Determination and talent are two things you need to be successful, and for freshman Chelsie Holler, that is no problem. A lover of the fine arts, Holler participates in every aspect of filmmaking to achieve her goal of being a producer or director. After entering the CampusMovieFest competition and winning Best Drama for her short film, Mr. Carter, I decided to interview Chelsie to learn a little more about her, her inspiration, and her love for filmmaking.
Q: First things first. What are your name, age, and major?
A: Chelsie Holler. I’m 19 years old, and I am majoring in Film BFA.
Q:Â What exactly do you do? For example, do you just direct? Or do you write the script, too?
A:Â I have taken on multiple hats for my film projects. I have directed, written, edited and sometimes even acted in my films. But my main passion for the moment is for directing and producing films.Â
Q:How did you first get involved?
A:Â I had always been drawn towards the fine arts. When I was younger, I used to put on plays with my friends, and in middle school I acted in local theatre. I finally entered the world of film in high school. My high school had a film festival once a year, and after making my first film my freshman year, I was hooked.Â
Q: Where do you get your inspiration or ideas?
A: I used to draw most of my inspiration from my life—things I was going through emotionally and the people around me. I’ve recently started stepping beyond my “world” and have started delving into other people’s spaces. For example, many short stories I wrote in high school were about high school issues like dating. Now, I am starting to explore the stories of people in very different situations. One of my most recent short stories was about a girl trying to numb her mind as she escapes from the reality of being a prostitute.Â
Q:Â Tell me a little about the contest you just entered.
A: This semester I entered the CampusMovieFest competition. It’s the largest student film fest in the Unites States. They go around the country, provide students with the necessary equipment, and give everyone one week to shoot a 5-minute film. At the end of the week, they show the top 15 films from each college at their school. Then the top 3 films (Best Comedy, Best Drama, and Best Picture from each school) are shown at CMF Hollywood.
Q: How did you react when you found out you won? What did you win?
A: Waiting to see if my film made the top 15 was nerve-wracking. They don’t tell you if your film will be shown until you see it playing on the screen. Everyone in my crew gave out a shout when it started playing. At the end of the night, we found out our film, Mr. Carter, won Best Drama. I will never forget the moment when it was called out! I almost started tearing up; the multiple nights of 3-hour sleep were well worth it. Best Drama recipients receive two tickets to CMF Hollywood.
Chelsie and her team after they won Best Drama
Q: What is CMF Hollywood?
A: CMF Hollywood is an event in June where the top films from different colleges are shown and current professionals in film are brought in to give seminars. We also won two tickets to SeaWorld, CMF T-shirts, and I can apply to DFN. DFN (Distinguished Filmmakers Network) is an organization created by CMF that provides its members with opportunities to help make branded commercials, music videos and other things.
Q: Tell me a little about the video you entered.
A: On Mr. Carter, I worked as the Co-Director, Co-Writer, Director of Photography and Co-Editor. I had a great crew and cast, made of nine people, who supported me throughout the entire journey. Mr. Carter was about a man trying to discover what matters in life. He has just lost his job and is struggling to find his worth. My inspiration from this film was drawn from the recent financial troubles many people have been going through.
Q:Â Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I see myself in Hollywood or NYC working as a director of photography or as a producer/director of my own production company.
Q:Â What other hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I have many interests that pull at my attention. I love sports! One of the favorite ones would have to be soccer. Last year, I was a part of my high school’s varsity soccer team. I learned so much about determination, teamwork and never giving in during my senior season. We ended up making it to the State Finals for the first time in my school’s history. I started realizing how many things I had learned through sports had helped make me a better person and prepare me for the world of film. Some other hobbies also include reading, singing, guitar, piano, and painting.
Q: Are there any other exciting things going on in your life?
A: I found out this spring break I was accepted into the BFA Program at UCF for Film! I start up next fall and can’t wait. They only accept 30 students a year for the program.
Q:Â Is there a place that we can see all of your videos?
A: Link to Mr. Carter (from Campus Movie Fest) youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IosHMwkm4gw
Link to some other work
http://vimeo.com/33758529