THE SAN DIEGO SURF FILM FESTIVAL IS PROUD TO ENCOURAGE EMERGING FILMMAKERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS AND WILL ASSIST THEM IN ANYWAY POSSIBLE. OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS WE WILL BE PROFILING THE NEXT GENERATION AND HOPE THAT YOU TOO WILL BE INSPIRED TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.
GAGE HINGELEY
How would you describe your filmic style?
I don't really have a specific word or phrase to describe my filmic style. I shoot what interests me and what I feel will be interesting to others. I don't leave my house with a specific idea in mind it just sort of all flows and ideas come to my mind as I go along.
Do you prefer photography or filmmaking and why?
I wouldn't say I prefer either one more then the other. There is things in both I really love. With photography you are implementing as much as you can into one frame and all you have is that one image of that moment. But that one picture can mean so much because it will bring back memories in the years to come and you can share it with many people. With filmmaking, I love it because you can't hide any imperfections. I don't have much to say about filmmaking but I just think its very pure and every moment that you are filming you are very connected with your surroundings. You tend to walk by many interesting things because you are not open to the things around you and when you are filming you need to open your senses and I love that about filming. And photography is the same way. I could say I loved filmmaking more then photography, but that would probably be just because I filmed and edited that day. Keeping a balanced proportion of each is what I like to do because they are both so great.
What inspires me?
What inspires me is the fact that I know, in this huge world, that there is unexplored landscapes and undiscovered surf waiting to be documented and I want to be the person to do that. It may not just be landscapes or surf, it can be anything that interests me through my travels and experiences and even could be something I just see walking down the street. I don't categorize my self into any film or photography category and this keeps me open to all my surroundings. To know that this is a huge world and there is so many hidden gems drives me to try and search for those perfect moments or perfect places to document with my photography and filmmaking.
Who are the people that you draw your style from?
One photographer that really intrigues me is Chris Burkard. His work is so beautiful and he amazes me with every single shot he takes. His photos are very......hmm... well they always don't seem to take part in all of the hype in the surf industry and have a laid back, creative, undiscovered feel to all of them and that's what I love about his work. Morgan Maassen is also a huge inspiration when it comes to my photography because he takes a lot of photos that I have never seen anything like it. They are all so surprising and artsy and they inspire me to go out and shoot photos. As far as inspiration from filmmakers, I would have to say I can't name any specific names. I try to implement different styles and create videos as best as I can. Once, PMK mentioned to me about "human condition" and I have been stuck on that thought ever since and I am looking forward to the future and I want to delve deeper into my videos and just not scratch the surface and uncover what might not be realized by some people.
What is your role with the SDSFF?
I would have to say, promoter, filmer, and editor. I just think that the SDSFF is a great thing and its really promoting many talented filmmakers.
(I don't know what to really call my role) - Interviewer's note: I do, Gage's role is vital. He is part of the new breed of filmmakers that is going to inspire future generations. Gage is talented beyond his years and we at the SDSFF are proud that he is part of team and will encourage Gage, and others, to reach their potential. I am constantly blown away at what these younger filmmakers come up with and as the old guys it is our responsibility to help them down the right path. -PMK
What was your biggest hurdle and what advice would you give to people just starting out?
Biggest hurdle, I wouldn't say I have had any significant hurdles that really have stood out to me. With photography and filmmaking it has only brought me positive things. I have been so happy doing all of this and I really enjoy creating images to share with others and I will continue to do so for a very long time. Advice: Shoot, film, shoot, film and so on. You can research as many hours as you want, but the most important thing is that you need to go out and actually grab your camera and film or snap some photos!
Fin
Thank you Gage.
For more of his work, please visit his website and you will understand exactly what I am talking about.
http://gagehingeley.com/
