Anderson Gallery Magazine

The project was quite an undertaking, as it would be my first time painting a mural of that scale. As I began planning it out, complications arose and the original plans started to shift. Eventually, we decided to create four large paintings to occupy the walls of the studio where the mural would have been. I felt more comfortable with this approach, as I was more experienced with that medium and could craft the canvases to best suit the space. After extensive reading about film production and the processes that students in the studio might undergo, I decided that each painting should represent one of the four main pillars of producing a film—or any type of video content. Of course, this is a condensed version of the many steps involved in filmmaking, but I felt it was enough to capture the essence of the journey. I also wanted the pieces to serve as sources of inspiration, reminders of why these students chose to pursue filmmaking and communications—to reignite their passion and build confidence in creating something they truly love.

The first painting in the series, also the smallest in size, is in my view the most important step in creating a film. Titled Script, it depicts a script-like format, scattered with storyboard sketches and notes for future changes. It’s meant to represent the artist compiling all their ideas in one place. I consider this the most crucial stage, because it’s where the idea in one’s mind begins to take shape—it now exists in the world, and the creative process is set in motion. I included various types of shots within the storyboard elements, and even paid homage to iconic films and productions. A large coffee stain (made with real coffee) was added to signify the long nights and tireless effort that students and filmmakers put into developing the initial concept of their work.

The second painting, titled Filming, portrays the lively chaos of a film set. Packed with bold primary colors and dynamic figures, the scene captures the energy and unpredictability commonly found on set. Camera operators, boom mic handlers, directors, producers, and actors all bustle around—embodying the classic phrase, “lights, camera, action.” The figures are intentionally abstracted, both to show the movement and to emphasize that anyone can be part of this world. This inclusivity runs throughout all four paintings—they aren't limited to any one gender or identity, but instead portray humans simply pursuing their craft and passion.

The third painting, titled Post Production, honors the often-unseen heroes of filmmaking. It's a hyperbolic depiction of the editors, compositors, 3D designers, audio engineers, and many others who work tirelessly to piece together a film’s elements into a finished product.While it's impossible to showcase every role in such limited space, I’ve tried to highlight some of the key positions through my research. The environment is chaotic—wires sprawl across the room, graphics burst from glowing screens—but the figures remain grounded at their stations. Dimly lit and partially obscured, they fade into the background, illuminated only by the blue glow of their monitors. This visual contrast emphasizes the quiet, often invisible labor of post-production, where the magic happens behind the scenes.

The final painting in the series, The Screening, is my personal favorite—and perhaps the most abstract or interpretive. It takes a conceptual leap from the rest of the series, depicting what happens after the film is completed. A theater full of simplified, abstract figures sits beneath a bright chandelier, watching a film unfold onscreen. The projection reveals silhouettes and set pieces, hinting at the constructed world behind the final product. A large white figure in a top hat looms nearby, towering over the audience, while on the far left, a small figure lounges in a rooftop hot tub overlooking the city—perhaps symbolizing detachment or reflection. This piece weaves together elements of both production and viewership, and reflects on the layered experience of cinema itself.

This series of four paintings represents the complete journey of filmmaking, from the initial spark of creativity to the final shared experience with an audience. Through each canvas, I've attempted to capture not just the technical aspects of film production, but also the human elements; the passion, collaboration, hidden labor, and ultimate connection with viewers that makes filmmaking such a powerful medium. My hope is that these works will serve as both educational tools and sources of inspiration for the students at Bridgewater State University, reminding them of why they chose this path and encouraging them to persevere through each challenging stage. As someone who once walked the same halls, I'm honored to contribute artwork that celebrates the creative process we all share, and to leave behind something that might spark imagination and determination in future filmmakers for years to come.