BY MARIEL FALK

MHS Info appears, like clockwork, on almost every TV in the high school at exactly 10:00 a.m. All class discussions simmer down, and the focus shifts to the countdown on the screen. What follows can either be a newscast based on SNL’s Weekend Update, or a funny short film directed by a student. Info is always entertaining, and the video team works through a daily time crunch to ensure that we can all watch a refreshing new segment each day. After watching MHS Info for almost a semester, we know the cast of students so well, and the anchors are always familiar. Imagine if we found out that one of those students, one of our own, would become a famous director in the Hollywood film industry. Crazy, right?

Not so crazy, actually. Bennett Miller, the acclaimed director of many productions such as Moneyballand Capote, is the product of the MHS Info program. He remembers making an immediate beeline for the studio (which used to be on the stage of the PACE theatre) and spending almost all of his time there during high school. Miller has become remarkably successful as a director, winning awards such as the 2011 Hollywood Director Award, and an Oscar (plus many nominations) for his film Capote.Although Moneyballand Capoteare Miller’s most well-known films, Miller has also directed short films, commercials, documentaries and more. The fact that Bennett Miller is a graduate of MHS is yet another source of pride for the Tigers. As a role model and inspiration to all of us, especially those who share his passion of video-making and directing, Mr. Miller agreed to answer some questions, and give us a taste of Hollywood-- behind the scenes.

How did you choose/begin your career as a director?

I didn’t choose it, but rather it chose me. At age 5, I saw a production of “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson, a play based on the story of Anne Sullivan and her work teaching Helen Keller. I was allowed back stage, where I realized, with childlike awe, that what I originally thought was a house in the play, was merely a wooden set. This intrigued me to learn more about production and the work done backstage. It wasn’t until I got to the high school and started MHS Info, that I got to work hands-on with creating video productions.

Do you have someone who has inspired you in the film world?

When I was younger, I remember being inspired by the works of Albert and David Maysles. I particularly loved their movies Gimme Shelter (1970) and Salesman (1968). I also recall my freshman English teacher, Mr. O’Rourke, showing us Walkabout (1971) by Nicholas Roeg. These films and more motivated me to eventually pursue a career in directing.

What was it like to be nominated for an Oscar for your filmCapote?

It was very flattering, as it feels great to be recognized for my work. But ultimately, the awards are not the reason I make movies. They’re really just a bonus.

Do you prefer directing entire films, or commercials and music videos?

That’s a great question, because most people prefer one or the other. I favor longer films, as they can afford a better pace and more complexity. I dislike the parameters of shorter films, and sometimes they make it harder to accomplish my interests.

What is it like interacting with so many different actors/actresses?

I like working with actors because, like I said, everybody’s minds work in different ways. I like discovering what it is that motivates and drives actors, and observing their different approaches to acting.

What do you remember about your years at Mamaroneck High School?

Well I graduated in 1985, by the skin of my teeth. I believed that I wasn’t cut out for school, and with the exception of math, I had a really hard time in all of my classes. I remember staring listlessly at the clock, and walking down to Walters for lunch. Overall, what I took from my high school experience was that everybody learns in different ways, and has individual minds. The purpose of school is to provide you with the opportunity to discover something you love doing, and can excel at. It helps you cultivate your passion, which, for me, was directing videos.

Are there any projects that you’re working on right now, or planning for the near future?

I’d rather not say, because I don’t want the projects to lose their energy… But it was great talking to you, and please give my regards to Mamaroneck High School.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE

MHS alum Bennett Miller regards his experience on MHS Info as the foundation of his interest in moviemaking.