Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A Family Business

I always say that filmmaking is family business. When people come and congratulate me for “my work” on films I directed I make sure they know they’re only congratulating about 5% of the process. It takes all members of a filmmaking body to create a truly wonderful work of art. I think the Word of God puts it beautifully when He says 1 Corinthians 12:21 - “The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!” If we have a great picture but mediocre sound, we have a bad product. And if we have great actors, but a poor script, we have a bad film. No one should downplay any part of the filmmaking process, and every position deserves proper respect and patience. That's what filmmaking should be.

For our Senior film project that I'm DP on, "Sail Away", I have had the amazing privilege of getting to see this lived out. We have a crew of roughly 12-15 artists, quite a few of which are in this, who are committed to giving their best effort for the sake of helping create our story. This humbling to me, because it says to me that people give a rip enough to wake up @ 8am (or earlier) and shoot for 6-8 hours every Saturday morning, and not complain about it once! I have to say, I am inspired. ESPECIALLY BY THE 1ST YEAR STUDENTS HERE. You guys amazing. I can't say that I think I would have had the great attitude and work ethic that you guys have if I was on a shoot like this my 1st year here! You all should be very proud of your efforts and the art that you are giving it to. I, for one, can't thank you enough for all the help you've been both physically, technically, and spiritually. Sometimes, I'm not in the best of moods. Sometimes I show up exhausted to set. But it is seeing the body of filmmakers work like the body of Christ should, that puts a smile on my face and helps me to last through the day. So thank you to all who have been apart of this film. Way to live out the Gospel in your art! 'Nough said.

More photos from set (can you spot the one that doesn't belong?):



5 comments:

  1. Oh boy, make me jealous why don't you. If there's one place I love being, it's on film sets. They're like my Disney Land.

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  2. Miles, I've learned so much already this year just from watching you find your shots and watching you, Anthony, and Sunshine get the right lighting. It really is an amazing opportunity. Hopefully we can work together more before you graduate.

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  3. Thank you for your post Miles! Well said!

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  4. Just wait until they get involved with a "dysfunctional family." As a matter of fact, I think that should be part of the dma program. Everyone should experience a terrible film set just so they know what to avoid.

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  5. You guys are shooting at my old house and my old neighbor's house. I grew up there, I love it so much.

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