HEROES AMONG US: INTERVIEW WITH COMPASSION SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE CREATOR SCOTT BRIGGS
During recent years, there has been an onslaught of wildfires that have tragically gripped the US, as well as the world. Whether it is in our own backyards, someone we know, or loved ones across the world, an annual average of 8 million acres have been burned and lost.
“Compassion Spreads Like Wildfire: The Vicki Minor Story” recounts the true story of Wildland Firefighter Foundation founder Vicki Minor. What happened in her past, and to many of us, that catalyzed the need for an organization to fill such an important gap in the system? How did one woman’s vision provide a foundation of support for wildland firefighters and their families, who put their lives at risk and sacrifice every day for the lands we enjoy and inhabit? And how can we, as civilians and individuals, make a difference for these often unsung heroes?
These are the important questions that CSLWF brings to the forefront. A documentary/docudrama with stellar performances by Sue Rowe, Tony Tosano, Jason Ruffoni, and many others, as well as beautiful cinematography and direction by Tucker Debevec, this short film demonstrates how compassion can truly spread like wildfire, despite tragedy and loss.
The film’s theme song, “Stay in the Black” (Winner, Utah Film Festival - Original Score) (Sue Rowe, Jason Ruffoni) encompasses the last thing a wildland firefighter is told before encountering the unpredictable blaze that could potentially mean the last thing seen in the midst of service.
CSLWF won the following awards at ZIFA last season: Honorable Mention - Best Documentary and Honorable Mention - Best Ensemble Cast.
You can watch CSLWF at Zion Indie Film Festival on Saturday, March 18th, 2023.
ZIFA had the honor of interviewing Scott Briggs, the creator behind CSLWF, to understand his inspirations and what catalyzed this project.
ZIFA: What inspired you to create this film? How did you come to know Vicki Minor?
Scott: I have been working on a doc about the loss of 19 Granite Mountain hotshots for the last 5 years. One of the fallen’s family members told me about this amazing woman who helped their family in their crisis. I called this woman, Vicki, and we spoke for four hours. I was on a plane up to Boise the next day, and I spent a week with the team to watch them do their important work.
ZIFA: Where did you film it? And how long did it take? How did you find the locations?
Scott: Boise, ID and SLC. It took about 4 months total, and then we filmed at Family Day at the Wildland Firefighter Foundation last May for three more days. Obviously, the foundation and monument are critical to the film..Emily Ann Roth, our other amazing producer, found the other sites and Sue (who plays Vicki) has a wonderful studio where we shot the scenes in SLC.
ZIFA: What messages are you hoping to spread with this film?
Scott: That anyone, with passion, grit and determination can make a difference if they apply the passion to help others. Compassion is the action part of empathy...and it is contagious.
ZIFA: What was the biggest challenge you faced during production and/or post-production?
Scott: Keeping this as a secret to Vicki so we could surprise her at her retirement! Unfortunately, we had to drop out of our fundraising efforts because someone spilled the beans...but everything works out in the end.
ZIFA: What was the most memorable moment on set?
Scott: There was a moment when the sky turned this really cool purplish blue hue...we were going to shoot the scene where Vicki looks heavenward and asks for help from the other side...I grabbed Tucker, our director, and Sue, who plays Vicki, and we shot it right then and there in the moment. It was just the three of us, and it still sends chills up my spine. Even Vicki felt like she was there in that moment.
ZIFA: Any lessons learned or things you would have done differently? Any plans for similar projects in the future?
Scott: No more secret surprise movies...haha! My feature doc about the Yarnell Hill Fire tragedy will be released for the 10-year anniversary this coming June.
ZIFA: Any advice for aspiring filmmakers?
Scott: Go for it...don't be afraid to make mistakes, that's where you learn and some of the biggest mistakes turn into blessings you never saw until later. Finding a professional crew and empower them be open minded...their experience will guide you through and make a much better project.
ZIFA: How can we find you and follow your work?
Scott: 1reignking on instagram, Into the Black Productions.net
Interview: Alicia Oberle Farmer