We recently connected with Micah Knapp and have shared our conversation below.
Micah, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Great question. Navigating the film industry demands a profound level of resilience, a quality that distinguishes people merely interested in pursuing film from those unequivocally committed. I firmly belong to the latter group. I am an intensely passionate person and my inclination towards filmmaking and artistic creation has been ingrained in me since childhood, an integral part of my identity that I cannot separate.
Creating art is not just a pursuit for me; it is an inherent calling, an integral aspect of who I am. In my view, crafting art is similar to the concept (to coin a term from Harry Potter) of creating positive versions of horcruxes—a process through which I share fragments of myself with the world. It serves as a therapeutic outlet and a means of profound expression, constituting the essence of what makes me feel truly alive. My resilience is an innate response to this calling.
The tenacity I exhibit is undoubtedly influenced by my parents, who are also passionate people–determination is a trait I’ve inherited from them. In the face of adversity, their philosophy of being undeterred has become a guiding principle for me. Contrary to conventional wisdom, being told that something is impossible only fuels my determination to prove otherwise.
Within the demanding film industry, resilience is not just an asset; it is a prerequisite. The ability to confront failures, experience setbacks, and then come back once more is indispensable. Given the industry’s inherent challenges, succumbing to the skepticism of naysayers is not an option. Instead, it becomes a catalyst for action. The path to success in film is inherently unconventional, with each journey being unique. Discovering one’s own path, staying committed to it unwaveringly, and persistently pursuing it are essential. This constant dedication is not a mere profession; it is the pursuit of a genuine passion and love for the craft.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a producer and director first and foremost, specializing in documentary and dramatic narrative feature films that carry a central mission—to contribute to the healing of the world, fostering unity, empathy, and compassion. I am currently affiliated with Itchy Rodent Films (the unstoppable Bogdan Darev and Ben Johnson) based in Seattle, Washington—a burgeoning film company coming out the gate with multiple features, including: three feature film documentaries, and a few narrative projects.
Among my ongoing endeavors is a documentary/narrative hybrid film that I’m directing, titled “Kid With a Movie Camera.” This project delves into my personal journey growing up in evangelical Christianity, exploring how the medium of moviemaking became my refuge and a lens through which I sought to comprehend the world. Recently, my directorial debut, “11:11,” has made its debut on Amazon Prime, available for streaming. This drama is told mostly through visuals and music, and tells the story of an estranged son embarking on an existential road trip back to his hometown to attend his father’s funeral.
I am writing my next narrative feature film, “Ark”, about a religious fanatic and doomsday-prepper convinced of the impending apocalypse, who is confronted by his brother who harbors an opposing worldview.
In addition to my feature film projects, I am engaged in producing and directing short films and music videos. This diversification allows me to explore varied storytelling formats and visual expressions.
Without the support of an amazing crew, these projects could not be done. Cameron Currier, has been a DP I’ve worked with for a decade now and we understand each other, and he’s able to help bring my vision to life. He’s fantastic. Could not pull off what I do without an amazing support system, and some truly amazing and talented people.
This last year I also rediscovered my love and passion for writing, and completed my first novel, which will be released later this year/early next.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Persistence, dedication, and an unwavering passion—these are the driving forces behind success in the film industry. The initial spark is ignited by an intense passion, an almost necessary touch of eccentricity that propels individuals forward. In an industry characterized by inconsistency and occasional incoherence, persistence becomes the key to navigating the maze. Whether faced with sluggish periods, unforeseen challenges, or persistent setbacks, one must possess the determination to persevere.
When obstacles present themselves, dedication becomes the driving force to overcome and emerge on the other side. Not every plan unfolds as anticipated, but placing trust in the process and intuition is paramount. The mantra is simple: dream it, plan it, do it—stick to the path with unwavering resolve.
For emerging filmmakers, the contemporary landscape offers a unique advantage. A generation raised with technology at their fingertips possesses unparalleled tech-savvy skills. Creativity, coupled with the tenacity to pursue ideas with unyielding determination, is the key. The tools to create are readily available, from iPhones to accessible software. The advice is straightforward: get your friends together on a weekend and create something meaningful. Submit to film festivals, showcase your work to friends, upload it to YouTube, and proudly put your name on it. There is nothing holding you back but yourself. The power to express yourself is within reach, and by doing so, not only does one undergo personal transformation, but the potential impact on others is profound and unexpected.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
From an early age, my parents nurtured the creative spark within me and my brothers. When my passion for filmmaking crystallized into an obsession, they wholeheartedly supported my dream. With their assistance, we pooled resources to acquire my first camera, marking a pivotal moment in my journey. When I became a teenager, my parents made another impactful contribution by investing in a digital camera and a Mac computer with iMovie during the early 2000’s, revolutionizing our approach to filmmaking.
This addition was a game-changer, altering the course of my pursuit. The newfound ability to edit our footage, incorporating music, titles, and special effects, opened up a world of possibilities. Without this crucial technological leap, my filmmaking journey would have taken a different trajectory. It was an enlightening experience that paved the way for the next steps in our creative process.
Whether it’s the unwavering support of parents, the guidance of a mentor, or the encouragement of friends, having a robust support system early on is vital. The sheer power of encouragement cannot be overstated—you need people cheering you on. I consider myself fortunate to have had that support, a foundation that played a pivotal role in shaping my creative endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.micahknapp.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/micahknapp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMicahKnapp
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-knapp-8b3b8b61
- Twitter: [email protected]
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2608271 Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/micahknapp 11:11 Feature Film (Amazon Prime): https://www.primevideo.com/detail/1111/0TQUGYQ3AX9BNYRG0EB8XJLE1C
Image Credits
Jacob Knapp Joey Winkler
