Mount Si senior is a teen Spielberg
Published 3:05 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008
His name might not easily be recognized or remembered, but Paul Gordon’s achievements are something no
one can easily forget.
Several years ago the 18-year-old was catapulted into the media’s
attention through his savvy fund-raising techniques. Gordon raised $24,000
so that Eric Graeves of Issaquah could have a liver transplant.
Since then Gordon has served as the teen spokesman for organ
donation awareness, traveling around the country spreading the message of
how important each body part is to an ailing person.
But the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s just the beginning.
The Mount Si High senior is now diverting some of his talents into
making a short film about the reality and consequences of teen violence.
School project expands
Paul Gordon has recently been labeled as a “mini Steven
Spielberg” around campus because of his
extraordinary talent in directing, producing and editing a film titled
“Silhouettes of Time.” It started as a project
for Mount Si High’s newly formed video class, but quickly grew from an
amateur-quality flick to a near-professional movie.
The story follows the life of Dawson (Aaron Lynch), who is
constantly being harassed by the school’s hot shot (Brandon Prior). Dawson
desperately tries to fit in at the new high school and finally gains some
respect when Nicholas (Andrew Ahmadi) reaches out to him.
But when several incidents at school shatter the fragile life he
has built, Dawson decides the only way to settle matters would be through
the barrel of a gun … but could he really do it?
“The film is targeted at high school students, to what they can do, but
also to adults to give them an idea of what we go through,” Gordon said.
He got the inspiration for the film and Dawson’s character from some
of his own experiences interacting with other students.
“I realize what they must go through feeling rejected,” he said.
“I had a low point and top point of being popular. I pulled [from] my own
experiences and maximized them.”
Before Gordon could start producing such a controversial film,
however, he first needed the approval of school administrators.
“I remember sitting at home that night when the principal was
reading it and I was praying, `God, if you want it to go, just let him love it,'” he
recalled.
And the principal did.
“At first I was concerned about it and I wanted to make sure the
message was appropriate for the students,” said Principal George Ilgenfritz.
“I thought, `Hey, this shows someone making a good decision. And
that people in the world can help each other, and that impressed me,'”
he added of the relationship between Dawson and Nicholas.
“This had to be done well or it would fall flat,”
photography/video teacher James Gibowski added.
“But it’s well done. It’s bordering on professional quality and it’s a
compliment to Paul and the other students.”
Hundreds of hours
dedicated to the film
Gordon, cast members and several editors spent three months
shooting the footage and dedicated weeks of editing in front of the new
computer system at Mount Si. Most of the filming was done at the school with
special scenes at Snoqualmie Falls, the graveyard in North Bend and
the Snoqualmie police station.
“We went all over the place and they gave so much of their free
time,” Gordon said of the cast. “I see a lot
of talent and I wouldn’t be surprised if I see a few actors pop out of that class.”
When the film is finished it won’t just be used to prop up other videos
in a cabinet. Instead, Gordon hopes to woo the more than 100,000
spectators who will attend the Seattle International Film Festival in May.
“Silhouettes of Time” will battle over
1,000 other entries for a spot in the prestigious festival.
“It’s a good start-off point in a [a person’s] career,” said Chris
Ophoven, the entry coordinator for the film festival. “Anytime that festival
audience or industry people recognize a piece of work, it’ll help.”
Air career ditched for film
If the Seattle International Film Festival doesn’t accept Gordon’s
production this year, he will probably have a camera case full of entries
by next year.
The two-time senior was scheduled to graduate from Bellevue
Christian School last year, but decided there was still so much to do before
going off to college. It wasn’t an easy choice for Gordon, who had already
been accepted by the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
“I was a year ahead anyway and I wanted to speak to kids and tell
them to take their talents and use them for something great and incredible,”
he said.
Now, Gordon plans to attend the University of Washington to study
film and then move on to University of Southern California for more
education.
He could become president
After tinkering in the film industry or journalism, Gordon said he
envisions himself getting into politics — perhaps becoming Mr. President in
the upcoming decades.
“If he does become president, he will be a loved president because
he has a heart for the people,” said Rep. Kathy Lambert of the 45th
District. “He’s willing to listen to input and
he has the character. He’s intelligent and compassionate and meets people
well and will draw people from all across the nation.”
Gordon and Lambert are working on several bills that will go before
the State Legislature this session.
The first bill would add more information to the state driver’s
manual about organ donation, while the second bill would serve to filter out
pornography from public computers that children usually use, such as
in schools and libraries.
For more information on these bills, visit Lambert’s Web site
at www.kathylambert.com.
Mothers know best
The saying, “behind every great man is a great woman” also
pertains to Paul Gordon. Elaine Gordon has been the coach and cheerleader for
her three children Paul, Jonathan and Shavawn.
She always stressed the importance of community service to
her children and equated her parenting style to the space program.
“The preparation is so important before the launch,” she said.
“Once they’re orbiting you can relax, but it doesn’t mean you’re not involved.”
Elaine Gordon considers Paul as her “Renaissance man” because of
his multi-talented personality.
“He’s always been caring, loving and compassionate since he was
little,” Elaine Gordon said. “I wanted to
come alongside of him and bring out the best.
“I’ve contributed to society by raising good kids because I’ve cared
about how they turn out,” she added.
