In What Distant Sky: Video
2013
5:14 min., 4K video
In What Distant Sky: Installation
2016
Mass MoCA
In What Distant Sky is a single-channel video, a site-specific video installation and a series of photographs.
In What Distant Sky is a short choreographed video shot in an industrial coal bin. The video begins with a single performer standing at the bottom of the bin. As she steps onto one of the many large, fabricated boulders in the basin, it begins to rise. The camera follows as the performer passes by increasingly constructed spaces, including a Japanese tea house built on the edge of the structure. When the boulder and performer reach the top of the building two things are revealed: a group of performers are adjusting the ropes and pulleys that lifted the boulder, and an open vista of the surrounding mountains.
The industrial setting provides important context to this work. The abandoned factory is a testament to a radically changed global economic and social structure, with its high unemployment and shifting industries. Using a coal bin as an embodiment of this changed reality, the rising of the elements and the camera will reflect the hope that comes from creativity, connectivity and community.
In What Distant Sky: Photograph 1
2013
70.9” x 40”
In What Distant Sky: Photograph 2
2013
70.9” x 40”
In What Distant Sky: Photograph 2
2013
70.9” x 40”
Click here to see the project fabrication process.
FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
J.R. Uretsky
SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Alex Peacock
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
LEAD PERFORMERS
Hiro Fukawa
Hiroku Fukawa
Thea Ulrich
PERFORMERS
Jane Burns
Kim Faler
Thomas Huston
Tim Lebestky
Derek Parker
Alex Peacock
Ben Ripley
Jessica Sisavath
VIDEO ENGINEER
Sam Hogg
INSTALLATION ENGINEER
Robert J Dermody, AIA
GRIP
Greg Lookersee
DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN
Christian Meade
CAMERA ELEVATOR DESIGNER
Will Reeves
CAMERA ELEVATOR FABRICATION
Clara Bertness
Nick Dakovic
Naushon Hale
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Dylan DeWitt
Ryan Hawk
Greg Lookersee
Brendon Maddock
Christian Meade
Alex Peacock
Gianna Stewart
J.R. Uretsky
INSTALLATION PRODUCTION
Cory J Larrubia
Samantha Moscardelli
Will Reeves
AERIAL DIRECTOR
Brandon Davis
VIDEO MODELING
Chris Kunkle
INSTALLATION MODELING
Marc Guzzio
Samantha Moscardelli
ELECTRICIAN
Jon Stone
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Gianna Stewart
© 2013 Megan and Murray McMillan