My name is Krystn Madrine, and I have volunteered to be a regular contributor to MichiganMovieMakers.com.
One of my jobs will be semi-regular member interviews, introducing each of you to the others as we go along. I also will be taking pictures and posting about our meetings and goings on. And we have a lot going on!
When Dan and I talked about this project, he suggested that I start with myself, as a means of letting you know more about me and my work, and, setting up the basic format of the interviews I will be doing with the membership.
How do you introduce yourself?
I am a photographer and film maker, in the making. I was born to be a producer and director, because I can successfully manage diverse groups of people and get stuff done. I am writing and in pre-production on two projects, and I am writing a play. I have a family story about a house that fell through Torch Lake and a documentary about Amish and Mennonite midwives that are both really wanting to get made. I am in one of the most amazing creative explosions of my entire life.
How did you get to this place in your career?
I had a fairly distinguished career as a midwife and bodyworker for nearly 30 years. I was very active politically in two different states’ quests to make midwives legal. I have zillions of great stories, many about the Amish, with whom I enjoyed a very close relationship as a healer and friend to their community. Many people have suggested that I write a book of my adventures, and maybe I will…but right now, I am learning how to tell my stories with visual media, and I love it.
What was your first inkling that this is what you wanted to do?
In 2008, I was a speaker at the national midwives conference, which was held here in Traverse City. It was delightful to get to come home to present, and I taught with my brother Kraig, who is a paramedic. I came to TC early and participated in a day long workshop of documentary film making and birth. Mind shift. Epiphany.
Also, I had to stop what I was doing…my hands, which had worked so hard for me and others, gave out. Five surgeries later, I am forced to reinvent my self and find another calling, another season of purpose for being here. I had been called to midwifery…could one have more than one calling? What does a midwife grow up to be?
I have found the same deep sense of engagement and the endlessly interesting qualities of visual storytelling to be as all encompassing as midwifery.
Since then, at first in little baby steps, and now perhaps as an advanced beginner, I have made the learning of this new craft my work and my goal.
What is your day to day life as a film maker or film dreamer?
I am currently serving part-time as a publicist and manager for my sister Sarah Schieber, a musical artist. I produced a music video for her, filming, editing, etc. Check out Christmas in Heaven. I manage her website, create social media and print marketing campaigns, book events and produce concerts for her. I also worked as her stylist and PA on three other music videos she recorded.
Before I moved back to NoMi in 2012, I managed marketing and public relations for a The Sustainable Kitchen, a Central Pennsylvania sustainable food truck business. I made my first videos as a producer and director for that business. I did all the writing and photography for the website, blog and client newsletter. I became adept at social media.
I recently worked as a production assistant for a commercial shoot for the new Scarab jet boat being produced in Cadillac. I got to work with cutting edge production team Kamp Grizzly from Portland, OR., and the camera crew from the “gator” show on Discover TV.
This was a tremendous opportunity for me, off of Craigslist!
A live music video of a local bluegrass sensation Don Julin and Billy Strings that I filmed, edited and produced is on their website and logging some nice hits.
I love the Traverse City Film Festival and had a life altering week in the video office during this last one. Thanks to all of you who patiently answered the questions I had, you all changed my entire life plan!
I am always open to new projects. Call me.
What are you working on now?
I attend Northwestern Michigan College and am majoring in Fine Arts, specializing in Photography and Digital Imaging. I will soon be a certified Sound Technologist. My goal is to work in the photography and film industry as I grow my own body of work by producing my two very different documentaries. I love doing DIT jobs and producing. I also am addicted to @creativeLive on the internet. I am learning so much all the time!
What project are you the most proud of?
What are your favorite movies?
The Piano
Reservoir Dogs
Chocolate
LOTR
Body Heat
What do you need to succeed in your endeavors here in Northern Michigan? If you had a film fairy godmother….
Studio space with great light.
People to collaborate with.
A great field recorder.
A grant writing mentor.
Links to your website? Social Media?
www.norwoodevansproductions.com
@norwoodevans on twitter
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