FILMMAKING IN KENYA: June 2011

As my directing of the 78th episode here in Kenya comes to a close, I feel a need to reflect on the changes I have experienced during the past 14 months of my life.

The changes in my professional and personal life have been many with several in the category of monumental. Living and working on the other side of the world has expanded my viewpoint of the planet and of society.

The first most monumental change has been a discovery of the work I will be doing for the rest of this life. All along, for most of my working life, I thought it was to be an actor. To act on the big screen. I drove myself in that direction. Learned everything I could about it. Helped other actors by teaching them what I had learned. While heading in that direction in a very bold and focused way, I learned all about film making as well. Along the way, I apprenticed as a film editor - studying the technique through books and under the guidance of a very experienced editor. I watched every old classic movie in existence and learned the theory of what made film work. At the time, I did not even suspect that I was really preparing myself to direct. I had entertained the idea of directing then but it seemed to be a distant and remote possibility. My focus was still on acting and that focus, unbeknownst to me, was leading me to the work I am now doing, directing.

Still, while pursuing my acting career, I studied under one of the most notable acting teachers of our time, Warren Robertson. I practiced and studied and then taught what I had learned. I gained a very special insight to acting, scenes, drama and how actors work in my classes with Warren. I am forever grateful to him for passing along his insights and discoveries. Many of those he was taught by the great Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler but many more he discovered on his own. My love for acting and actors drove me to help other actors, especially those who were stranded in remote locations without access to the knowledge and practice those afforded in the major cities. That lead me to teach actors across Canada for several years in locations where the stage and filming are rare occasions.

Little did I know that my strong pursuit to help actors and to act would lead to me discovering my true career in life - directing. Sure I thought of directing before. But it was fleeting and not a burning desire like acting was. It wasn’t until I actually did it (direct) that I KNEW it was my calling in life. Every step I had taken prior. Every word I had read. Every role I had played. Every job I ever held. Every person I had met. All of these lead to me being able to do what I do now so effectively - direct.

I am revealing all of this in hopes of inspiring others and helping them to keep the fire burning. Even though I didn’t know the exact direction my career would take, it was the act of following my heart and my passion that lead me to the truth. For those of you who feel your career is not what it should be, have faith. For I am a living example of how hard work, trust of what you know to be true and honesty can lead you to your true destination. And it may surprise you how it all comes together. It certainly did me.

That was milestone one. By following my truth and giving to society my most valuable skills, other areas of my life began to sort out as well. The relationship I was in fell apart after 10 years. At the time it was a very strange feeling. One of dismay and disorientation. But that was just my own confusion disappearing and leaving my space. I kept my work as my stable datum in life and with that stability in hand, my confusions disappeared and left me. My certainty rose to new heights. I met more wonderful friends and continued to expand in my work. Sometimes change for the better is disguised in a painful wardrobe.

For the record, I have done the following in the past 14 months:

Directed close to 2000 pages of script

Directed approximately 4700 camera set ups

Directed well over 200 actors

Directed 78, 1/2 hour episodes of high quality TV content (4 seasons of Higher Learning and 2 seasons of SAINTS)

It’s not that I have arrived at eternal bliss. Oh no. But I now know I am heading in the right direction. More than I ever have. Certainty is a commodity that I find very valuable in life and I use it every day. As I use it, I get more of it and on it goes. Without certainty, there is no direction. And a director needs to give direction.

I face the challenges with a new strength. A new confidence and vigor. Knowing that all can be overcome. Trusting the way.

So in wrapping up with the Higher Learning shoot for Seasons 3 & 4 portion of this blog, I present you with some fabulous photos. May you enjoy seeing the people of Africa I have come to love.

Neil

Director