I Think I Know Where I Stand

Interview with I Think I Know Where I Stand

Director Lauren Bumgarner
Directors of Photography Lauren Bumgarner, Jessica Hunt, Sarah Gilpin, & Bailey Hartman
Choreographer Lauren Bumgarner
Dancers Chelsea Welle, Jayden Oltmann, Kalynn Neville, Yosheana Bacy, Emilee Bumgarner, Reva Kashikar, Emily Aubert, and Emily Franks
Composer Chase Durrett
Country USA
1st AD/Producer  Allison Bigbie
Editor Lauren Bumgarner

An exploration of individuality, femininity, and youth through improvised movement.
I Think I Know Where I Stand in its entirety is a feature length film and live performance that premiered to a sold out audience in Oklahoma, followed by a second sold out presentation. It highlights improvised movement backed by individual musical compositions made for each of the eight dancers.

 

Describe, in as many or as few words as you see fit, the genesis of or inspiration behind your film.
I Think I Know Where I Stand is inspired by the featured dancers— all of whom I know and love dearly as performers and people. The short cut of the film is an excerpt from the hour long, original form that is accompanied by a live performance. We discussed the contrast between physical and mental places of personal comfort and discomfort, going forth to find these representations and perform improvised movement in each space. Inspired by their stories, strengths, insecurities, and ideas, the goal was to highlight their being both as individuals and as a group.
What is interesting or intriguing to you about engaging with dance for film vs. dance for stage? Or, if you are coming from a film background and working with dance is a secondary medium for you, what drew you to wanting to capture and work with dance?
I think dance + film is a special kind of magic, meant to be together. As a dancer, movement has always been my first form of expression. It is unlike all other forms of expression in that it is so closely connected to our minds and our souls— it’s raw and direct from mind to body. Film, too, is a moving art. I think there’s such a special energy when these two forms of movement are combined in any way. A moving picture with a moving subject provides endless opportunities for energy to just bloom. Unlike the stage, dance on film gives you the power to direct the eyes of the audience to specific moments and places within a performance, giving you freedom to build a story in an intricate, fleeting, and delicate way. I think dance and film were made for each other, truly.
Follow: @lauren.bumgarner + www.facebook.com/ithinkiknowmovie