Commencement 2007 Remarks

Michael Taylor, Chair, Division of Film & Television Production

"I have heard many students who are graduating today marvel at having finally come to the end of this wonderful program. I would like to add a note to that sentiment. You have not just come to the end of your studies at USC—you have also arrived at the beginning of the next chapter in your lives…and that is equally momentous!

Commencement…to begin…and what could be more exciting than beginning your careers as filmmakers armed with the knowledge and experience you now have.

I know every one of you in the production division has learned the skills and the art of producing, writing, directing, cinematography, editing and sound. It is now up to you to apply that crucial ingredient to your chosen discipline—passion. The skill is essential, the talent is an extra bonus, but it is often passion that gets a movie made. It is passion that drives filmmakers to work for years on a single project, slowly pushing it towards a start date…and it is passion that sustains filmmakers during the often grueling production process while working insanely long hours sometimes in the most difficult and remote places. And all to get the shot, to wait for the light, to get the performance, to capture that magical moment on film.

I know of no work more demanding, and I know of no work more rewarding. I have been so impressed and inspired by the diversity of your ideas. And I know this outstanding faculty has been successful in challenging each and every one of you to express your ideas in your own personal and unique way. There will be strong influences in the market driven industry you are about to enter that will try to seduce you to conform to a “cookie cutter” style of filmmaking. As you continue your journey of self-discovery…remember it is your individual voice and the courage to express your ideas that will allow you to shine. You may be hired for your technique, but you will be rehired for that vision and passion that you bring to the technique.

Taylor addresses the class of 2007.

It is often said, “Artists fuel the fires of ecstasy for the rest of us.” If you believe that, and I do, then you must find the passion within you to fuel those fires.

So the class of 2007, I say congratulations…I wish you good luck…and I challenge you to keep the passion burning."