Story & Lesson Highlights with Michael Greenwood of San Gabriel Valley

Michael Greenwood shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Michael, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Finishing my most recent film is a great feeling. I had written and planned it off and on for at least a decade, and the shooting took over a year. It changed a lot, but as it ended up, after letting it evolve naturally, I like it a lot more than if it had remained strictly as written. I kind of love it, actually. It’s about the delicate friendship between two surfers, but it’s not a sports film or a drama. It’s more stream-of-consciousness as the guys experience memories about their time together over the course of a year. It’s kind of like ‘On the Road’ crossed with ‘The Endless Summer,’ told in an experimental, quasi-documentary style.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an independent filmmaker, and I’ve published a few books too. I recently completed my seventh feature, called ‘The Sandpipers.’ I’m very proud of it and I’m currently in the process of submitting it to festivals. The images I’ve provided are all shots from the film.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Unfortunately, as a kid, I believed adults when they said I couldn’t be a filmmaker. I stupidly assumed they must know something. Anyway, much later than I wished, I realized that most people have no idea what they’re talking about and don’t necessarily have altruistic motives when giving “advice.”

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You already know what you want to do. Just start doing it. Don’t wait for permission or ask for help. Don’t imitate anyone else. And don’t listen to anyone’s advice… except for mine, of course!”

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie in the film business probably has to do with proficiency and expertise. Yes, people need to know their jobs, but a lot of the time they use this as an excuse to do everything the same way it’s done in every other film, which is why the majority of films feel extremely familiar and are so forgettable. If people see you doing something your own way, they immediately call you unprofessional. But there is no recipe or process that’s foolproof. If there was, every movie would be a blockbuster.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
The only thing I would regret is not making the films I want to make, regardless of whether anyone else likes them or if they make any money.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/michaelagreenwood
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandpipersfilm/
• Twitter: https://x.com/MYatesMCMLXXII
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FilmAdrift
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4531839/