Ai Tampa Rough Cut Film Group

MFS Feb 2010 Theo Harris

By Robert S. Pearson

I was in my fourth quarter at the Art Institute when I first met Theodore Harris. I was working on the original version of Behind the Bulb, and needed some photoshop help. Although I had never met Theo before, he overheard that I need assistance and soon my question was answered. I didn't need to know Theo for long to know that he was a intelligent and generous student, who enjoyed seeing other realize their visions. Since then I have become friends with Theo, and have recently had the pleasure of working with him on a film that I am directing. I am glad he agreed to step into the "Spotlight," and like the other filmmakers before him, I asked Theo, why film?

Theo:

Film is the art form that I am able to translate my artistic vision to the masses. Freedom of expression is essential to my well being.

I am always interested to talk to filmmakers about their favorite movies, so I asked Theo to name a few of his favorite films.

Favorite Films

Crash, American Beauty, Coming to America

I was surprised to see such a diverse selection of pictures, so I asked Theo who some of his influences, outside of filmmakers, are.

Theo:

My Family, Dr. Cornell West, and Tupac Shakur

I also asked Theo what his goals as a filmmaker are.

Theo:

My goal as filmmaker is to incorporate old-fashioned storytelling with new age film technology.

His answer inspired another favorite question of mine, who are your favorite directors?

Favorite Directors

Martin Scorsese, Guy Ritchie, Stanley Kubrick & Clint Eastwood

Perhaps no other film student I have interviewed has shared so many of the same favorite filmmakers. I always like to find out what the AI Tampa professors think of their students, so I asked professor Greg LeSar to share his thoughts on Theo.

Professor LeSar:

Theo Harris is a competent cinematographer and a pleasure to be on set with. He has a unique visual style and a personal touch that always enhances his work.

I asked Theo if he had anyone he wanted to thank?

Special Thanks

Mom, Dad, Robert S. Pearson, Jay McGee, John Muehl & Tom Hammond

I want to thank Theo for his time, and professor LeSar for his thoughts. Check back next month for the next Spotlight!

MFS Jan 2010 Jay McGee

Jay McGee

by Robert S. Pearson

I can think of no other student that I have worked so extensively with in my career as a filmmaker/ student. Jay McGee and I began working together on class projects, but soon took our creative similarities into the world of independent filmmaking. In September 2009, we premiered our first independent short film, Behind the Bulb, at the Art Institute of Tampa's Student Film Showcase, where it was awarded Official Selection by the Sun Screen Film Festival. I cannot articulate how glad I am to have met Jay, and I am excited for the years to come, as well as the projects we will produce together. When I knew I would be sitting down with Jay, I had the chance to ask him the question I had always wanted to know the answer to. Jay is former musician, and I was curious why he chose a career in filmmaking?

(Jay) I have always been fascinated by story and storytelling. Even as a young kid, playing with Lego’s, all the little ships I built – ‘cause I’d never build what the package suggested – I’d invent my own configurations complete with opposing sides (good vs. evil) and back stories. So I guess you can say, the idea of telling stories has always come from some place deep within.

With a clear appreciation for story telling, I asked him who some of his largest creative influences are.

(Jay) My two biggest influences (excluding filmmakers and musicians) would have to be Joseph Campbell and Bill Hicks. Campbell, because of his work identifying the Jungian archetypes found in common with all cultures and for espousing the basic myths underlying all peoples and their varied beliefs – that is, some idea of the unifying traits that make us human. Not “American” or “Western” or “Eastern” but human – sharing life on this planet as one people. Bill Hicks, because of his unwavering belief (even in the face of his own death to pancreatic cancer) in truth and the pursuit of truth despite convention or mainstream appeal. Bill Hicks, who made it okay and in fact necessary to continue in Timothy Leary’s footsteps. To ‘Think for ones self’ and to ‘Question authority.’ (After all – that is our job as informed members of society) And yet, as he did so – through nearly twenty years of comedy, he always made us laugh, even when it was at ourselves.

Jay's influences are very unique, so I was excited to find out who his favorite filmmakers are.

Favorite Filmmakers

Terry Gilliam, Samuel Fuller, The Cohen Brothers, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick

Jay's favorites are a who's who of some of the most influential filmmakers of all time, so I wanted to find out what his goal as a filmmaker is.

(Jay) To find/create a style of film I’ve penned, “Color Noir.” This style is an attempt at combining rich tone/color with motivated dialog, beautiful cinematography, and traditional “Hollywood” style editing, evoking film noir through lighting and sound design. Creating film with the warmth and familiarity of a beloved pop song or a late-night conversation with a close friend.

With such an infuses on style, I asked Jay to name his favorite films.

Favorite Films

Dr. Strangelove, Goodfellas, The Steel Helmet, Brazil, The Big Lebowski

As I mentioned above I have known Jay for some time, and have developed a strong professional, positive, opinion about him. I asked Greg LeSar, a film professor at AI and the University of Tampa, his thoughts on Jay.

