Places Like This | http://www.vimeo.com/nickmcnaughton
Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
NM: I started out as a combat videographer in the Air Force, but I have always loved listening to, watching and telling stories. I love the creative process of putting together a documentary, and I try to choose stories that will continue to push me not only as a filmmaker, but also as a human being. With each story I tell there is an opportunity to grow in almost every facet of my life.
Q: What are we going to see at Mile Hi Mocs & Docs? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
NM: I will be presenting my documentary short, Places Like This. It is the story of ten veterans on an Outward Bound expedition in Colorado, learning to use their time in the wilderness to overcome the challenges of life after service. We premiered at the 2016 San Diego International Film Festival, and it was also screened at the 2016 Southern Colorado Film Festival, U.K. International Veterans Film Festival, 2017 G.I. Film Festival in Washington D.C. as part of their “Cinematic Salute to the Troops”, Rainier Independent Film Festival and G.I. Film Festival San Diego. I have given it to Outward Bound to use however they can to highlight this amazing resource and encourage other veterans to explore courses like this to assist them in their lives after service.
Q: Who would enjoy attending the festival? Is it just for the filmmaking community, or is there a reason why non-filmmakers should attend?
NM: I think most people would enjoy attending the festival. It is a great opportunity to come out and see some independent films by local filmmakers, often telling the stories of people in our community. I think most of the people screening their films are telling these stories purely out of their love for filmmaking and telling stories, and the festival gives people an opportunity to connect with others that share that love, network, and watch some great local films.
Q: What else are you working on?
NM: I currently have two documentaries in the early stages of development. The first is almost fully funded and explores the evolution of the American dream, where we are as a country today and how we got here. The second is a story about a veteran researching the correlation between time spent in the outdoors, its chemical effect on our bodies and how we can use this to help veterans and other people dealing with traumatic events of their past.
Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
NM: I love hot sauce, and put it on almost everything.
Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
NM: Most of my work is on my Vimeo page, Nick McNaughton
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about Mile Hi Mocs & Docs and The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
NM: I am extremely appreciative of organizations like The Emerging Filmmakers Project. I think it brings together a group of people that absolutely love what they do and gives them an opportunity to share their stories, connect with other local interested parties, and continue to stoke that fire that gets us out there creating. Its one thing to “connect” online, but there’s just something about getting together in a room full of passionate storytellers and having real conversations about the challenges, joy and art of filmmaking.
Places Like This will screen December 3rd at 8:00pm during the 2017 Mile Hi Mocs & Docs Film Festival at The Bug Theatre.
