Spencer Cameron
There are many different career paths to take with a degree in Cinematic Arts. We recently caught up with one graduate who illustrates this point perfectly. Spencer Cameron is being recognized as our first “Alum of the Month” because of his exceptional passion for people and film.
Spencer Cameron graduated in 2016 from Liberty University’s Cinematic Arts program. He is currently developing a high school film program at Hebron Christian Academy in Dacula, Georgia. He teaches two photography classes, graphic design, sculpture, and two film classes. He has his own production company, Buffalo and Mustang, that has provided him the opportunity to continue to direct.
Cameron believes his time in the program prepared him well both for his current occupation as a teacher and his future endeavors. His relationship with his mentor and professor, Douglas Miller, has been especially valuable. He recalled conversations where Miller mentored him through the relationships in the program that centered on his thesis and prepared him to be a teacher and a filmmaker.
Relationships, Cameron has learned, are key to success. He admitted, “I don’t really have that much advice to give because I am still so young in the industry; however, to me, filmmaking at its core is about relationships.”
His philosophy is proving its worth. Friendships from his time at Liberty have helped him build an entire crew for his new film, Smiles from Heaven. His relationships with his mother and three sisters inspired him to make a movie that captures strong female role models and the fragility of humanity. He wanted to tell a story about the bond between mothers and daughters.
The movie is projected to finish the editing phase in December and be ready for release in January. According to Hunter Gehman, co-author of the film, “Smiles from Heaven is a tender love story. Gracie, a young school teacher who can never seem to catch a break, is caught off-guard when she meets a quiet, unassuming plumber whose gentle charm challenges her to reconsider what it means to be happy where you are.”
Cameron credits help from many people in Liberty’s Cinematic Arts program and recognizes their contribution to his first feature-length film. The cast and crew include Codey Wilson, Dylan Stine, Dylan Giovanetto, Won Novalis, Ian Miller, Hunter Gehman, Issac Mccord, Josh Kirkland, Ryan Baker, Jenna Green, Daniel Keating, Timothy Glenn, Elijah Locke, Alex Heider, Jonathon Gregory, Carlos Pacifico, Christie Osterhus, Audrey Moore, and Thomas Scott.
“There are a lot of ups and downs in filmmaking but, at the end of the day, the films we make will turn into dust, but the hearts we work with will not,” Cameron said.
Cameron models loving those he works with, learning from them, teaching them, and challenging them to be a light to a world that needs love. He challenges others to simply use the camera lens to love others and tell amazing stories. “I always tell my students,” said Cameron, “the moment you learn to love learning is the moment you learn you can do anything.”
