Local Filmmaker Impresses at SBIFF
Millerʼs “A Womb with a View” had so much buzz that festival directors moved the screening to a larger theater to accommodate the increased interest. Miller attributes her success to the interest many people have in the subject of being childless as well as the women interviewed in the documentary.
Early in the filmmaking process, Miller took classes at TVSB, formerly Santa Barbara Channels, to learn how to operate the equipment, set up shots as well as postproduction training with Final Cut. It is because of the training she received at TVSB, the South Coast areaʼs community media network, that Miller had the confidence to conduct the interviews and face the huge task of editing during post production.
“I remember my first class with Oscar and was pleased at how relaxed he was as well as the environment at the Access Center,” Miller recalled. “Everyone was always friendly and willing to help if you needed it. The classes were so affordable and the education I received was immeasurable.”
TVSB offers the community television production training and a chance for its members to produce their own television shows for airing on channels 17 and 21 in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria. TVSB just moved into their new Santa Barbara studios on South Salinas street.
Miller first caught the filmmaking bug following her own hysterectomy. She made “A Womb with a View” as a catharsis for her own experience. After speaking with other women who chose or evolved to not having a child, she knew she wanted to get their voices out there. Making a documentary seemed the best way to do that. Instead of choosing the high cost of enrolling in film school, Miller opted for a more effective and personal method of training.
“In the two and a half years that it took to make this film I really feel like I was in film school that whole time,” Miller joked. “I had no idea what it really takes to make a film and what a collaborative effort it is. I had the good fortune of knowing a few very talented people who worked with me and the low budget I had.”
With the support of her family, friends, and community, Miller embarked on a cinematic journey to tell the story of dozens of women who exist in our society under the stigma of not having children or rearing families. It was a daunting task, but one Miller took on, setting aside intimidation and utilizing friends, family, and her community.
“I cannot stress enough how important the resources that the Santa Barbara Channels provide were for me and my film,” Miller mused. “For a very low fee everyone in our community has direct access to learning how to operate the equipment necessary to make their own films and dreams come true.”