Sidewalk Film Festival - On the Horizon
With an abundance of hot, sunny days, Alabama has an incredible solar resource. Learn about Alabama's vast solar potential and the impediments and policy barriers that are holding back its solar success.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Lauren Musgrove
*
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I was selected to be in a film fellowship program over the summer called Southern Exposure with the Southern Environmental Law Firm. They gave us several very broad topics and I chose solar power. I had been to several renewable energy student conferences in college, and was fascinated by the concept and the technology. It really surprised me that Alabama had such little investment in it, so I decided to figure out why, and to educate viewers about the benefits and science of solar power along the way.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You’ll learn how science, the economy, and politics work together to inform the emerging technology of solar power. On the Horizon draws attention to an exciting time in our quest for a more sustainable Earth, as well as some of the barriers that can get in the way of that. Plus, it was fully shot and created in the state of Alabama, which is an underrepresented state in the world of film, in my opinion, and it is an incredibly beautiful state full of incredible people.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The main subject in On the Horizon is a family living in Birmingham that installs a solar system on their own roof. They speak greatly to the personal mindset of “loving your neighbor” and making lifestyle choices to leave the world in a better place for future generations. My film also opens the door to discussion on solar power as a viable source of energy for our country, and the world.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Being a documentary, I only had a rough outline of key points I wanted to capture, and a list of subjects before going into production. Through various interviews, luck, and perseverance to get certain shots, On the Horizon was created. My research served me well in writing interview questions and knowing what shots I needed, but the story really came together once I had the responses of my subjects to craft a script from. I would say looking at the final product and thinking about my original vision, not a whole lot changed. Sure I added a few subjects and traveled across the state to gather extra pieces, but the outline is still in there.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Mostly positive, I’m happy to say! Some people are angry about the policy barriers I brought up, but I consider that a positive reaction to a film about an environmental issue. I’ve had some people commend the structure of the story, and the way I was able to capture the beauty of the state of Alabama. Most reactions have been questions, however, people wanting to know more about this technology and what their role is in it.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
My point of view has remained pretty solid. The feedback has definitely opened my eyes to even further layers of complexity in the system of energy and the fight for more renewables.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Since living in Alabama for the past 4 years, I’m astonished what some people think of the state that have never been here. Having my film more visible on a site like this will hopefully draw more out of state people in to the beauty of Alabama, and widen their perspective on it. I also am a huge solar power advocate (surprise!) so the more people that can be educated on that subject, the happier I am.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
This is really an issue that the grassroots must support and push for. The more people that see this film, the more resonant its message will be. I’d say distributors and film festival directors would be fabulous to have on board to increase viewership. Also if any journalists see this film and write about this same topic, even in other places of the country, that would be amazing. Also if any producers are struck by this film, and have interest in seeing a longer, broader project of a similar tone, I would be more than happy to speak with them as well! :)
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want people to walk away equally inspired and angry. You really need both in order to become active on an issue. I love receiving deeper questions about the topic as well, and I hope my film will serve as a springboard for further discovery into renewable energy in our world, and how we can impact it.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
There is much to debate about this topic! A good question to spark one might be: What do you see as the main benefits of solar power, and what are the main draw-backs?
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
A short film about two female musicians that I was cinematographer for is just about done with post and ready to be submitted to the festival circuit. I am editing another short about a girl’s experience studying abroad in Poland and learning about her family’s history in WWII. Once those are wrapped, my attention will be focused on two feature ideas I have – one narrative and one documentary – developing their stories, scripts, connections, and research.
_______________________________________________________________________________
We are moving stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
_______________________________________________________________________________
On the Horizon
With an abundance of hot, sunny days, Alabama has an incredible solar resource. Learn about Alabama's vast solar potential and the impediments and policy barriers that are holding back its solar success.
Length: 14 minutes
Director: Lauren Musgrove
Producer: Lauren Musgrove
Writer: Lauren Musgrove
About the writer, director and producer: Director Lauren Musgrove studied media production at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She has made dozens of short films equally documentary and narrative, and desires to pursue a feature length story in the near future. She currently works for the Time, Inc. video team and studio in Birmingham, AL.
Key cast: Charlie and Liz Scribner
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Producers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Funders: Southern Exposure, The Southern Environmental Law Center
Made in association with: Southern Exposure, The Southern Environmental Law Center
Release date: September 2015
Where can I watch it in the next month? Laurenmusgrove.com or southernexposurefilms.org/films/on-the-horizon