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Sarah Cox
Degrees of Change
1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
The idea for Degrees of Change began when I was considering how relatively few students on Elon’s campus seem to be interested in activist work, though the school prides itself on various kinds of engaged learning (study abroad, service, internships, etc.) and on producing global citizens. I began thinking more about the implications of an “activist culture” on any given campus, and about what I see as the responsibility of any university to graduate students with both an understanding of the great crises of our time and knowledge of how change occurs on local and global levels. Around the time that I decided to make a film addressing these issues, some of my peers began an environmental policy campaign, and I thought their story would add a strong narrative piece to the film.
2. How long did the production process take?
The production process lasted about seven months, with most of the shooting occurring in the first four months. I spent the last three months, over the summer, working full-time on finishing interviews and editing the piece.
3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?
The biggest challenge in the creation of this film was probably that I was new to shooting film. I had worked previously as a writer and editor, but to work solo in my first experience as cinematographer was quite intimidating. I also shot about 50 hours of footage while taking classes full-time. Making the commitment to always be available to my film subjects and their activities was trying, but certainly worth it in the end.
4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?
I have so many memories from this project, ranging from the hilarious to the heartbreaking. One of the funnier things had to be the difficulty I had in acquiring a sit-down interview with Christine, the main subject of the film. She was so busy with her campaign that I finally had to find her in Washington, DC the following summer, where she was doing more environmental work, to just to get an hour to sit down with her and talk about everything that had happened that spring.
5. When someone has finished watching the film, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
I hope that people will walk away from my film with an interest in supporting and encouraging young people to make change in their communities. I hope that everyone, including students, will consider how they can be more engaged in today’s pertinent questions and that anyone in a position of power within a educational institution will think about what a “good education” really entails at a time when we are faced with massive environmental collapse, among other things.
6. What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?
A lot of people who watch the film are shocked by some of the more apathetic students who are interviewed, and also by Christine’s (the main character) dedication to her cause. Both activist and apathetic students are frequently stereotyped, but the issues are much more complex and the students not easily categorized.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring young filmmakers?
I would tell other young filmmakers to just go out and a make a film. You won’t learn a thing until you do it, and it will never be easier to begin than when you are young and possibly even have access to university equipment and teachers. I’d also say to get involved with all aspects of production so that you will better understand whatever role you fill in future projects. Consider the documentary genre, which doesn’t require actors or many other costs, as a great place to start, and watch films critically to learn new shooting, editing, and story-telling techniques.
8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on?
In January of 2008 I spent three weeks in Chiapas, Mexico with an activist group from my school, directing photography for a piece we are creating on the Zapatista community and their autonomous education system. The film, a production of Elon University’s Project Pericles, should debut this summer. I have learned more from the Zapatistas about making change than from any other group, and I’m excited for others to learn something from this film, too.
9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?
I think there a lot of ways for young people to get involved with film in this state. There are some great film schools here, and some great outlets for screening, such as Visions. The prestigious Full Frame Documentary Film Festival even happens in our own backyard, and those four days can be some of the most educational each year for aspiring North Carolina filmmakers.
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