Seneca Haynes

Last Login 01/10/12

• Blacksburg, VA
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Seneca Haynes is an Independent filmmaker working under the banner of Fried Squid Productions since 2004. A graduate of VA-Tech, 2003. Fried Squid produces narrative films as well as documentaries and educational media.

Media production is my artistic way, so my documentary work is not mere journalism. It is, for me, socially responsible scholarship and an active way for me to engage with the world. I ask questions, listen, observe and record. The process is entirely transparent and I endeavor to include all voices and perspectives without bias. Interpretation on my part, in the creation of the film, begins and ends with editing. In the editing process I take a large quantity of video and audio (hundreds of hours) gathered over the course of months, consisting of focused interviews, photography, research, and exploration, then I reduce that body of information down to it's best, most balanced presentation of the various perspectives and voices contained therein. This is more than just entertainment (although I do make an effort to produce a film with some aesthetic character) and more than superficial information passing across a screen.

This kind of documentary is not intended to be criticism, but rather to inform proper, intelligent criticism and analysis on the part of the individual community members that receive the film and for whom the film is intended. (Criticism and analysis, by the way, that are regularly necessary in any community of people who strive mindfully to maintain a standard of balanced, dynamic and compassionate growth.)

I believe that documentary film work can be wonderfully precise in its effectiveness as a tool for providing a sound basis in productive community dialogue and allowing for all the kinds of action that are of the utmost benefit to every single person touched by a particular subject. I think this holds true particularly when the film is made in and for specific local communities.

There is no shortage of journalists and filmmakers out there who will trip all over themselves looking for something "Wrong" to point their cameras at; sometimes for the sake of self aggrandizing exploitation, sometimes out of an honest concern for justice. However you might feel about that kind of media, I think it is important for me to let you know as I begin the preliminary stages of making this documentary that will bring me into Brazil, and into a community where I am at the moment a stranger, soon to be a guest, I want stress that I choose to do things differently.

I am interested in looking at good ideas, honest efforts and thoughtful, openminded explorations. I'm interested in refining and propagating the positive nature of Humanity. I'm interested in people who care about how their decisions effect others. I'm interested in groups who are actively developing models and language to reinvent what they do- whatever they do- as a sustainable process.

When I go into the field I go as a professional, as an artist, as a student and, given the nature of my work, an ambassador of my home community. Naturally I do not use personal or copyrighted images of any kind in my films without express written permission. I do not film without asking permission first. I do not utilize footage or audio to change meanings or put words in someone's mouth. I do not give or sell my b-roll documentary footage, audio or photography of people to ANYONE. Wherever I go, I go only with respect, only to places where my intentions have preceded me with clarity. A particularly beneficial attitude and practice when one wishes to go back later ;o)