. The soundtrack, which has already garnered its own dedicated guide, serves as the emotional roadmap for this journey, blending the European sensibilities Borgli craves with the urban textures that Raf embodies.

When we talk about “European taste” in a New York context, we are usually talking about a preference for minimalism, intentional pacing, and a willingness to sit with discomfort. This approach is a departure from the fast-paced, punchy style often associated with American commercial cinema. By integrating Raf into almost every project, Borgli ensures that there is a consistent aesthetic anchor. It is a move that prioritizes artistic cohesion over the typical industry trend of hiring the most “current” name for every single project. This commitment to a specific creative circle is something that resonates deeply with the creative services community here in the city, where loyalty to a vision often outweighs the lure of a quick paycheck.

Navigating the Creative Economy in New York

The collaboration between Borgli and Raf highlights a broader trend in the NYC arts scene: the rise of the “micro-collective.” Rather than relying on massive agencies, many of the most influential creators are building small, tight-knit webs of trusted collaborators. This allows for a level of experimentation that is nearly impossible in a corporate studio environment. However, moving from a collaborative art project to a commercially viable production—especially one backed by a powerhouse like A24—requires a significant amount of professional scaffolding. The transition from a “European taste” jam session to a global cinema release involves complex legal and technical hurdles.

For many local artists in New York, the dream is to find that one director or producer who “gets” their vision, much like Borgli found in Raf. But the reality of the industry means that talent is only half the battle. The other half is the infrastructure. Whether you are a musician contributing to a soundtrack or an actor in a morality play, the ability to protect your intellectual property and navigate the bureaucracy of film production is what separates a hobby from a career. What we have is where the need for specialized legal advice becomes paramount, particularly when dealing with international distributions and high-profile talent contracts.

The Local Resource Guide for NYC Creatives

Given my background in geo-journalism and my time analyzing the intersection of culture and commerce in the city, I have seen how often talented artists get sidelined because they lack the right professional support. If you are a musician, filmmaker, or digital artist in New York City trying to build the kind of recurring professional partnership seen between Jordan Raf and Kristoffer Borgli, you cannot do it in a vacuum. To scale your creative vision without losing your soul to the industry, there are three specific types of local professionals you need in your corner.

Boutique Entertainment Attorneys

Do not go to a general practice lawyer. You need someone who specializes in the “indie-to-major” pipeline. Look for practitioners who have a proven track record with A24-style productions or independent music labels. They should be experts in synchronization licenses (for music in film) and “work-for-hire” agreements that ensure you retain enough of your intellectual property to sustain a long-term career.

Independent Sound Engineers & Scoring Consultants

If you are aiming for that specific “European” or avant-garde sound, you need an engineer who understands sonic minimalism. Look for professionals who operate out of independent studios in Brooklyn or Queens rather than the massive corporate hubs. The criteria here should be their portfolio of “atmospheric” work—look for people who prioritize texture and mood over commercial loudness.

Independent Film Production Fixers

Navigating the logistics of filming in NYC—from permits to location scouting in residential neighborhoods—is a nightmare. A great “fixer” is someone who knows the city’s bureaucratic shortcuts. When hiring, look for those with deep ties to the local film office and a reputation for getting “impossible” locations approved without blowing the budget.

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