Collaboration Post ‘when alone, do what the loners do’ (True to Form)🎥🤹🎯
“When alone, do what the loners do which is stand out and productively get their work done. Although I am an extrovert (Aquarius) moments of solitude can often be moments of clarity and inspiration and discovery of self worth. To the loners out there I say it’s easy to join a crowd but it is harder to stand out. Stand out make amazing work and when the times right collaborate’ Michael Serpell 27.5.2017
Collaboration is an important element in any large assignment and experiments that need more than one set of hands. Practically and convenience is probably the main reason why I flew mainly solo on my search for the right location to film in along with the best shots to take. Admittedly with carrying the equipment from the city in rush hour home, some expert opinions on site, a different perspective whilst filming and some expert knowledge particularly towards the technicality of using some of the expensive equipment may have been quite handy and arguably time efficient. However despite the temptation to have many people at my disposal I decided not to for these clear reasons.
With experiments like this I feel like the control, flow and general decision making needs to come from the creator. The creator knows exactly what he or she wants to achieve and through this are able to articulate a strict plan and have a clear vision on where and how they will take the project. I had a vision well before I began drafting the plans for the experiments to film a subject running through long grass, with the sun shining at dusk and really capture the sheer beauty and poetics of the moment on screen. I found venturing out into the country down the western ring road was a real search for me for those poetics and as ridiculous as it may sound, finding a location that reflected the beauty of the moment in full sunlight where the grass moved such a way that evoked true emotion. I found the perfect location and find the right people to talk to. One of the most enjoyable parts of a project like this is the freedom it gives you to explore your subject matter and delve in locations and themes you were never able to overcome because of project restrictions.
As mentioned before group work does have it benefits but working with yourself and your own skills you do discover more about yourself as it is a journey finding your perception of perfection and being true to your own form. I wandered through grass land and I felt a connection, I spoke the owners of the land in the nearby church, they were very friendly people and more than happy to help with my project, they brought me in for a cuppa, I showed them my work and we shared ideas.
My subject, the girl running through the grass, is a member of The Aussie Hands Foundation Inc, the organisation my parents created when my brother was born with three missing fingers. You may not notice my subjects hands but if you do it’s quite unique. Young Phoebe was outstanding as our subject, she was very obedient and you could say a natural at running through long grass. Her enthusiasm and energy lifted the morale for the project, and many treats in the form of cordial and lollies certainly kept Phoebe motivated and energized.
Stories like this are sacred as years by, down the track I often forget about the exact final product I produce, I may not be able to recall the project in shot by shot detail but what I do remember is the journey compiling all of the shots and having all the wonderful experiences on the way. Meeting the sensational people, listening to their stories and sharing your own story whilst creating something special is in my opinion all a part of the journey. I love it and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I would like to thank on this note, Sarah Kate Mackenzie for all of her hard work in helping with filming my very first experiment. It was lousy, wet and cold weather and yet despite all the odds stacked against us we managed to film something quite wonderful. Paul Ritchard and Trong Nguyen also played very big roles in deciding on locations, focus, finding the right inspirations ‘Days of Heaven’ the film about grass and also soundtracks for the piece, thank you for your help with making my project the best it could be.
Collaboration, helping eachother out is very important, but never underestimate solitude and finding your way, staying true to your form and searching for that inspiration and perfection your way.
Michael Serpell