Legacy

Godshall films a scene for Lord Byron in a swamp outside of Lafayette, LA. Photograph courtesy of Zachary Godshall

Zachary Godshall stands before his film class like any professor. He discusses the necessary evils of screenwriting’s restrictive and bland format. Having graduated from the University eight years ago, a casual observer may mistake Godshall as a student with his laid back attire and five o’clock shadow. Godshall may appear to be just another English professor, going through his daily routine. However, this 30-year-old Sundance invitee – named Louisiana’s Filmmaker of the Year – is anything but an ordinary teacher.

Since receiving an MFA in film from UCLA in 2005, Godshall has gone on to make three feature films. All of the films feature Louisiana as a backdrop, something the young filmmaker said he values. Raised in Lafayette, Godshall’s southern roots played a vital role in the filmmaker’s decision to return.

Making films for a living became a reality during a screenwriting class here at the University. Godshall says he remembers taking English 2009 with Professor Ricky Blackwood and “having a light bulb go off.”

Professor Blackwood, who has taught at the University since 1990, said he vividly remembers teaching the up-and-coming Godshall. “He stood apart from the rest in his ability. He knew how to swim and not just make splashes,” Blackwood said.

After graduating from the University with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing in 2002, Godshall went on to UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. Upon completing his education, Godshall began work on his first feature film, “Low and Behold.”

The film, which follows an unlikely friendship in post Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, was selected for the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Sundance was the first film festival the young director attended. Though his film was not selected for a competitive category, the experience still taught him something film school could not.

“Seeing audiences of 400 people pack a theater to see your movie hit home the importance of making movies,” Godshall said. “The reason to make films is to share it with audiences, which is very gratifying.”

One may assume that Godshall’s accomplishments would pursuade him to live on the west coast and attempt to make a name in Hollywood.

“I’m not keen on being a gun for hire right now. I’d rather focus on doing the movies I want to make,” said Godshall.

Robert Longstreet, Eddie Rouse, Godshall and Barlow Jacobs before the screening of Low and Behold during the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Photograph courtesy of Wire Images.com

He said that he sees filmmaking in Hollywood as a constant struggle for money and reputation. While the young filmmaker does not rule out the possibility of one day working in Hollywood, the impact Louisiana has had will always show in his work.

“When I make a movie, I want it to feel like it’s coming from someone, not from a machine,” explained Godshall.

Passion illuminates the young filmmaker’s expression as he speaks about Louisiana and its people.

“I feel most inspired and invigorated when I’m here. It’s my home. Everywhere you go, there’s something unique. Everyone has a unique story to tell,” Godshall said.

A perfect example of inspiration growing from his surroundings is Godshall’s latest movie, “God’s Archichects.” The documentary follows five divinely inspired architects as they set out to make their own environments without funding or blueprints, according to the “God’s Architects” official Web Site.

The movie won Godshall the title of Louisiana Filmmaker of the Year at the New Orleans Film Festival in 2009. The Lafeyette native considers the award a huge honor and great experience.

Despite his recent successes, filmmaking is never easy for Godshall. In fact, Godshall said he recalls that the first film he made out of college “should never be seen by anyone. It’s really boring. ” He adds that everything is a learning experience and helps one to grow better as a creator.

The filmmaker seems to be a jack-of-all-trades as he has written, produced and directed all of his movies. Although it may seem like he relies on himself to get his movies made, the filmmaker says he has learned a very important lesson through the years.

“I love to collaborate with people,” Godshall said. “I would say it’s the most important part of filmmaking and also the most exciting. You get to meet a lot of new talent and take the film to new places.”

Godshall said he feels that working with rising, unknown talent really brings a film to life. He takes collaboration to a new level in his third film entitled “Lord Byron.” Now in post-production, the movie follows a man experiencing a mid-life crisis.

“We had a fifteen page outline and no script. So it makes the filming process a lot of fun, but at the same time, it’s really hard to edit something like that,” added Godshall.

Photograph by Erin Arledge

When he’s not editing in the lab or directing on set, Godshall spends his time in the classroom, teaching screenwriting and film as literature here at the University. The director is just as passionate about teaching as he is about filmmaking.

“Teaching really forces me to get down to the essence of each story and reminds me of the fundamentals,” Godshall added.

Many of his film classes involve students helping one another through group discussions and scene reenactment, while Godshall guides from a distance.

“I really enjoyed having Zack as a teacher. He had a lot of good insights since he is so experienced in his field. I could tell he really cares about students’ futures,” Ryan Bergeuron, creative writing senior, said about Godshall’s screenwriting class.

LSU’s English Department benefits from having an accomplished filmmaker as a teacher. “Having Zack here is an inspiration to everyone trying to accomplish their dreams. He sat where every student is sitting now and made something of himself,” Professor Blackwood said.

Zachary Godshall may someday be one of the biggest names in Hollywood. For now, he is happy to call LSU and Louisiana home.