(Professor LeSar) Jay McGee is a determined and blood thirsty filmmaker. His passion for the art and practice of the discipline is obvious in his work. He has a style reminiscent of the 'personal' filmmakers like Scorsese and Coppola of the 1970's, combine with the more commercial successes of filmmakers like Fuller and Sirk of the 1950's. This is a filmmaker that has something to say.

Jay, like the past filmmakers I have interviewed, has earned the respect of his peers and superiors, so I was curious what his plans for the future are.

(Jay) Get a job. Pay off the loans. Work my way “up the ladder” learning as much about as many positions that I can to apply this new knowledge set to my (hopefully) eventual directing career where I will write and direct my own stories.

Special thanks

(Jay) To my Father, and to my Mother for teaching me as I grew. To my friend Shaun Zokaie – for believing in me when no one else did. And to those few special teachers whose support helped me to learn to believe in myself – Mrs. Thompson (Boles Jr. High), Mrs. White (Arlington High School), Ms. George (then student teacher – Arlington High School). Finally – to the good Lord Buddha, for letting a guy have a second chance – even though it was my third or forth!

I would like to thank Jay McGee for stepping into the Spotlight, and you for reading. Check back in February to see who is the filmmaker to be profiled.

Checkout some of Jay McGee's directorial work with his title's

Bathed In Red, and Behind the Bulb

December Film of the Month "A Work"

Student Film Showcase

Film of the Month

December 2009

A Work

By Cheryl Timmins

MFS December 09 Cheryl Timmins

Cheryl Timmins

By Robert S. Pearson

Rob The Final Awakening A Work

Last month, for the first time, an AI Tampa film student stepped into the Spotlight, and Andrew Keeton shared his work, inspirations, and plans for the future. This month I was able to speak with Cheryl Timmins who, along with Andrew, is one of the first of two students to graduate from the AI Tampa film program. I have known Cheryl for some time now, and have always been impressed by both her work as well as character. While speaking with Cheryl I learned that she earned two degrees before coming to the Art Institute, a BA in Psychology form the Sophie Newcomb College, and a MED in Early Childhood Emotional Disturbances from Tulane University. With two degrees under her belt already, I asked Cheryl why she decided to study film.

Cheryl;

I’m an educator at heart and film gives me a visual outlet to express myself and hopefully open the eyes of others in the process. I believe indie films are on the rise and I relish this idea as this is my niche as a producer. If my work makes a difference in at least one life, I’ve accomplished what I’ve set out to do. Two or more is lagniappe.

Seeing as Cheryl has much appreciation for independent filmmaking, I asked her which filmmakers influenced her the most?

Favorite Filmmakers

Errol Morris, Sidney Lumet, Aleksandr Sokurov, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese
As a filmmaker I understand how much inspiration can be drawn from others in the business, but I asked Cheryl who, in her personal life, has influenced her the most?
Cheryl;
My largest personal influence has been my daughter. I adopted her from China at 15 months old and she just turned 8. I’ve never looked at the world the same since I was lucky enough to look at everything through her eyes.
I wanted to know, outside of her family and role-models, what films have have shaped Cheryl as an artist? Maybe it was unfair, but I asked to only mention 3 to 5.
Cheryl;
This is like asking a chocoholic “What is your favorite brand of chocolate?” Three to five films seems so limiting but I’ll take a stab at it.
Favorite Films

The Shawshank Redemption, Modern Times, On The Water Front, A Beautiful Mind
Well there is no doubting her taste, and as I mentioned above I think Cheryl produces great work and has an awesome character, but I thought I would get a few other onions. I asked Dr. John Muehl, a film professor of ours and former AI Tampa Dean, what he had to say about Cheryl.
Dr. John Muehl;
Cheryl's strengths are her determination and her willingness to take charge of her own education. When the rest of the students are on break, Cheryl is attending a filmmaking workshop. She strives to achieve excellence. Her determination will lead to success in the film and video industry.
Tyler Martinolich is a film professor at the University of Tampa as well as The Ringling School for the Arts, and the Programing Director for the Sun Screen Film Festival. He is a former professor of Cheryl's, so I asked him what he thought of her work ethic.
Tyler Martinolich;
James Cameron once said "The film industry is about saying 'no' to people, and inherently you cannot take 'no' for an answer." It takes drive, passion, a level head and a willingness to never take 'no' for an answer. I know Cheryl Timmins to have those qualities. Cheryl has that rare spark that's instantly identifiable, and will serve her well in whatever pursuit she follows in the future.
Cheryl Timmins has earned the respect of her peers, professors, and professionals in the business. She recently was awarded an internship with the Canne film festival at the The American Pavilion in the worldwide festival, so I asked Cheryl what her plans for the future are?
Cheryl;
My dream is to produce indie films, preferably documentaries that don’t bore people to death. Finally, I get to pursue my passion. Do what you love and the money will follow.
Special Thanks
Cheryl;

Special thanks to Alan Cohen and Reverend Duffy Rutledge, my mentors who encouraged me to follow my heart, my family for their love and support and to Hilda Manning for teaching me about unconditional love.

I want to thank Cheryl for letting us look at her past and bright future. To learn more about her, and see more of Cheryl's work visit the link below.

w ww.cheryltimmins.com
Thanks for checking out this month's Spotlight, and we'll be back in January!