Profile Spotlight: Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee

[Profile Spotlights]

 

 

12.12.12 is around the corner, and over the next few months One Day on Earth will be spotlighting some participants who we are particularly excited about having with us for the upcoming event through interviews and shared work samples.

 

This week we are happy to present an interview with award-winning documentary filmmaker Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee.

 

Emmanuel is the director of Elemental, an amazing documentary that follows 3 inspired people, separated by continents, but united in their commitment to protecting the environment.

Elemental Trailer from Go Project Films on Vimeo.

 

INTERVIEW:

 

Who are you and what is your profession?

I'm a filmmaker, musician and composer. I also founded and curate the Global Oneness Project - a webby award winning web magazine and media platform. I live in Point Reyes Station with my wife and two children.

 

Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?

I grew up in London and moved to Northern California as a teenager where I learned to surf and developed a love for foraging for mushrooms. At 14 I was bitten by the jazz bug and spent the next 10+ years playing, touring and recording with some of the biggest names in jazz. In 2005 I had an opportunity to work in film and haven't looked back since.

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

The visual medium is such a powerful one. Story, imagery, music all coming together to create an experience that you can share with others. Once I saw the power of cinema to bring stories and ideas to life I was hooked.

 

Who or what do you most admire?

People who take their time to create, capture and share beauty - whatever form that takes. In our fast-paced world we need more beauty that can capture our imagination and inspire us.

 

What do you have?

Imagination, a few good friends, and a willingness to make mistakes and improvise.

 

What do you need?  

The world to slow down, more time to surf and a computer virus that will eradicate email from the face of the earth.

 

What are you planning on filming for 12.12.12?

Follow a surfer(s) on a search for waves along the rugged northern California coast.  Through this simple surfers ritual we'll explore the love of the ocean, nature and the regenerative role it can play in our lives.