Love's Prerequisite

As a young child, I had the insatiable habit of watching a movie, rewinding it, and watching it over again. Disney’s 101 Dalmatians was probably viewed over a hundred times. I had a love for movies at a young age, and I still occasionally re-watch films that have had a profound effect on me. The moment I knew film was for me, I was nine, and I watched the double cassette VHS tape of Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. Of course, part of the appeal was that my parents had forbid me to watch it because of the R-rating. One early morning, I watched it alone and was moved deeply by its themes of freedom, love, and death. It was at that moment, that I knew deep down that I would like to make someone else feel that way.
　　I didn’t realize at the time, that becoming a filmmaker was a lofty goal in the humble mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia. Growing up in Georgia, until recently, has proved to be a difficult place to not only make films, but also to experience a community that appreciates art in general. Most of the public schools in the southeast largely support sports programs financially before other extracurriculars. The music, art, and theater departments in several north Georgia schools struggled to have enough money to keep their programs afloat. Film’s digital conversion was still in a transitional phase while I was in elementary school, so public school film programs/clubs were rare. I figured until I could participate in film productions, I would hone my skills in theater and music. It wasn’t until my junior year in high school that a local film entrepreneur started a film club at my school. He sponsored several short films and supported me in writing and directing my first film, a thirty minute short called “Stranded”.
　　Currently, I am finishing a degree in Film and Media Production at the University of North Georgia, with the hope to ultimately become a 1st Assistant Director. Once I’ve learned the process inside and out from the industry’s perspective, I will reevaluate my goals and possibly pursue directing my own feature.