FHC Inspires 2023 Q&As: Gabby Thompson
Position: Speaker
Title: “Unrealistic Expectations”
Why did you apply to be a speaker?
“I really hated public speaking because as a kid, there were some incidents where I was made fun of and all that stuff. So, it really wasn’t like a big thing I wanted to do. And I’m a big talker to people in general, I actually enjoy talking to others, but speaking in front where there are chances of me being judged and all that stuff makes me nervous. I thought it was something completely out of my comfort zone, and I, for some reason, was feeling like I should do something like that.”
How are you feeling about speaking at FHC Inspires?
“I know right now, it’s not really kicking in, but I know as soon as I see people going up there and thinking about my topic, I’m going to be like, ‘I’m going to forget these things,’ and I know as soon as I get up there, it’s not going to be as easy as I feel it’s going to be right now.”
What was the process of perfecting your speech?
“I didn’t go through as many topics, but I went through a lot of different slideshows and ways to think about it, and how I did everything that I did. And then, I took my TED Talk from the assignment that we did here and I switched it into a bigger theme, a bigger blanket, and I’m using that [to connect with] me and the people around me.”
What does your message mean to you, and what should it mean to the audience?
“Mine connects, I feel, to a lot of students and a lot of parents, and especially in this area, I know it’s something I struggle with on a daily basis is perfectionism and all the things that come with it. I think that really connecting all of it and showing [other] people.”
Did you ever see yourself speaking at FHC Inspires?
“I always saw these people speaking, and I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I could do that, like take that chance.’ But it never really clicked that I could do it, and it’s one of the things I pushed off. I was like, ‘Yeah, I could probably do it,’ so I applied mostly to be a director, and then [it] was like, ‘No, you’re going to speak.’ I was kind of caught by surprise.”
Does your Google slide presentation reflect your topic?
“Mine definitely does because I hate it, and I hate how basic and bland it is. But that’s the thing; perfectionism. I couldn’t decide because none of them felt perfect, so it kind of reflects my the idea [how] I don’t think anything’s perfect.”
What’s the best time of day and why?
“Nighttime.”
What’s something you can’t live without?
“I think I’d have to say my friends because I feel especially right now, the age that we’re at, there’s a lot going on, and it’s nice to have those people who know what you’re going through and having those people to be able to talk to no matter what it is.”
Taco Tuesday – Filmfest Preview Q&A
Film: Taco Tuesday
Producers: Haley Hamill, Kate Ryan, Haily Aldrich, and Meg Meekhof
Interviewee: Haily Aldrich
1. What’s your film about?
“Our film, Taco Tuesday, is about two boys named Skip and Chester. Skip is obsessed with Taco Bell and desperately wants a job there. The owner does not want someone like Skip working there though. Skip takes this rejection the wrong way and kidnaps the owner of the restaurant, Tatiana Bell. The boys beg for the secret formula and eventually end up getting it. What they do with the formula will shock you.”
2. What’s the theme of your film?
“[The] theme [is] something like using non-traditional ways to achieve what you want.”
3. What was the inspiration for the film?
“Kate and I came up with the idea of this movie after watching an episode of Big Mouth on Netflix. We knew we wanted to do a comedy, and we just came up with it completely on the spot!”
4. Can you describe the filming/editing process?
“The filming process was much easier than last year. Our main characters, Cam Deines and Jay Shields, were very easy to work with, and they followed instruction very well, which was a big relief. The editing process is the most fun part, in my opinion. We get to go through all the shots and put it all together. You really feel like all your hard work has paid off!”
5. How did you choose the actors/actresses?
“We chose the actors because we thought they would play the role well, and they are good friends with us. They agreed to do it, and they were excited. That is how we knew they would be good!”
6. What was your favorite part about the creative process?
“My favorite part of making any film is always the editing process and the brainstorming process. It is so fun putting everything together for our audience.”
7. What can your audience expect to get out of the film?
“Our audience can expect some great laughs and a lot of twists and turns along the way. We used a lot of fun and modern rap and R&B music. We are ecstatic about showing FHC this film.”
8. How is your film different from the rest?
“I have made many films after being in Manders’ classes since sophomore year, but this one is for sure one of my favorites. Our film is funny, entertaining, and enjoyable to watch.”