FWM: What fueled your love for cinema?
I would say it was watching The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music as a child. Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Niagara. The type of movies that would take you on a cinematic journey. Pull you in and get you to want to learn the lines of all the characters and songs/music.
FWM: Share your background. How did working in the healthcare field and being a Corrections Officer change your perspective of the world?
When I worked in healthcare it made me see how much care goes into every step of the health profession. My perspective changed when I was injured. I thought the profession changed so would my job. It’s the same in the Corrections field. Both you have to help maintain the wellbeing of the humans your caring for.
FWM: Tell us about what it is like to be a Corrections Officer.
Being a Corrections Officer was the toughest thing I ever did in my life. I started out taking Criminal Justice with intentions of doing more fieldwork. I love science and forensics.
Being a CO you have to go to work realizing that you may very well not make it home. When you clock in and head down range… your entering your job. Your walking into what the inmates know as their home. It was a physically and mentally challenging job at times. Sometimes heart wrenching as well. Being a female in a primarily male-oriented field was very hard at times. I did feel like I had to prove myself. I had to learn to speak up and be more firm. That was far more challenging for me than the physical side of the job sometimes. Being mentally strong and learning not to believe everything you hear. Watch their hands, facial expressions etc… There’s a way officers get caught up and can get set up and lose everything.
FWM: Share your experience as a Writer.
I started writing poetry. I have had a few poems published and won a few poetry awards. I have one book published… I wrote it under my pseudonym (Crystale Rain) From This Day Forward. I have two more books I’m looking to submit.
FWM: How important is “giving back” to you?
It’s very important to me… I feel what we put out we get back into our lives. I don’t have much, but if I can help others I will. I have had so many wonderful opportunities given to me in my life. Through my volunteering, I’ve met so many wonderful people. With Niagara Film Society we post casting roles etc that others post. If someone can get a role, get a job on set – that’s excellent! Then we did what we’re here for. Helping others and giving feel good for your soul too!
FWM: How did you go from being a Corrections Officer to launching Niagara Film Society?
Being a Corrections Officer was a great job. I found myself in need of a life change when I was injured. I began to write… I always loved films and I read a lot! I like to share what I’m reading on screenwriting, filmmaking etc… I wanted to start a group (society)where we could collectively share and help people find cast/crew etc. My family and I got together and here we are!
FWM: Share your vision.
The Niagara Film Society is a film organization created to inspire our community to make, watch, and appreciate film. Our mission is to provide opportunities, educate, and inspire the local community of filmmakers. NFS also will work to encourage others from around the world to film in the Niagara Falls Region and provide on the ground help to filmmakers in need. Niagara Film Society will award annual grants for Independent Filmmakers in the future.
FWM: What is a misnomer about Independent Filmmakers? How does the Niagara Film Society help Filmmakers?
I think the misnomer about Independent Filmmakers is just the word “Independent”. I find Independent Films intriguing. A film while in production is independent of the studio distribution. Being in production, you’re financed to terms of the financing source.
Niagara Film Society can help Filmmakers by sharing their work. Helping find cast and crew. We have limited resources at this moment and are looking for partnerships to help us grow and reach out to others in need. We would like to get our 501c3 – then we can help more Filmmakers.
FWM: Tell us about your scholarship program.
We want to start a scholarship program to help others with classes for acting and the arts. We would like to partner with colleges and theatre groups to help those interested achieve their dream in filmmaking. We have helped several people get roles in films, whether it be an acting role or on set with our shared posts. It’s a rewarding feeling to know your helping. I like it when I get a message saying; I got this role or thank you for that info! Connecting people to help them get their work seen. When we see our friends in films we cheer for them! That’s what this company is about – What better way to live your life than to know you can help make a dream come true.
FWM: What advice do you have for upcoming Filmmakers?
My advice for upcoming Filmmakers is, No matter what genre your film is – Go For It! Make your dream a reality! There are so many resources out there for filmmakers like you out there, if you have a question always ask. There are so many wonderful groups – join, mingle and share your work!
niagarafilmsociety@gmail.com Niagara Film Society on Twitter: @niagarafilmorg / Niagara Film Society on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niagara-film-society-8bb925134 / Niagara Film Society on FaceBook: @NiagaraFilmSociety
