In this exclusive interview, we delve into the captivating journey of Tim Myrick, a multifaceted filmmaker whose creative evolution has been driven by passion, perseverance, and a profound connection to storytelling. From the genesis of his filmmaking odyssey inspired by a memoir to navigating the intricate landscape of the film industry, Tim shares insights into his process, challenges, and aspirations. Join us as we uncover the essence of his craft and the transformative power of bringing personal experiences to the silver screen.

What inspired your journey into filmmaking?

In today’s world of “media”, we have come from the printed press of local and national newspapers, local and national news and now into expressive journalism that can be propagated by anyone, from podcasts, short videos, TikTok, and film.

Filmmaking has come into an evolution revolution, so now, anyone can “tell a story”, in visual media. Mine started with the writing of my book, which was a family memoir, called “In the Waters of My mind” spanning from 1967 – 1990. 

My book was published in 2003, and it was a great self-fulfilling accomplishment. But during the great recession in 2008, I got the notion to write the screenplay to it, and I remembered a friend I met while in college at ROTC basic camp at Fort Knox Kentucky, Keith Glover.

I wrote about Glover in my book, he was tall, funny, ran track at Bowling Green, and originally from New York. I had lost contact with him over the years, but through the internet, I found him. I remembered his major at the time was theater, which I thought was “different”. I figured he could assist me in any way possible.

Since he was now a successful playwright, I contacted him and told him of my book as well as my screenplay I wrote. He was incredibly supportive and had no problem doing an evaluation of it for me.

After reading it, he told me that for a first attempt at a screenplay, it was surprisingly good, but then he said, “No one is going to buy it”. Then he paused and said, “So what, start doing movie shorts for your book”. “No way, I know nothing about filming anything”, I responded. Then he said, “Look at what Spike Lee did with ‘She’s Gotta have it’, and that was in the ’80’s. With all the technology now, you can put something together, trust me”.

Do your homework on film making and get going on it, I don’t care how bad it is, enter it in different festivals and on FilmFreeway. So, after doing my research on video cameras, lighting, script writing, acting, I’m on my fifth movie short and have had some great success getting into festivals, and winning.

Balancing the demands of your craft with other commitments can be tough. How do you manage your time effectively while staying true to your creative vision?

My time is at a premium as with anything else. I work as a database engineer as my “day job”, and write, edit, read, film and everything else in the evenings and on the weekends. The greatest challenge is shot location and getting all the actors involved in the reading of a script which is usually done through a zoom call. That’s a huge challenge. But this craft is so interesting, and that fuels my passion.

With your involvement in writing, directing, producing, editing, and acting, which role do you find most fulfilling, and which presents the greatest challenges?

I have a passion for writing, so I don’t have any problems sitting down and writing. I rarely experience what they call, “writer’s block”. I can write expressively, a poem, a rap tune, which I have written and sung in two of my shorts, I write on my blog page on occasion, as well as a quick reflection on Facebook or Instagram. I’m trained as a computer scientist and not a writer so in the near future a creative writing class may be in store for me. My greatest challenge is acting. I must get into a “character”. Memorizing lines, getting in front of a mirror and seeing myself as what I’m trying to portray. That’s very hard for me but I’m getting there. Also, getting a hold of the beast, Adobe Premier. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great tool, and I have experience using and developing complex software tools, but at first, it was daunting. I love that product now. 

Your series of short films draws from your individual experiences. Can you share the emotional process of bringing your own life to the screen?

To bring my film to life so far has been a wonderful experience. I find myself revisiting not only my younger self, but to write expressively from my mother’s, father’s, brother’s and even my sister’s experience. My father, mother and brother have all passed now but I’ve found a wonderful reference in my sister. She’s given me a view that I never experience with my brother which is an alternate perspective that I can blend with my own.

There are going to be some emotional moments in the future for filming. I’ve already started writing about some of it. So, the process is to build the scene, adlib or use real and remembered conversation, write it, take the emotion out of it when it comes to editing it, share it with others to critique it, rewrite it, and move on. I’m able to compartmentalize what scenes I’m writing about. I have yet to get into many of the emotional scenes I plan to do. I’ll do ok. I’ve already experienced that in writing the book, but creating it visually may be something different. This will prepare me for future films I have ideas for.

The film industry is notorious for its rapid changes. How do you stay adaptable in such a dynamic landscape?

Wow, the ongoing rapid changes in the film industry. It’s hand in hand with the computer industry, especially with the introduction of AI. New products, new techniques, new recording devices, new lenses, new cameras, etc. I try my best to keep up with different periodicals on the subject, and try to get a grip on what lenses to use in different situations. An oversimplification is, “the camera on the phone is good enough”. And really, that’s true. At no other time can you get the performance out of a device than your phone.

But wait, now you must be concerned with shooting vertically. How is your sound? clarity? filtering? focal length? etc. Now it’s starting to get a little complicated. I did a lot of research before purchasing my first “camera” and if I had to do it over again, I would make another choice, well, maybe. I’m happy with what I have. The key to a camera is the availability of lens choices, full frame or Micro four thirds, image stabilization, multipurpose and cine lenses, and its ability to shoot in low light. Those factors along with your budget will ultimately determine what you end up with. Then you must have some of the other trappings: lighting, stands, camera stabilizers. Next, you must find a great film editing tool to put it all together. 

Could you walk us through your choice of equipment and how it contributes to your filmmaking style?

All you need is a camera. Almost all are now mirrorless. The ability to shoot in low light. I hate to say this, but name brand does mean something. Canon, Sony, and Panasonic produce some great choices. Once you pick one, go all in, don’t complain about any shortcomings you may find, find a way to work around it. A camera with a viable choice of lenses. Which leads to picking lenses for your camera. A good kit lens 12-60mm. another would be 18-35mm, a 12mm cine lens, and 35-100mm.

Beyond your current projects, what other genres or themes in film are you eager to explore?

I would like to do some documentary work, perhaps on a person of significance in the last 20th century. Sometimes you can do a documentary of a street or a community, its history, and how it can maintain its relevance. 

Are there any filmmakers or industry figures whose work you deeply admire? What qualities in their work resonate with you?

I have always enjoyed the work of Robert DeNiro. Fantastic actor. Lawrence Fishburne, the first movie I saw him in was “Cornbread Earl, and me, and I’ve always enjoyed his work. I also enjoy the work of Charlton Heston., Jamie Foxx, and  Denzel Washington. But the director that has really made an impression upon me is Ron Howard. I bought a masterclass series, and it is the most informative. I learned a lot from what he said in his class.

Beginning your filmmaking journey later in life, what qualities do you observe in younger industry peers that inspire or impress you?

Be a more seasoned director, storyteller, actor, editor, I have seen a lot. I’ve experienced a lot both in the corporate world and community-based activities. I’m able to break down younger directors’ work and where they got their influences from. 

What key piece of advice would you offer to new filmmakers embarking on their creative journey? 

Write. Keep a pen and paper or notebook by your bed at night so you can pick it up at 2am and jot down those thoughts that you will forget in the morning. You’d be surprised what your incoherent mind can come up with at that time. Write daily, even if it’s one sentence. Film whenever you can, even if it just b-roll, and edit it. Use whatever editor you’re using often, experiment with different camera methods in order to make your film have some dynamic angles or visual effects in it. and most of all, have fun.