Past Filmmakers

David Keller
Mike's Story

The Interview

1. How did you come up with the idea for the video?
Michael Masters, the subject of my video, has been a good friend of mine for several years. We share many common interests and outlooks on life. Over time he told me about different parts of his life, and I realized that he has a powerful story and is a very unique person. Coming up with the idea for the video was easy since it is his story. All I had to do was tell him what to talk about.

2. How long did the production process take?
A few days shooting, a few days editing, a few days choosing the music.

3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the video?
Besides a few minor technical obstacles, the biggest challenge was actually picking out the music for the video. It might not be that obvious to the viewer, but I spent many hours picking out just the right songs to fit the mood for different parts of the video. This piece deals with some heavy subjects, so finding music that conveys the mood without seeming maudlin or artificial was tricky. The genre of the music is mostly jazz because it fits his personality well. Fortunately, it is a non-professional school project, so I wasn't hindered by copy writes. For different videos I have written and recorded the music myself.

4. What is your favorite memory from creating the video?
The short scene where we played music would have to be my favorite. The purpose was to show that Mike is not a stereotypical homeless person, and to give him a chance to tell about his passion for music. Mike is a very talented drummer, and I enjoy jamming with him. We are both music fanatics.

5. When someone has finished watching the video, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
Well, first of all, I hope the video wasn't depressing. It's not meant to be. It does have its sad parts, but those are important parts to his story. The video is meant to give message about homelessness, to tell Mike's story, to show his personality, to show what homeless people have to go through, and to hopefully make the viewer realize that there are many different reasons for becoming homeless. The ending is not meant to be sad or happy, but simply retrospective. I hope the viewer takes away a new perspective on homelessness.

6. What type of reaction has your video received from viewers?
My most important viewer, Mike, likes the video a lot. He told me that it was done tastefully and says that the musical selections fit what he was thinking almost perfectly. Most other people like the video a lot, but some think it's depressing. I was not going for this, but I'm glad Mike and I told the story how it is, instead of euphemizing it. As for my own opinion, I like the content and the way I put it together, but I sometimes get caught up on minor technical problems and picture quality. Any good artist never thinks his or her work is perfect.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring young videographers?
Considering that I am an aspiring young videographer, I don't think I'd be in any position to give advice. I need to be taking advice not giving it. If anyone has any advice as to good job openings, please give me a call at 828-265-4308. I am interested in all different aspects of production and types of videos. I can use all the advice I can get.

8. Please tell us about the next video you plan to work on?
After Mike's Story I produced an experimental piece called Intelligent Design?, which offers a pretty-close-to-subjective look into different ideas about the beginning of the universe and our existence. Intelligent Design? actually took about 10 times as long to write and produce than Mike's Story. I had better equipment to work with, more time for production, more experience, and the entire video has original music. I don't think it will be appearing on Visions, however, because it deals with a subject matter in which most people are very set in their opinions. I realize science and religion can bring up some explosive issues. The next video I work on, will really depend on what career path I take, considering I just graduated. If anyone needs any help on a video, give me a call at 828-265-4308!

9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?
I just love the film industry in North Carolina. At least that is what I'd probably say if I knew anything about it. To tell you the truth, I know a lot more about video than film. All I can say is that I have the upper most respect for the NC Visions series.