Fifteen seconds into this film I heard myself utter, “Whoa.” It felt like the film was the work of a real filmmaker who had the time to produce something special. The fact the film was about me was somewhat lost until I saw my “gaunt and wrinkly” self and snapped back to reality. As many of you know, I drive a Wayfarer Van. As I say in the film, the van is like a camera. If you fixate on either you are missing the point of what lives through that viewfinder or windscreen.
When I think about the van, I think about how much time was lost over the past thirty years.
Time lost to NOT having a van. I think about sleeping in cramped quarters, or on the ground, and how much more productive and happy I could have been had I made the van decision sooner. And sure, those adventures were those adventures, and things I look back upon fondly, but I’d gladly trade those memories for others encased in glass and steel.
Michael made this film by himself. His wife Allison assisted with things like driving and helping to position he or me, but it was primarily Michael wearing all the different filmmaking hats simultaneously. Motion, stills, audio, etc. Knowing what I know about this reality, albeit limited knowledge, I know how difficult this is, which makes this film even more special.
I also want to talk about duration. Twelve minutes. In an age where content creators are routinely asked for fifteen second films, having twelve full minutes to tell a story is a rare thing. This is where we need to nod to Wayfarer and their willingness to let creates create. I believe we need more of this, not less. Can’t endure the story, most likely not going to engage with a product that costs an annual salary.
On a side note, I was surprised to see how good the drone footages is because it was SO windy I thought for sure he was going to lose his little copter. A testament to modern technology. Want to say thank you to Michael, Allison and the staff at Wayfarer for taking the time to focus on little old me. Wrinkles and all.
Comments 20
Great film. Inspiring, as always, but from another angle.
Author
agreed.
Danielsan,
In your own words “Whoa.” Loved the edits. Such an interesting flow.
In the next one, maybe a full-lock, feet up, broadslide on your bike. finished with a high speed side-kick to the head of an innocent bystander.
Obviously not necessary to the storyline…But additionally, Milnor-esk.
Author
hook kick! That’s a rating changer.
Dan-
OT, but potentially of interest to you
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/16/well/live/humans-dogs-vaccine-lyme-disease.html
Author
Yes, it’s getting interesting. Lots of news about Lyme lately. Harder and harder for there to be a denial of infection rates.
That was a very nice little film! And, it showed us a little more detail regarding your living environment(s), which I very much enjoyed.
Author
Yes, the house looked pretty cool.
Great film. Kudos to Michael, his wife, and your contributions. Thanks for sharing your creative humanity. So much more edifying and inspirational than social media piffle. And that splendid last bit… “Elusive birds of the tropical understory.” You can’t find these kind of gems on TikTok!
Author
Yes. A book like that changes one’s life entirely. Is this really appealing to me now?
Wow, what a treat and absolutely worth the wait.
Author
Thanks Johan. That was a gem of a film, even if it is about me.
I wasn’t expect the gut punch around the eight minute mark: that beautiful and touching poetic moment rendered so well — along with many others in the clip. Not sure what I was expecting in a video about vans, but it was a great surprise in the best way. What an elegant and excellent piece!
Author
Yes, they got the “van isn’t the thing” part down really well. It’s a catalyst.
Dan, you may have left YT, but YT is not leaving you any time soon 🙂
Author
Yep, it’s still dangling out there.
Great film and agree always inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Author
Glad you like.
So what you’re saying is you fuel your van with creativity… X D.. You mentioned that the van feeds your creativity and viceaversa.. Haha. This film was, Whoa, good. I’m glad to know you.
Author
Yep, creative gas in, creative gas out.