Fd: How did the idea of producing fly-fishing videos come up?
SM: I just became obsessed with the challenge of trying to capture the essence of fly fishing on camera. I’ve seen a few do it well, and when they do, it is awesome. We all know that natural high that we get with a rod in our hands, whether it is from the act of fly fishing itself, the fish, or the surroundings. The idea is to try to get the viewer to be overwhelmed with the same type of emotions through the screen. If you can achieve this, it is a magical feeling.
Fd: What spots do you visit to make your films? What are the places that surprised you the most?
SM: A fly rod can take you to some amazing places. Some you anticipate, others are adventures you stumble upon for reasons that are either random or destined. My camera follows my fly rod (or fly rods belonging to others), which means it ends up in some really cool places, with really cool people, fishing for really cool fish. Pretty good subject matter for a film, if you ask me. With that being said, I have all the right ingredients at my disposal, so my job is just not to mess it up!
Fd: What kind of camera system do you use when you go filming outdoors?
SM: I shoot with either a DSLR (Canon) or a Sony FS700.
Damsels in Distress from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.
Fd: How is the pre-production process? Do you think ideas, stories and particular sceneries or do you let stories emerge in each fishing trip?
SM: Both. Sometimes I know what direction I want a film to take, other times I know there is a chance of something cool happen so I am ready to hit record. I think having structure and a script can be really important at times, but you also need to leave room for spontaneity.
Fd: Regarding filmmaking, do you have any influences or particular styles that you like?
SM: I learn and grow by watching those who are really good. Felt Soul Media is amazing. Those guys are ridiculous. They are incredible storytellers and also have the artistic side to make it beautiful. Eastern Rises is the ultimate and I watch that film frequently to try to develop as a videographer. I have also been lucky enough to build some cool and meaningful relationships within the world of fly fishing with filmmakers who are more skilled than I am, but are also happy to share their knowledge. Graham Morton of Waterline Media, RA Beattie, David Mangum, Nick and Kami Swingle (Two Fisted Heart Productions) and others have been very influential for me. They have been very gracious with their knowledge and I have just tried to do a good job listening.
Sipping Dry trailer from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.
Fd: What kind of message do you want to give through your films?
SM: I just want to get a reaction. I want people to be moved somehow. I’m going for some sort of emotional connection or pull. You know, just like if you are on the water casting to a fish. If I can watch a viewer become overwhelmed with excitement, or if someone says, “man, that made me want to grab my rod and go fishing,” I feel like I have achieved something.
Fd: Nowadays, most fishermen can film and edit a fishing video; what aspects do you think should be taken into account to make a good one?
SM: Always look for ways to be different. Remember, filmmaking is an art, and all artists need to express themselves creatively. Write new rules, figure out ways how to show someone something in a new way that they have never experienced before. Try new things. Make mistakes. Watch films by those who inspire you. At the end of the day, you are providing a lens for people to connect with something special and meaningful. Cherish that opportunity and have fun with it.
Trout Bum Reverie from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.
Fd: What’s next? Any upcoming material?
SM: Who knows? That’s the fun of it. I have a bunch of ideas, but we will see where my rod and camera take me.
Fd: Finally, what does fly-fishing mean for you?
SM: It is about connecting with something that is much bigger than I am, whether that be the challenge, the natural resource, the culture, or the people themselves. Going on an adventure to an amazing place with amazing people and hooking into incredible fish makes me feel small, and that is really cool.
For more of their great videos, please visit: http://vimeo.com/sharptailmedia
A Kinetic Loop (trailer) from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.
