As a filmmaker, I owe my inspiration to various impactful people, inspiring events, and important stories that have left a memorable imprint on my life. I have always known my calling was in the entertainment industry, and it was the people around me who made me believe in my abilities and urged me to follow my passion.
My first brush with filmmaking was when I was a child. I would make music videos with my stuffed animals and sometimes force my younger brothers and cousins to be in them as well (if there was a guest feature in the song, that is). It was something that brought me joy that I didn't feel anywhere else and allowed me to unleash my creativity in a way nothing else I had access to could.
As I grew older, I began to explore different mediums of filmmaking, from stop motion to live-action. In middle school, I teamed up with my friends to create a spy-style TV show. Didn't Apply to Be a Spy, I think it was called. It was a thrilling experience to work with my friends and see our ideas come to life on screen. This project taught me the value of collaboration and how every member of the team brings their unique perspective to the table. It was also a ton of fun getting to be a part of something so cool with my friends that had a great payoff. Impressing our friends and family was a huge bonus as well.
In high school, I joined student government and started making films for our school events. It was a fun and exciting way to showcase our school's attributes and get students excited about upcoming events. Through these projects, I learned how to promote other groups and how to get people interested and keep them interested in a video.
However, it was the events of 2020 that truly cemented my desire to continue to pursue filmmaking as a career. When the pandemic hit and everything went virtual, I realized the film had the power to connect people and bring them together unlike anything else. I started making short films that explored the themes of isolation and connection. This feature film explored our common fears, and it was an enriching experience to see how my work resonated with people. It felt as though it was a piece of a solution to an impossible feeling problem (the pandemic).
Throughout my journey, my grandfather has been a constant source of inspiration for me. He wasn't a filmmaker himself, but he always showed me the importance of art and gave me a deep appreciation for all of its many forms. Whenever we would watch a film together he would point out the subtle details that made it creative, or tell me some 'secret' trick as to how they pulled off a special effect, and I would be in awe of his insight. He always told me nothing could hold me back, and that I was capable of anything. This pushed me never to give up. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away in the spring of 2021. The imprint he left on my life will be present forever. When he passed, my grandma brought me a folder of artwork that he had drawn for a movie I was working on. Weird enough, I never opened that folder. I like the idea that there is still something artistic that he contributed to the world that I haven't yet seen.
So, what action has resulted from these sources of inspiration? Firstly, I have learned to trust my instincts and take risks with my work. Filmmaking is all about experimenting and pushing the envelope, and I have been forced to embrace this in my work. Whether it's experimenting with new techniques or exploring different genres or technologies, I am always willing to see where this adventurous road takes me.
Secondly, I have learned the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Making a film is not a one-person job, and it takes an army to bring a project to life. I have worked with a variety of people throughout my journey, from friends to classmates, and it has taught me the value of communication. Every member of the team has a unique perspective, and it's essential to listen to everyone's input and work together towards one shared goal.
Lastly, I have learned to approach challenges as opportunities for growth. Filmmaking is a notoriously difficult and unpredictable field, and it is very easy to get discouraged by setbacks. However, I have learned to view every challenge as a chance to learn something new and improve my craft. Whether it's a technical hurdle, a creative roadblock, or an unpredictable obstacle, I have learned to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.
In conclusion, my journey as a filmmaker has been carefully shaped by the people, stories, and events that have inspired me throughout my life. From testing the waters in my childhood with music videos to growing my interest in short and feature filmmaking, each experience has taught me valuable lessons about creativity, collaboration, and most importantly resilience. As I continue on this path, I am grateful for the inspiration that has brought me to where I am today, and am excited to see where it takes me next.