I had the privilege to talk with the winner of chapter 4, jaytaylorthe1. Jay hails from Ohio and we're glad to have him as part of this collaborative community we're all building together. Here's his winning chapter 4 submission followed by the interview...
Rootclip: How and when did you hear about Rootclip.com?
Jay: VidOpp.com. I was just looking for some contests to enter and I liked the site. It looked fun and a $500 prize for 1 minute of work is a good deal.
Rootclip: Very interesting! We had posted a single entry on that site in hopes that it would bring some talent to the pool. It looks like it worked and we're glad to have you in the community! That was also our thinking on the $500, but you'd be surprised at some of the feedback we've received.
Rootclip: So tell me, how long have you been working with film/video?
Jay: I have been an Actor since I was in high school. I had been working in theatre all my life and started to become more involved on the directing side, and slowly began to be more and more interested in film. I’m currently a Motion Picture Production major at Wright State University.
Rootclip: Excellent! What are some of your favorite projects that you've worked on in the past?
Jay: Nothing too big, that anyone would know about. Just a lot of student films. I really enjoy Documentary films, I love that raw feeling that you get while watching. There is also a movie coming out this summer called Adventure Land. It’s being directed by the same guy who directed Superbad. I made call backs but not the movie.
Rootclip: Are you a fan of Michael Moore?
Jay: YES I AM!
Rootclip: You know, the grand prize winner gets to meet him while attending his film festival in Traverse City.
Jay: Yeah, I know. And that would be cool to meet him. Will it be a true meeting or will I be among many? Will it be like an 'Evening with Michael Moore (Kevin Smith)' type of deal?
Rootclip: Hey, I thought I was running the interview here? Hahah! Because of his busy schedule with the film festival, he wasn't able to have dinner plans with us (like we had hoped), but he is going to carve out about a half hour to personally meet with the grand prize winner.
Jay: That's very cool. Not to hate on Mr. Moore or anything, but sometimes he can go a little over the top with his message, but I do think he does a good job of bringing serious issues to the lime light. And Bowling for Columbine is a great film.
Rootclip: Sometimes "over the top" is all it takes to stir a reaction in people to make a difference.
Jay: To be honest, I wouldn’t expect a dinner with him. A thirty-minute meeting lives up to my expectations perfectly.
Rootclip: You'll be able to find out his true heart on the matter if you win and get to meet him in person.
Jay: I hope so. It's going to be tough. KRN is really good!
Rootclip: Yeah, he does have some skills, but don't sell yourself short. Your work is really good and has come a long way in just one chapter.
Rootclip: Speaking of which...tell me a little bit about “The Circus of Horrors”, which was your first entry to Rootclip?
Jay: Yeah. We actually shot for two hours. The script I wrote was so involved with different rooms of the circus that after trying to put it all together, I was way over the 1 minute.
Rootclip: Did you find that it was difficult to shoot for only 1 minute of video?
Jay: For the concept I had, yes.
Rootclip: How did you happen to get access to the set you used for that video?
Jay: I work at an amusement park, and During Halloween we have haunted houses. The Circus is one of them. I would love to be able to post, the version I wanted to make (it's so, so, so much better!). I admit the version I submitted, was not all that wonderful. Not only that, but I had problems with my original music, so at the last minute I used a song from the Eagles. Yes I knew I wasn't suppose to, but I also knew I wasn't going to win so I figured what's the big deal.
Rootclip: Maybe when you get a chance, we can put the original up on the site to share with the community?
Jay: That would be cool.
Rootclip: After chapter 3 had finished and you didn't come out on top, what was your motivation for submitting a video for chapter 4?
Jay: 500 dollars, and the chance to earn my dignity back from my first vid.
Rootclip: Earn it you did…and in more ways than one!
Jay: Thank you!
Rootclip: Where did you come up with the idea/inspiration for your chapter 4 submission, "Archival Evidence NO. 239B - T. Kingston"?
Jay: The Blair Witch Project, and of course Cloverfield were great influences and references for the idea, but what brought it about was the fact that a lot of people made comments on my first video about poor production quality. I don’t have a high quality camera. It’s a SHARP VL-NZ50 Digital View cam (mini DV). I’m not ready to upgrade quite yet (when school is in session I rent theirs), so I figured If I can’t beat the situation why not use it to my advantage. That’s how the idea of Scott documenting the event came about. Like I said before there is just something so much more raw and true with documentary style.
Rootclip: Seems like it was a perfect fit for your situation and you ended up with the most votes to boot!
Jay: It worked out for the best.
Rootclip: Were the actors you used in your latest submission professionals, or just friends of yours from school?
Jay: Greg Fink (Scott Michaels), Alon Mei-Tal (Tony Kingston), Arron (Santa/Jim), and I all attended The School For Creative and Performing Arts together where we all studied Theatre. Greg is now at Webster University as an acting major. Alon attends Berklee, pursing a career as a rock star. Arron is in his final year at SCPA.
Rootclip: They seem like great friends to help you out in creating these videos. Did you happen to share your winnings with them?
Jay: yeah, I gave them 50 dollars each. Not to mention while on set I had pizza delivered along with Tasty beverages. In all honesty, we didn’t think we would win. So no one expected anything but a fun time going in.
Rootclip: Tasty beverages? Nevermind...forget I asked.
Rootclip: You mentioned the camera that you used, but what about your editing software? What do you use post-shoot?
Jay: Haha, yeah software? How about Windows Movie Maker!
Rootclip: Hey, if it works...
Jay: Hell yes! It’s a challenge sometimes not having fancy equipment, but when ever there is a problem I always look for a creative solution. Where there’s a will there’s a way.
Rootclip: So, why didn't we see anything from you in chapter 5?
Jay: Well, I actually have been working with a local film director to compose a "making of" video for my the last chapter submission. When its finished, I’ll send it to you. Maybe you’ll want to post it up like you did for HungryFungus?
Rootclip: That would be great! Well, our time’s about up, but I wanted to thank you SO much for taking the time to do this interview.
Jay: Sure, this was fun!
Rootclip: Yeah, I enjoyed it.
Jay: Peace, brother.
Rootclip: Peace.
Comments
Motion Picture Production major? That sounds like a blast.
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