VIKA BAMBARA, Staff Writer—
The Denisonian spoke to alumni Arman Meinecke ‘21 about his work in film following his graduation from Denison. He is currently living in working in California.
Q: There are a lot of responsibilities as a filmmaker, but what would you say was one of the most difficult one?
A: I don’t know if there is a singular responsibility that is the MOST important. Right now, I am working on a short film as a Cinematographer. I suppose my most important responsibility is making sure that the visual elements of the story match the director’s vision and aid in crafting the proper mood. But each role on a set has their own “most important responsibility.”
However, overall, I guess filmmakers have a responsibility to tell stories that simultaneously matter and entertain- not necessarily entertain in a joyful way, but grab the audience and focus their attention to one aspect of the world or themselves. To bring attention to it and say something about it.
Q: Were there moments when you thought, “Oh, this is really happening, I’m a filmmaker” or did you always feel that way?
A: I do see myself as a filmmaker, because I make films and work on films — I even get paid now! I guess I don’t see myself as having “made it,” apart from the thousands of others who move out here with dreams. I’m just me, and I just wanna make stuff I like.
Q: Why do you think creating this story is relevant today? What are you hoping people will understand about the film?
A: I chose to DP the current project I’m working on because I thought it was a cute story about overcoming obstacles. In this instance the obstacles come with blowing bubbles with gum and wearing masks. It’s nothing too serious, but has a simple/good message to it.
Q: What is the biggest piece of advice that you got about being a filmmaker? What advice would you give to someone wishing to do it?
A: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people. Almost everyone I’ve spoken to, from Denison or not, has been extremely kind and helpful.
I imagine everyone in the entertainment industry can recall when they were new and didn’t have any connections or jobs lined up, and they love helping new people get started. And even if they can’t help you, they will probably refer you to someone who will.
I got my first job out here as a 2nd Camera Assistant through my mom’s daughter’s friend’s friend’s friend. Without all those people, who have become good friends of mine too, I wouldn’t be making a living in LA doing what I love while gaining valuable experience on set.
As for the creative side of filmmaking and being a filmmaker, I guess my advice is do some things you’re passionate about and find a way to hold onto that passion throughout the whole project.
I don’t know who I am to be giving advice really, as I only graduated last year. But, thus far, this is my advice: be passionate about your craft. Quite generic I know, but hit me up in ten years and I’ll give you some better advice… maybe.
Q: Do you think films will be popular in the future?
A: I do. Beyond the fact that there will always be stories to tell, the medium allows for such flexibility that the ways we tell our stories are almost infinite.
Beyond the lack of limitations of the medium, I think we’ll see an even more rich, interconnected global cinema emerge (although the medium is already impacted by all cultures).
Perhaps this prediction is informed by my US American point of view. But I feel like US American Arthouse fans who have become jaded with Hollywood films have increasingly turned to international films to fill the arthouse hole left in their heart.
That is not to say that Hollywood doesn’t make great stuff (Dune was fire), or that the US industry doesn’t produce some amazing arthouse stuff.
Rather, the volume of widely/theatrically released US arthouse films can be lacking. And viewers can turn to films produced abroad to fill that lack of production.
That all said, I’m no expert on the matter and am just speaking from my own experiences. The opposite could very well be true. But in my experience, cinema (in the US) is trending toward globalization. That bodes well for its future.