Filmmaker Sarah Goodman Reflects on Her Residency
This fall, award-winning filmmaker Sarah Goodman took part in a six-week residency as Toronto Reference Library's Innovator in Residence. From late October to the end of November, Sarah presented lectures, workshops, and one-on-one appointments for aspiring and practicing filmmakers.
The Innovator in Residence program offers a fun and hands-on way to learn about the technology offered at the library's Digital Innovation Hubs.
Sarah shared her thoughts prior to the start of her residency and I recently chatted with Sarah again to get her thoughts on her six weeks with us at the library.
Look for Sarah's first feature drama, Porch Stories, out this Spring. You can also check out her award-winning documentary Army of One and When We Were Boys at the library.
What were your favourite moments from your residency at the library?
This is tough to answer, because honestly, I loved it all.
Seeing the enthusiasm and the empowerment of a group at the end of a workshop after they had just viewed their work they had shot was definitely a highlight, and seeing them motivate each other.
My favourite aspect of my residency was the diversity and talent of the people who attended. It felt representative of this city in a way few programs do.
Were there any surprising and/or unexpected moments during your residency?
Leading a workshop during Maker Faire was quite an eye opener! What an amazing movement of makers doing everything under the sun.
Having completed your residency, do you still believe that anyone can be a filmmaker?
Many people have talent, but lack confidence. I hope that I have in my residency been able to give encouragement to some of these folks.
Filmmaking is a tough profession, and our society is set up to make careers in the arts difficult, even unattainable for some. However, as some technology becomes cheaper, filmmaking becomes within the grasp of more people. You can make that first short for little or no money. Make that film great, and you will have an easier time with the second.
Most importantly, keep going, despite the times when everything seems too hard. Even the most seasoned filmmakers get discouraged. The true test is whether you keep going. Sure, talent is important, but probably equally important is grit. Find projects you are passionate about and find that grit within you.
What has been similar or different about doing a filmmaking program at the library as compared to other venues that you’ve hosted programs?
The clientele that attended my programs at the TPL were more diverse – culturally, economically, and age-wise, than anywhere else I have taught. It is a space where people feel safe to learn even with no experience, and even if they have not done well in conventional educational environments. And that is rare.
The film industry can sometimes feel elitist, but the library has created a space where it really seems that everyone feels welcome.
What is your advice for future Innovator in Residences?
Tailor your workshops to be introductory, but also be ready to be surprised and meet varying skill levels, and roll with the punches.
Being an Innovator in Residence (IIR) is a lot about being passionate about community, so that should be important you. As a filmmaker it’s often hard to tell what kind of tangible impact my films have on the community. Being an IIR gave me a very concrete sense of impact.
One thought on “Filmmaker Sarah Goodman Reflects on Her Residency”
Hey Sarah,
it was great to sit down with you and get your feedback. Lookin forward to Porch Stories.