In the fall of 2009, Virginia Commonwealth University students Emma Ellsworth, Kenyatta Watts and Nathan Madden walked into a documentary film class as strangers—not only to each other, but to the art of film-making as well. The trio quickly developed an idea, narrowed a focus and began developing an outline for their film that was tentatively expected to explore the graffiti culture in Richmond.
Our interview with film-maker Emma Ellsworth:
I graduated from VCU this past December with a BA in Mass Communications- Broadcast Journalism. I have only made two films thus far; the “Get up” documentary and a short adaptation of “Alice and Wonderland”. I thoroughly enjoyed both genres, however I think I would like to try my hand at music videos.
“Get up” was the product of a documentary class I took at VCU and our groups were chosen by our teacher based on who she thought had similar ideas and would work well together. I think the other members of my group will agree that there were times when we butt heads (we spent A LOT of time together), but we also had a boat-load of fun. I’m sorry that was a little cliche but also true. Despite any differences, it would have been close to impossible to have completed this project alone in the time we had.
I learned a tremendous amount about film-making through this documentary, but I still have a lot to learn. I am looking to help out with smaller films or get an internship. I also recently acquired an old camera that I am looking forward to tinkering with.
In the fall of 2009, Virginia Commonwealth University students Emma Ellsworth, Kenyatta Watts and Nathan Madden walked into a documentary film class as strangers—not only to each other, but to the art of film-making as well. The trio quickly developed an idea, narrowed a focus and began developing an outline for their film that was tentatively expected to explore the graffiti culture in Richmond.
Our interview with film-maker Emma Ellsworth:
I graduated from VCU this past December with a BA in Mass Communications- Broadcast Journalism. I have only made two films thus far; the “Get up” documentary and a short adaptation of “Alice and Wonderland”. I thoroughly enjoyed both genres, however I think I would like to try my hand at music videos.
“Get up” was the product of a documentary class I took at VCU and our groups were chosen by our teacher based on who she thought had similar ideas and would work well together. I think the other members of my group will agree that there were times when we butt heads (we spent A LOT of time together), but we also had a boat-load of fun. I’m sorry that was a little cliche but also true. Despite any differences, it would have been close to impossible to have completed this project alone in the time we had.
I learned a tremendous amount about film-making through this documentary, but I still have a lot to learn. I am looking to help out with smaller films or get an internship. I also recently acquired an old camera that I am looking forward to tinkering with.
