Is a white director the best person to tell what is traditionally a black story? Is that a question that’s even fair to ask?
“I was terrified. I’ll be totally honest with you. But that’s why I knew I needed to make it. I just gotta be bold. ‘Cuz why do the safe thing.” ~ Spencer Gillis, Director of “Sweep”
Spencer Gillis is an A-camera operator for the hit Netflix series “Orange is the New Black.” But his passion is telling stories–stories that drum up tough conversations. Last summer I interviewed him about his Vimeo Staff Pick, Short of the Week winner “Sweep.” Today’s episode is part of my conversation with Spencer where we discuss the key story points of the film, and what they say about today’s society.
Music in this Episode
Music was curated from FreeMusicArchive.org. In order of appearance, the music in this episode was:
- Fire Ahead by Jahzzar (CC BY-SA)
- Referent Power by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
- My Dignity by Cullah (CC BY-SA)
- “This is What I Smoke To” by Mo Green. Courtesy of 235 Films. All rights served.
Click here to learn about Creative Commons licenses and meanings.
Spencer’s Film “Sweep“.
