Libby Blood is a filmmaker, writer, director, and producer in Placentia, California.

After stumbling upon her YouTube Channel, SVN was amazed to find out that she was only 17 years old. We coordinated an interview to get you the inside scoop. Truly an inspiration to young (and old!) filmmakers of our time, SVN introduces Libby Blood:

AP:  Tell us about your background/family.

Libby:  I have a family of 7 and we are all interested in film. My family owned a small chain of movie theaters for about 13 years called “Captain Blood's.” My sister, Lauren, went to school for special effects make-up while my other sister, Alicia, just graduated from Chapman's film school. My last sister, Melissa, worked in marketing for Paramount and is currently working for OWN. My father and I have recently opened a business called “The Editing Studio” right here in Placentia.

AP:  SVN noticed your very popular YouTube Channel. How did you get started in film?

Libby:  I have been seriously working towards building my skills in film for 5 years now. I started at home, making family Christmas videos each year. I take old home videos and put the images to a meaningful song to my family. I then joined my middle schools media program. We put on a broadcast everyday, live, in first period. I was the first freshman to ever be accepted into El Dorado's advanced media production called “Hawk Talk.” We work with an amazing program called FilmED Academy of the Arts and put together a DVD year book and weekly Broadcast that I help produce.

AP:  What made you decide to start broadcasting on YouTube?

Libby:  I broadcast my videos on YouTube for networking reasons. People can see the work I have done and also just for fun, so my family and friends and people who had worked on the film can see the film before I get their DVD to them. I also love the fact that people from around the world can see my work and give positive and negative feedback.

AP:  What kind of projects have you done?

Libby:  I have made multiple music videos, 3 short films, produced my high school broadcast, and PSA's so far but hope to broaden my experience with all kinds of film. (Click on player to right to see Libby's Love Vigilantes)

AP:  What was your favorite one?

Libby:  I really loved all of them! They were all amazing experiences but if I had to pick one of my favorites, it would be my PSA DREAM. Really because I am passionate about the massage conveyed and the way it challenged me editing-wise because I wish to become a professional editor when I’m older.

AP:  Does your school or community have any video based programs and are you involved in any of them?

Libby:  Yes, my High school has an amazing Film Program. It is my third year in it and I couldn’t love it more. My teacher, Mr. Switzer, is an amazing teacher and we work through a company called FilmED Academy of the Arts that gives every student accepted into the Advanced Media Program a two week long film education course for free. They teach us the latest consumer cameras and equipment along with Final Cut Pro.  

AP:  Your short film seemed like it required a decent amount of equipment (from the behind the scenes shot). What type of equipment do you use? (Cameras, mics, etc)

Libby:  On the short film “Jalopy” (This months Featured Video on SVN-TV) I used the Cannon 5D Mark II along with dolly tracks, Cartoni Tripods, a small jib, and shot gun boom mics. I actually acquired all the equipment through my school's media program.

AP:  How do you budget your projects? Are they volunteer based (hair, makeup, director, etc)

Libby:  All of my positions on my films were volunteer-based. They were either family or friends that helped out. I try to use all the best possible resources around me. My sister does my special effects make-up, while another does still photography (behind the scenes).

I knew Jalopy was going to be a much bigger budget considering it was a period piece. I saved $1000 of my own money and used kickstarter.com to get the rest of what I needed.

AP:  Is there a particular style/technique/genre that you will NEVER try or do again? Why?

Libby:  I’m still a young filmmaker and I still want to try almost every type of genre, and techniques to enjoy the experience and see what I like the most.

As for the type of movies I want to create, there isn’t much limit on what I want to try although there definitely is a rating I always want to stay in (PG-13) at the most. 

AP:  What is your ultimate goal in film? Do you plan to attend film school?

Libby:  I wish to become a professional editor. I hope to work for Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers or any major production studio in the future. I also am working towards going to USC Film School.

AP:  What advice do you have for students and teachers who are either just getting involved or are just developing an interest in film?

Libby:  The only advice I could probably give at this point in my 'film career' so far is to always have fun and believe in what you are doing. From creating the idea of the and the creation of the film, to just being the cinematographer or editor; Even if you are just the Grip or holding the boom, the important part is to always keep your passion for whatever you are most interested in in film. And to always LEARN from you mistakes. It's easy to get discouraged in the film business, whether it's finding the perfect job or finishing that perfect project. Just be diligent, stay strong, and stay true. And remember that you are never done learning!

AP:  What has been your biggest obstacle?

Libby:  I think my biggest obstacle I have faced in filmmaking has been producing. Getting over the challenges that need to be approached in my films. Although that makes it so much sweeter when you are able to see the finished product. I have actually won producing two years in a row at the Orange County Film Festival for 'Love Vigilantes' and 'Jalopy.' I was the youngest ever to win best producer from the OCFF last year when I was a sophomore.

Associate Editor, Amanda Lynn Porter has been involved in many aspects of video/film production. Starting a video production class at her middle school in eighth grade, Amanda has always enjoyed every aspect of videography. After producing many in-school productions, including a daily newscast, Amanda branched out and began directing and producing commercials and short films for law firms, intermediate school districts, and various associations throughout Michigan.

Most recently, Amanda worked for Michael Moore on his latest documentary: Capitalism: A Love Story.