What is your name: Linn Harter

Where are you based? Bozeman, Montana, USA

What kind of films do you make?

My first documentary is a cultural study of a fishing village on a small island in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. It shows how closely the fishing community lives and depends on the sea and the difficulties of sustainable fisheries.

How would you describe what you do?

This was the first film I directed. My previous experience was in editing. I am interested in making films about people and feel strongly about protecting our environment. So projects that combine both these subjects interest me.

Who or what inspired you to work with film and why cover nature and conservation issues?

George C. Stoney, my documentary film instructor at NYU film school influenced me to make documentaries. Robert M. Young also inspired me as a great director of features and documentaries and a wonderful humanitarian. Conservation issues are important to me and films are a way to influence and educate audiences on the issues.

What is the favourite film you've worked on?

Directing my first documentary film, Here Lies My Heart - The Fishing Village of El Pardito Island was the most rewarding experience for me.

What has been your biggest challenge filming in the field?

Getting good sound in windy environments.

How has technology changed your job? Has it hindered or enhanced telling the conservation story?

There are definite advantages to the new technologies, but the fact that the equipment is obsolete in a few years is itself an environmental conundrum. Computers and cameras piling up in land fills makes me wonder if we're doing the right thing for the environment.

What is your favourite place in nature?

The mountains and the ocean are my favourite places in nature.

From your field experience, what is your biggest concern when it comes to the environment?

Over population and all the issues associated with it.

How do you think the media industry should be addressing environment and conservation issues?

Telling good stories that address the issues with the least amount of impact on the environment.

If you could give one message to the world's leaders on climate change, what would it be? We need to take climate change seriously and work toward solutions.

What are you working on at the moment?

A personal documentary about aging women, 90 and above leading healthy and inspirational lives.

What advice to do have to someone wanting to break into the industry?

Work hard, persevere and follow your instincts.

What would you like to remembered for?

Being a good person that tried to make the world a better place (corny, but true...J).

Links:

www.HereLiesMyHeart.org