A Statement from Professor Marty Claypool
October 17, 2022 Dr. Claypool 0 Comment NewsFor Immediate Release
September 18, 2021
Re: Professor Claypool’s Statement on Students’ Film
As many of you probably already know, I have faced much criticism for digging through the footage my students shot on May 1 & 2 of 2021 and turning it into a narrative feature film. I have been told over and again; by mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, and even my own wife, that I shouldn’t have done what I did.
Well, I want you all to know, that this experience has been very painful, and indeed, life-changing, for me. But I want to take a moment and tell you why I feel it was important to do this work.
My students were all tremendously gifted in their own unique ways. Every last one of them had aspirations and dreams of making and/or starring in movies. Throughout their lives, most of them had not really had the opportunity to make any high-quality movies. And I will say, that what they did with “The Devil’s Stomping Ground” was actually quite impressive work, and I felt that they deserved to have that work, finished, and shared, in the best possible light. I felt it was the least I could do, to polish it up and send it out for the world to see. So that they may all, have achieved their dream.
I hope you will all take the time to watch their film.
With Love, Professor Marty Claypool