Sean Gilchrist Joins the Journey to Unite Hollywood and China's Movie Markets
Article Written By
Nick R. Murphy
Cinema Trends
The landscape of filmmaking is in a state of constant change, and it has never been more clear than it is now. The tide is turning at a rapid pace. With the dominance of streaming sites, and with less people willing to spend a couple hours in the dark at their local cineplex, the process of making and distributing motion pictures has become increasingly complex.
Beyond this, the one truth that becomes evident while looking at the big picture of industry economics is that if a Hollywood film doesn't play well in China, the odds of it turning a profit are slim. China has the second largest film market in the world, and is hot on the heels of Hollywood to take the number one spot in a few years time. If Hollywood wants to remain relevant in this shaky economic climate, the best bet is to work with China for a mutually beneficial future for both markets.
Sean Gilchrist is one such filmmaker who sees this industry transformation, and all the opportunities it offers. Gilchrist got his start in Las Vegas, Nevada making short films for the former production company, Dark Water Productions. Soon after, he made his way to China to educate himself on the shifting industry. In doing so, he took part in the Genesis Education Film Program, part of the Dachang Film and Media Industrial Park outside Beijing. An educational venture backed by Relativity Media and visual effects studio, Base FX.
Under the tutelage of industry veteran Audrea Topps-Harjo, Gilchrist collaborated with a team of students to create four short films. Gilchrist was referred to Topps-Harjo by Sharry Flaherty of Samera Entertainment, and had a substantial hand in bringing the films to life.
"From the moment I walked onto the new campus and met the amazing staff and students, I knew that this was going to be something special. Audrea and the rest of the staff really created a fantastic curriculum, and it was a pleasure to work and learn beside them."
As for Sean's experience on set:
"The student cast and crew along side the help of a few outsiders, myself included, all came together quickly and effectively to film and edit four short films in a week, and damn what a fun ride it was. I had a blast working with everyone and would do it again in a heartbeat."
Despite being an invaluable learning experience, Sean Gilchrist's education continues. The ins and outs of industry economics is a deep well full of rich information, and Sean is learning as much as he can. As of late, he has remained in China, taking tech classes on the expansive commerce within Chinese film markets. Intricate as the curriculum may be, knowledge is power in the game of filmmaking. With the transcendence of the information age, it is less about who you know, and more about what you know. Only by mastering both the business side and artistic side of the entertainment spectrum can an individual's success be assured. And Sean Gilchrist's focus on that ideal is an inspirational linchpin for anyone getting started in the industry, both in Hollywood and abroad
