Meet our Schmooru of the Month — Mimi Cave: Director, Yoga master, Dancer and all-around awesome girl. We are happy to have in our community!
Your last name is Cave, that’s rad. (not a question, just a statement- but feel free to respond).
I like my last name because it always reminds me of my dad, an amazing human being. I carry it with pride.
Your work is such an eclectic mix, from performance art to rockband to zen’d out Yogi … what’s your secret to keeping the balance in all this?
Um, I don’t think I’m too calculated about my approach to things so everything I do is very new. Projects are never the same and so each one brings new excitement, disappoint, and energy. What I’m really trying to say though is Humor and Yoga. Good tools for balance.
You studied at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Center in Colorado, it seems your focus was all about dance, when / how did you cross over into the film world?
Seemed like a natural shift in college, however I always wish I was performing more. I feel like myself the most when I’m on stage. Performing is more thrilling because you’re in the moment and no matter what happens, when it’s over, it’s over. For me, Film provides another vehicle of expression and an opportunity to mess with time. So, I love both and still feel very connected to both.
Let’s talk about the tUnE-yArDs music video you just Directed and Produced. Did you come up with the concept?
Yes but it evolved with each person that entered into the collaboration. There’s a little glimpse of everyone’s psyche in it.
Can you tell us a little bit more about directing the video?
It was very fun and continually inspiring. I was fortunate enough to work with a lot of good friends and people that have since become good friends. We had a few challenges throughout the process but nothing major. We were all determined to make it great… a testament to Merrill’s music.
What was it like working with all those kids?
Great. Exhausting, but great.
Will the world end in 2012?
Of course.
As a filmmaker what evokes more validation, landing a commercial gig or having a video blow up in the blogsphere and gain half a million hits. What feels better?
Neither, actually. The aftermath is less satisfying than when you’re actually in the chaos, making decisions that somehow find their way out of your mouth, working with talented people, and seeing your strange visualizations come to life before your eyes.
People always think if you want to be in the “industry” you have to be in LA, but you live in beautiful San Francisco, tell us about the film community there?
There are really talented folks here and in LA. I believe that where you live does influence what you do and how you do it, but you can make it work a lot of different places. You have to find a community that inspires you and lay down some roots. LA has a lot more opportunities in the industry but is also a lot more cut-throat from what I’ve been told. Personally, I live in San Francisco because I like walking to where I’m going and seeing familiar faces. Plus, it’s the City of Love.
And the hippie scene?
Did you say burrito scene? Yes, go to Papalote for the fish burrito or Faralito for a late-night super burrito. Wash either down with a house margarita from Velvet Cantina. All within a 3 block radius.
Last time you rode a cable car?
June 10th
How do you have 5 different “jobs” and stay sane?
Busyness tends to keep me sane. I often feel more calm the more I have going on and if there’s idle time I sort of lose it. However, I’m feel like I’m starting to appreciate simplicity more and more. Too much is too much and eventually you’re left with zero energy. Slowing down sometimes is key.
What advice do you have for folks who want to do it all, be the teacher, the producer and the student?
If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t know what you’re doing, speak up and ask for help. The gray area between inexperience and overconfidence is large, so just make sure you clarify your intentions no matter what role your in and always show humility. As for fear of failure, it’s not a question of if you will fail but how you will handle it when you do. Everyone fails, but not everyone can brush it off. Ego is a bitch.
—
Mimi Cave’s website: littlecaveofwonders.com