MFS December 09 Cheryl Timmins

Cheryl Timmins

By Robert S. Pearson

Rob The Final Awakening A Work

Last month, for the first time, an AI Tampa film student stepped into the Spotlight, and Andrew Keeton shared his work, inspirations, and plans for the future. This month I was able to speak with Cheryl Timmins who, along with Andrew, is one of the first of two students to graduate from the AI Tampa film program. I have known Cheryl for some time now, and have always been impressed by both her work as well as character. While speaking with Cheryl I learned that she earned two degrees before coming to the Art Institute, a BA in Psychology form the Sophie Newcomb College, and a MED in Early Childhood Emotional Disturbances from Tulane University. With two degrees under her belt already, I asked Cheryl why she decided to study film.

Cheryl;

I’m an educator at heart and film gives me a visual outlet to express myself and hopefully open the eyes of others in the process. I believe indie films are on the rise and I relish this idea as this is my niche as a producer. If my work makes a difference in at least one life, I’ve accomplished what I’ve set out to do. Two or more is lagniappe.

Seeing as Cheryl has much appreciation for independent filmmaking, I asked her which filmmakers influenced her the most?

Favorite Filmmakers

Errol Morris, Sidney Lumet, Aleksandr Sokurov, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese

As a filmmaker I understand how much inspiration can be drawn from others in the business, but I asked Cheryl who, in her personal life, has influenced her the most?

Cheryl;

My largest personal influence has been my daughter. I adopted her from China at 15 months old and she just turned 8. I’ve never looked at the world the same since I was lucky enough to look at everything through her eyes.

I wanted to know, outside of her family and role-models, what films have have shaped Cheryl as an artist? Maybe it was unfair, but I asked to only mention 3 to 5.

Cheryl;

This is like asking a chocoholic “What is your favorite brand of chocolate?” Three to five films seems so limiting but I’ll take a stab at it.

Favorite Films

The Shawshank Redemption, Modern Times, On The Water Front, A Beautiful Mind

Well there is no doubting her taste, and as I mentioned above I think Cheryl produces great work and has an awesome character, but I thought I would get a few other onions. I asked Dr. John Muehl, a film professor of ours and former AI Tampa Dean, what he had to say about Cheryl.

Dr. John Muehl;

Cheryl's strengths are her determination and her willingness to take charge of her own education. When the rest of the students are on break, Cheryl is attending a filmmaking workshop. She strives to achieve excellence. Her determination will lead to success in the film and video industry.

Tyler Martinolich is a film professor at the University of Tampa as well as The Ringling School for the Arts, and the Programing Director for the Sun Screen Film Festival. He is a former professor of Cheryl's, so I asked him what he thought of her work ethic.

Tyler Martinolich;

James Cameron once said "The film industry is about saying 'no' to people, and inherently you cannot take 'no' for an answer." It takes drive, passion, a level head and a willingness to never take 'no' for an answer. I know Cheryl Timmins to have those qualities. Cheryl has that rare spark that's instantly identifiable, and will serve her well in whatever pursuit she follows in the future.

Cheryl Timmins has earned the respect of her peers, professors, and professionals in the business. She recently was awarded an internship with the Canne film festival at the The American Pavilion in the worldwide festival, so I asked Cheryl what her plans for the future are?

Cheryl;

My dream is to produce indie films, preferably documentaries that don’t bore people to death. Finally, I get to pursue my passion. Do what you love and the money will follow.

Special Thanks

Cheryl;

Special thanks to Alan Cohen and Reverend Duffy Rutledge, my mentors who encouraged me to follow my heart, my family for their love and support and to Hilda Manning for teaching me about unconditional love.

I want to thank Cheryl for letting us look at her past and bright future. To learn more about her, and see more of Cheryl's work visit the link below.

www.cheryltimmins.com

Thanks for checking out this month's Spotlight, and we'll be back in January!