Anton Church

Film has been something that I have always had a passion for. I still remember making the decision, when I was about 10 years old. I just knew that wanted to tell stories more than anything. To be able to create a world and escape into that world. It helped me get through the rough times I had at home.

Watching old Spielberg films like E.T., Indy, and Hook started this chain reaction where I now started to think vividly, and more importantly visually. Naturally I gravitated towards film and towards the idea that anything in my mind - anything put on paper was somehow possible. I was not the top of my class nor the fastest nor brightest, yet I had an understanding that if I worked hard enough I would somehow achieve. Grade teachers perpetuate an idea that anything is possible in life, yet I never could quite prescribe to that philosophy in full. It seemed too easy- as if one could just wish a desire into existence.

Film created an environment for me where creativity and hard work was met with reward. I felt going to film school was the next logical step for me. I was rejected from the same film school 3 times before being accepted. It was a tough pill to swallow at the time. I had no backup plan because telling stories through film was exactly what I wanted to do and I was not ready to compromise- I still am not ready to compromise.

Not only did I manage to graduate, I finished 6 months earlier than my graduating class. The experience I gained reaffirmed this notion that if I worked hard I would find the beauty in life- the simple beauty in just doing and dually being committed to a cause greater than myself. My decisions about where I worked and whom I worked with started to change. I was discovering the beauty in the journey- creating memorial moments throughout the process, not just from the end product. I realized that this is what made the film experience special- the stimulation one gets from synergy between commonly-focused and commonly-driven cast and crew. Film has the power to humanize both the makers and viewers of a project. It is through this profound realization that I have found film's true worth.

Why am I explaining all this? I believe there is an inherent quality that emerges when everyone is on the same page, working with the simple goal of completing the same project- with integrity and meaning. Creating significance- either in the work you physically do or in the everyday moments that make up the experience. 'Create significance!' This is my film philosophy and this philosophy is what has helped me shape all of my interactions in my professional and personal experiences.

Although I am young and have a long and undiscovered journey ahead, knowing that there is significance in the work helps with the unknowing and uncertainty of maintaining a this freelance lifestyle.

I hope that you found something redeeming in my words and thoughts.
Even though you and I have yet to meet, I wish you the best in your endeavors and hope some day to work with you creating significance!

AC