Behind the Camera with Jim Vanderhorst of Rebel Cause Films

DMNW: What makes Bass Coast unique? Any particular challenges it presents from a video perspective?

JV: I think just as a natural extension of being lead by a team of strong women. They strive for balance here and book whatever they want regardless of who it might appeal to because their taste is known and trusted after a decade of building. The people here are in a good space and know how to sustain themselves better than most crowds. Challenges tend to present themselves at night typically in the way of stage lighting. Occasionally there’ll be a lot of red or pink light, which is frustrating for video. Focusing on anything dozens to hundreds of feet away with the narrowest margins is extremely difficult. It’s our job to document things as they appear, not alter them so we work with the lighting we’re given and make it happen

Photo:Phi Vernon of Third Eye Arts www.ThirdEyeArts.com

DMNW: What do you think makes the dance music community in B.C special? What differentiates it from others?

JV: Within the context of society, the dance scene is where people tend to really express themselves in ways that I respond to. Perhaps it’s the trailblazing nature of the music, there’s something about these raves I have been traveling to that seems like the most genuine thing going on. There’s this drive in the community to support each other’s growth that isn’t really present in other things that present themselves to be filmed. While most festivals are generally more accepting than regular civilization, our west coast Canadian vibe tends to be the most playful and relaxed. Silliness and laughter are important staples of our culture that are harder to come by elsewhere. One of the key things that make our festival scene resonate with me is a lack of sponsorships. There are always a few small businesses involved, but we don’t see big cell phone companies or liquor giants making content edicts on the BC festival scene. The need for everything to meet some kind of cultural norm is negated by encouragement for everyone to participate.

DMNW: How would you define the role of a filmmaker in the music scene?

JV: Filmmakers are an essential part of the process today, it’s gone from something you want to get ahead, to something you need or you’ll be left behind. Everyone is filming on their cell phones, so by working with a filmmaker, an artist can influence the way they want to be seen, and their aesthetic can have a huge effect on their ability to reach fans in new markets and prove their value as a potential draw.

DMNW: Plenty of memorable moments happen in the late hours of the night, and early hours of the morning. When you’re tasked with documenting a festival where do you find time to sleep?! What’s a typical day look like for you?

JV: One year at Shambhala I literally set up three different hammocks in three different parts of the farm and crashed in whichever was closest when I got tired. I try to get a good night’s sleep the first night or two, but there often winds up being an all-nighter in there somewhere, which kind of beats the crap out of my body. The morning is when the least is happening, so logic dictates it’s when I have to sleep, but rarely much past noon. My mind keeps me going and I am constantly going over my team’s schedule in my mind, trying to predict potential issues as we move from stage to stage, hopefully finding those small beautiful moments along the way. I’ve been taking it easier on myself this year though and cutting myself off hours before the end of the night has been a huge help in that bit of self-care. Some camera-people are doing the mental work of an artist with the hours and travel time of the crew, it’s easy to get excited and burn out. Then there’s always some who don’t really do much. Ya gotta find a balance. For your health!

DMNW: What’s the 5 year Rebel Cause outlook?

JV: I’ll hopefully be working on feature length film work then and just be attending the odd festival for vacations

We’d like to thank Jim for taking the time to sit down and chat with us. Be sure to check out Rebel Cause films on Facebook to stay up to date with all of Jim’s latest edits (we expect a few great ones from 2017). The summer is reaching its midpoint and we’re fully engulfed in the festival season. The DMNW crew is gearing up to head out back out on the road for yet another weekend of dancing, music, and camping. Be sure to stay tuned to our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates as we prepare for Electric Love, Shambhala, Oregon Eclipse, Motion and more!