Filmmaker's Statement
Ben Shaw
The opportunity to work artistically on a project that can make a difference has been a major highlight of my education. The heart of the documentary brings the viewer inside the story of those affected most by this highly politicized issue. The voices heard can be seen as speaking for hundreds of thousands across the country who share in the struggle to legitimize this medicine in the face of more than eighty years of stigma. Cannabis is currently a Schedule I drug, considered more dangerous than methamphetamine. This classification severely restricts modern research on its effects, therefore making it difficult for either side of the debate to be based on scientific evidence. I believe that when this contradiction is corrected, the country will be a safer place for everyone as I also believe that the prohibition of cannabis causes many more problems than the drug itself. It has been a privilege to meet and work with people inside the medical marijuana community and to witness what has grown from their compassion, courage, and dedication.
I can say the same about filmmaker Ann Alter, as this documentary is also the result of her compassion, courage, and dedication. Most of us had no previous filmmaking experience at the outset of the project. It was an interdisciplinary course, open to students of all departments. As an art major with an emphasis in photography (now a film minor), I was able to expand these skills into the production and post-production process. Most of this was completely new to me. I had no experience with the Canon GL1 camera, sound recording, interviewing, or editing. Class activities and on location workshops taught me the basic skills necessary to get the film done, as well as some self-teaching of Final Cut Pro. The editing process was what really brought it all together for me. We worked countless hours, mining 70 hours of footage, to find our one-hour story. Arranging and rearranging, cutting clips tighter and tighter, the art of filmmaking began to reveal itself as our footage distilled into a cohesive story. Re-examining our work so closely in post-production was where all the previous lessons of production found their meaning.
The project took more time and effort than is required of a three unit per semester course but as we progressed it became more than a college course. I was motivated, not only by the subject matter, but also the collaborative atmosphere and the notion of a finished, meaningful film at the end of a year worth of work. As a collaborative team, we depended on each other's professionalism and work ethic. Ann was the backbone of the crew, providing clear direction, while at the same time leaving it wide open for us to create the documentary through our own ideas and artistic skills.
I value the opportunity to work closely with students from other departments including graduate students in sociology and journalism majors. It demonstrates the benefit of different disciplines working together towards a common goal and learning from each other. Our road trip shoots were fun and gratifying experiences that I won't forget.
The making of this documentary has been an excellent introduction to filmmaking, giving me insights on society, and a much-needed taste for the professional world. I look forward to carrying this skill and work ethic into my professional career.
Principal Photography and Editing: Ben Shaw and Steve Spain
Color Correction: Ben Shaw
DVD Jacket Design: Ben Shaw
DVD Jacket Photography: Ben Shaw and Matt Compton
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