Universal Film Issue 11 - 2013
that sounded fun, it also seemed scary. What about money? It seemed … risky. It is risky, and taking risk is an inevitable part of one’s development, creatively or otherwise. “It’s the Odyssey,” the Scottish actor Brian Cox said as we sat at a wooden pick nick table in his back garden. “I think that’s what I’ve been doing all my life, finding the place where I feel this is where I should be.” Finding your place in the world. “But then you realize that home is in the heart.” But what we often do, dance artist Kirstie Simson adds, sagely, is “run for safety and security and lock ourselves into images of ourselves.” Because that’s what’s right for them, Mr. McCready argues. “Others may need security in order to do their best work.” He illustrated with a story of two actors he directed early in their careers: Kevin Spacey and Danny Boyle. He recalled Spacey as a struggling New York actor who refused to take any work that wasn’t acting, outright rejecting a bartending gig when friends offered to help him find employment. “No!” McCready heard him insist. “I’m an actor, and I will be an actor.” Danny Boyle on the other hand, eager to direct, took a steady job at the BBC and built up the skills that would later serve him so well on Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire.
A simple question about personal creative development over a cup of coffee led to a four-year journey of enlightenment, an exploration that uncovered insights about success, risk, individuality and so much more. And it took me into the lives of some of America’s most illuminated artists, for which I am forever changed and forever grateful. So, in answer to Mr. Fraker’s original question, I made Old School New School because I wanted to learn. Old School New School can be seen for free on SnagFilms at www.snagfilms. com/films/title/old_school_new_school. In addition to the above-mentioned artists, other luminaries who graciously contributed their time are Tony® Awardwinning producer Emanuel Azenberg (Rent, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Lost in Yonkers), Grammy®-winning jazz pianist McCoy Tyner (“Illuminations,” “The Turning Point,” “Journey,” “Infinity”), renowned cinematographer John Bailey, ASC (American Gigolo, Ordinary People, The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist, In the Line of Fire), and actor-turnedCongressman Ben Jones (Dukes of Hazzard). Steven Fischer is a two-time Emmy® nominated filmmaker based in Chicago.
Tomas Arana chimes in from a loft in New York City. “The difference is how much you push yourself. If the person in some small town pushes himself to the max, he can push himself further than the kid trying to be the funky artist in New York.” “You can’t be like everyone else,” Mr. Fraker advised. “You have to be an individual.” What does it take to be an individual? Be honest with yourself. 23 www.ufmag.biz