The Best Cinematography Short Film Competition has only six days of voting left. Stewart Perry and his film Arcadia are currently sitting firm in first place. Will Arcadia continue to be on top next week? We can not yet say. Find out more about Perry and his filmmaking career.
Stewart is a multi-media producer and student living in the promised land of Oklahoma City. Two years ago, he and fellow producer Matt Barnett decided to forgo the traditional world of television news to experiment with the emerging field of “New Media” and documentary film production. With Mockingbird Media, he has captured some of the most beautiful stories, songs and poems in his home state. He is dedicated to a lifelong pursuit of truth and beauty, and a more artistic reflection of our world.
Who are you and what’s your filmmaking background?
I am a multi-media producer at Mockingbird Media and a student at the University of Central Oklahoma where I study professional media. I have worked as an independent media producer for the last four years producing short documentary films, feature stories, music videos and unique live-event coverage. Known as the “techie” at Mockingbird Media, I specialize in non-linear editing and digital graphic design.
What are you working on right now?
We at Mockingbird Media are currently fundraising and planning for our new documentary project that examines the influence of visual art on the counter-culture.
What do you want the audience to take away from your films?
This film is sure to make you smile. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Mr. Sam embodies all of the warmth and charm of the people of the great American plains.
What’s your favorite story from filmmaking?
We returned to the Round Barn of Arcadia for a second day of shooting. We just wanted to pick up some b-roll, maybe a couple of interviews from out of state travelers visiting the barn. We noticed a small group of leather clad, platinum-blonde, Swedish tourists. Matt approached one of them and asked them if they would mind giving us a quick interview about the barn, but the the guy said that none of them spoke English fluently. Matt thanked them, and turned to walk away, but before he got too far one of the platinum blonde gentleman with a black leather jacket emblazoned with an enormous American flag, reached his hand up above his head, and waited for just a split second before nodding and saying “America! Yeah? Okay?” Given the fact that Matt had not received a “high-five” since the early ninteen-ninety’s, it took him a moment to recognize this most American of gestures. He leaned into it. He gave this Swedish tourist the most American high-five he could muster. Then we all high-fived the guy. America.
What are your wildest dreams for your filmmaking career?
It would be wild if our film was accepted into next year’s Sundance Film Festival.
What is something bizarre about you?
I’ve been to space on several occasions, but my feet have never left the ground.
What currently inspires you?
I am continually inspired by my twelve year old daughter’s unbending faith in creativity, and by my mother’s endurance and patience.
What’s your best advice for an aspiring filmmaker?
Follow your passions. Believe in what you do and it will be reflected in your films.
