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Scott
Shaw
Frequently
Asked Questions
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You know
you're famous when people you've never met say things
about you that aren't true.
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I frequently
receive questions asking about every aspect of my
life. To
hopefully clarify a few things for those of you who have
wondered...
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The Spiritual
Path:
For whatever
Karmic reason, I have been involved with spirituality and
mysticism my entire life. And, the evolution of human
consciousness remains my primary focus. This predilection
has led me to spent a lot of time in Asia and to have
studied with some remarkable teachers.
My belief is that
life is a spiritual journey - everything you do leads you
closer to Self-Realization. The more conscious your
actions, the more rapid your path to enlightenment -
regardless of which religious faith or philosophy you
follow. Ultimately, all true religions and philosophies
teach a similar path: remain conscious, be pure of mind
and heart, and do good things. I believe those simple
actions are the true essence of the Spiritual
Path.
We are all human
beings, with the frailties of human existence.
Spirituality is everywhere. Therefore, you do not have to
live in a cave or a monastery to embrace a spiritual
lifestyle. It is my hope to demonstrate, through my words
and writings, that true spirituality can be found
everywhere - even in the mundane moments of everyday
life.
So, do what you
decide to do with your life - hopefully you can have some
fun. Just remember, do it consciously and view it as a
pathway towards Spiritual Realization. For what does life
truly mean if it is not to make this world a better place
as you guide yourself and humanity towards a higher level
of consciousness?
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The Martial
Arts:
Though it was
never my intention, I have become very well-known in the
world of the Martial Arts. This has occurred primarily
due to the extensive amount of writing I have done on the
subject. It is essential to understand, however, that I
do not define myself as a Martial Artist. Though I have
been formally involved in the Martial Arts since I was
six years old - the Martial Arts is something I do, it
is not something I am. Furthermore, I do not define
myself by the Martial Art ranks I have earned. Though I
am very thankful to the instructors and the organizations
that have tested me and found me worthy of the rank they
awarded me - Martial Art rank has become so convoluted
and such a sourcepoint for controversy, in this modern
era, that I have long believed that it is a much more
pure ideology to disavow rank rather than to claim it.
And, this is my philosophy for everyone, not just me. I
believe that it is fine to work towards a goal, achieve
it, but then you should not become defined or harnessed
by it. In other words, do not let your achievements
feed your ego.
Like I always
say, 'If you are referring to yourself as a master,
that probably means that you are not.'
Also, I do not
now, nor have I ever made my living from teaching the
Martial Arts. Throughout the many years I professionally
taught Hapkido and Taekwondo, I taught for free. This is
based in the fact that I do not believe the teaching of
the Martial Arts should be made into a business, as this
robs the true essence of these ancient systems of
self-defense.
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Regarding My
Films:
I was a reluctant
participant... Growing up in Hollywood, California I
continually saw the down side of the film industry. It
took me many years before I finally gave into the
continued offers I received to be in films. In the early
stages of my career I was lucky enough to perform
starring and co-starring roles in the then thriving
action-adventure market, small roles in several A-films,
guest star on numerous T.V. shows, and appear in
commercials. As time went on, and my acting credits
increased, I also received offers to Produce and Direct.
I do not believe
that anyone who has not participated in the creation of a
film can ever understand how truly complex and seemingly
impossible the process of filmmaking is. None-the-less, I
took on the challenge and have continued to create
feature films, documentaries, and music
videos.
My entire life,
I've been an artist of one type or another. When
filmmaking opportunities came my way, it was only natural
for me to follow a path less traveled and not attempt to
make, seen-it-all-before, feature films.
All of the films
I have been creatively involved with have had ART as
their central focus - as abstract as that ART may be to
some people. In all of my films I attempt to present the
subject of the film in a new, unique, and different
manner than it has been previously presented. The concept
may be known but by presenting it in an uncharted format
and story structure is what makes it ART. And, 'Yes,
there is hidden meaning in the story, dialogue, and
visuals of all of my films.'
Mostly, I believe
that the majority of Independent Filmmakers take
themselves and their projects far too seriously. My
philosophy is, 'Fun is what it is all about.' If
any project ceases to be fun and can not poke fun at
itself, then that project should be left behind.
And, like I
always say, 'What is a film critic? Someone who
doesn't have the talent or the dedication that is
required to make a film.'
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Zen
Filmmaking:
Some people
wrongly define the films I make as B-Movies, Cult Films,
or Indie Films. They are really missing the point. They
are Zen Films.
As spirituality
is the central focus of my life, I have attempted to
bring the essence of Zen into my films; i.e.: following
the path of least resistance, never relying upon
formalized structure, and allowing the moment to be the
only guiding factor. With this as the basis, I developed
the concept of Zen Filmmaking as a means to allow
spontaneous creativity to be the only guide on the path
to film creation.
Many people have
written, and I am told that it is taught in a few
university courses on filmmaking, that Zen Filmmaking is
the next step in the evolution of Cinema Verite' and
Direct Cinema. This is not the case, however. When
Donald
G. Jackson
and I made the first Zen Films we did not base our
ideologies upon any previously defined style of
filmmaking. It was a completely organic
process.
It is essential
to note that Zen Filmmaking is about philosophy; neither
the subject matter of the film or the medium used in
filming defines a Zen Film. A Zen Film is defined solely
by the creative process which is used in its creation.
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Music:
I sometimes
receive e-mails asking me what type of music do I listen
to. To answer, I have very eclectic tastes. I love Motown
Soul and the Psychedelic Pop that came out of the 1960's
- and the modern bands who have drawn from those
influences. Power Pop, Canto Pop, and J-Pop are Great. I
like good Bluegrass and Alt Country. I love early Punk
Rock, New Wave, and Goth Music, as I was an active part
of that era. Industrial and Dark Wave are excellent. I
have been into Hip Hop since its inception. In terms of
classical music I particularly appreciate the
compositions of Claudio Monteverdi and Bach during his
Italian period. Plus, I really love Dance
Music.
Personally, I now
create mostly Techno/Electronica, Goa Trance, Ambient,
Deep House, Acid Jazz, Guitar-Based Rock n' Roll, and
Soundtracks for films.
You can
CLICK
HERE if
you want to find out more information about the music I
create.
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Lifestyle:
I live
overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For fun I collect Guitars,
Swiss Watches, Art, Rare Books, and Films. I enjoy going
to Antique Shops, Thrift Stores, Flea Markets, Estate
Sales, and Swap Meets - finding those unique items that
can only be had from such locations. I spend as much time
in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and San Francisco as
possible. I love Yosemite in the Spring and Sedona,
Arizona in the cool winter months. I love the Ocean,
Rainy Days, the Wind, Coffee Houses, Italian Red Wine,
Dance Clubs, and Eating in Cool Restaurants.
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I want to thank
everybody for all of their e-mails. I trust this will
give you a bit more insight into who I am, how I think,
and what is the focus of my life.
God
Bless,
Scott Shaw
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