Meet the 2015 Sundance Filmmakers #72: ‘Most Likely To Succeed’ Questions America’s Education System and Proposes an Alternative
The most oft-repeated line about America’s archaic education system is to point out that the Agrarian Model (children have the summer off to help their parents work the fields) is hardly necessary or helpful in today’s economy. But what about the other ways in which public education in this country is out of date? There hasn’t been a school system overhaul in over a century, though the world has certainly changed mightily since then. “Most Likely To Succeed” examines the problem of updating how we learn and how we teach for a new generation, focusing on parents, teachers and students, rather than politics.
What’s your film about in 140 characters or less?
Our current education system was invented in 1893 and designed with the needs of our emerging industrial economy. The world and our economy has changed but our education system remains the same. If it did change, our film explores what it could/should look like.
Now what’s it REALLY about?
A big wooden wheel.
Tell us briefly about yourself.
I have a wife and two kids. I live in San Diego. Actually, I moved there to make this movie.
Biggest challenge in completing this film?
Strangely, our chief investor was so enthusiastic and supportive we had to persuade him that we didn’t need to shoot anymore. Honesty, on a film like this we could keep making it forever.
What do you want Sundance audience to take away from your film?
I hope the same shift that occurred in me as a parent making this movie will occur in audiences who see it.
What cameras did you shoot on?
Canon C300, Canon C100
Did you crowdfund?
If so, via what platform.
An investor came to us to make this movie. He funded it all. Bless him.
Indiewire invited Sundance Film Festival directors to tell us about their films, including what inspired them, the challenges they faced and what they’re doing next. We’ll be publishing their responses leading up to the 2015 festival. For profiles go HERE.
