Filmmaking is one of the most unique art forms that one can use to express themselves. As cameras and editing software have become easier to access, more and more people have taken advantage of the opportunity to produce their own films. One of them is John Sheesley, a junior at Atherton.
“I’ve always found films really interesting”, John says. “And I’ve always been very good at storytelling, but I find writing stories exhausting, so I think filmmaking is just a much better way of storytelling.”
During the time he has been at Atherton, John has created multiple films, including three which are posted on his YouTube channel: John b. t. Films.
One of these films is Nous Sommes Nos Choix (which means “we are our choices” in French). Published on August 5th 2024, it revolves around the character Will, who is played by Atherton junior Ethan Holtsclaw, and his interactions with Lucy, played by Audrey Hagan, as he struggles to find a sense of purpose. John says the film was inspired by his conversations with his friend Claire Carrico.
“I would say that she and I are very representative of the two characters in the film, and so it was inspired by a series of conversations we had over a few weeks earlier in the year.”
Lots of John’s films have Atherton students playing characters. Audrey Hagan has also featured in Our Love; In Time, with Atherton student Kat Richards.
“I love working with my friends,” John says. “It poses difficulties because they’re not professional actors , or they’re not pursuing acting, but I think that it’s a good way to bring people together. I think it opened their eyes to storytelling as well, and also gave them a chance to work on something they’re probably not getting another chance to do.”
John’s newest film continues this trend. Rewritten stars Leo Warden as Fox, a scriptwriter that has lost passion for his work. In order to become inspired for his newest script, he tries reconnecting with his childhood, who the physical representation of is played by Lorena Rodriguez. The film also features performances from Sadie Eichenberger, Blake Taylor, and even Atherton teacher Mr. Tucker.
“I think that everyone around our age is considering growing up and what it means to almost be an adult,” Sheeshley remarked when explaining his inspiration for the film. “I think that this was a very good way of telling how you need to appreciate that you were growing up, while also learning to accept and grieve what you’re losing.”
Rewritten star Leo Warden has had lots of acting experience, having roles in multiple Atherton theater productions. When asked about John’s directing style, he had some very positive things to say.
“John is extremely good at what he does,” Leo says. “He knows what he wants and how to get there, and if he doesn’t he’ll figure out a way that makes sense and works. He is also very honest with himself and he doesn’t try to talk himself out of a hard decision or shot, and he is one of the most committed people that I know.”
At a school like Atherton with such a distinct culture and no shortage of talent, John has plenty of creative peers to collaborate with. He says that Atherton’s unique community nurtures his creative aspirations.
“It’s such an open environment, where you interact with a lot of other people, and as a high school student, it fosters relationships. And I think that my films, or my stories at least, come from seeing people and understanding people, and this is the perfect environment for that.”
John also attributes his interest in filmmaking to his participation in Mr. Cooksey’s film studies class, and recommends that if anyone is interested in filmmaking, then they should just get started.
“I think that Mr. Cooksey’s class gave me that push. Of course, I went into it already with a camera. But I think even if you just have your phone, the best first step is to just do it.”
To watch John’s new film Rewritten, as well his other short films, click here.
