Seth Hall on Christian Living in the Film Industry

When I requested an interview with Seth Hall, the response I got was a question as to why I wanted to interview him. My answer to the query was, “Seth, you were homeschooled. You’re a Christian. You work in the film industry, and you're only 19 years old.” How common is that in 2011?

Seth said he’d like to think about it and he’d get back with me. Thankfully, it wasn't long before he agreed to sit for the interview. First we had a delay due to stormy weather in Fort Worth. Then we had a delay due to conflicting schedules. But, finally, the evening arrived that we were both free to sit and talk.

I carried my laptop to my parents’ patio and set up an area to type while Seth answered questions and elaborated. We’d planned to cover The List in under an hour. Four hours later we said our goodbyes, and I headed inside to my desk to brush up my notes before calling it a night.

Seth can cover a great deal of varied ground in four hours. I was amazed with his insight on many areas from Christianity to economics and politics as well as the film industry. The interview had gone well.

His first work in films was done on a volunteer basis. He found out about the job while viewing Kevin Max’s MySpace page. Kevin is a former vocalist for the Christian music group, dc Talk. The movie, The Imposter, and was being filmed in the nearby city of Burleson, Texas.

Seth was brought on board the project as a grip-electric, which made him responsible for assisting with the lighting provisions and rigging on set. He mentioned several times during the interview that he absolutely loved working on The Imposter. There was so much to learn and do, and in the midst of it, Seth discovered he was in his element. Soon he made friends with others working on the film, and when several things went wrong during the production, he adopted a phrase he would respond with when his colleagues were stressing. It became his verbal trademark. When others would share with him about situations on the project they found to be upsetting, Seth’s response was nearly always, “It’s not that bad.”

In his eyes, it really wasn’t that bad in comparison to other things other people were dealing with. He decided to maintain an upbeat attitude and have fun with the project, encouraging those he could during their work hours.

“I volunteered on the set of The Imposter because I wanted to see what went into the making of a film. They needed volunteers and I believed I could help.” When the project was finished, Seth came out of the experience with new friends and recommendations to further his film career.

He was hired after The Imposter by Ron Gonzalez, director of photography and Andy Lorenz, a gaffer (the one who is in control of the electronics and lighting of a video scene production). He recently completed a project in Leonard, Texas, a film named, Beyond the Furthest Star. He also worked on Rising Stars, newly released and available on Instant Play – Netflix. Other productions include Carried Away, filmed in Ft. Worth, Texas, Blythe, California and rural Arizona. He’s also been a part of multiple short films and numerous commercial shoots.

“It’s so funny looking back on my first film because I had to put so much effort into getting to work on the production. I was only sixteen years old and they didn’t think they’d be able to use someone my age as a grip-electric. I ended up being best boy before the project was completed. I was determined to get the job, and I did. Since then I’ve continued to work consistently, with pay, in the film industry.”

Moving to a new path in the conversation, I asked Seth, “Why are you a Christian?”

He stared at me, and took a few moments before saying, “I have never been asked that directly. Most people try to beat around the bush on that one.

“I think, more than anything else, it’s because I love God. I met Him through the principals my parents taught me when I was little, and it was a natural progression to get better acquainted with Him, and for Him to become more personal as I grew up.

“Most of the time, I think Christians in the film industry want to make films centering on their beliefs. Personally, I just want to be a good example. That’s the mission I hope to accomplish in my niche of the industry. I want those working with me to see an example of a life built from a relationship with Christ.”

When I pressed him for further information on his love for God, he answered, “It’s hard not to love someone who loves you regardless. The best part of being a Christian, for me, is always having Christ to talk to, and constantly being filled with love for other people.

“Christianity very much plays a role in my work atmosphere. It affects my whole attitude. Otherwise, what would be the point? If I didn’t have Him, I’d not be accomplishing anything of importance.”

Seth has a special someone in his life. Her name is Elizabeth, and they've been dating since he was 18-years old. I asked him what the plan is, and what he hopes to accomplish within the next ten years.

He responded thoughtfully. “Within ten years, I’d like to be working on some bigger stuff, more movies if possible, and maybe some television shows. In my personal life, I plan to be married to Elizabeth, and hope that we have a good start at making our own family. I really want to be a great husband and a great dad. Spiritually, I hope to have grown more, and hope to be even closer in my relationship with Jesus Christ than I am today.

“My first realization that God answers prayer happened when I was around six years old. We had company coming from out of town. My mother said if it wasn’t raining when they got here, we could go across the street to play and have donuts in the park. My brother Jared and I were so excited to get to have time in the park with our friend, and the donuts were a really big treat because we weren’t allowed to have sweets often.

“Unfortunately, it started to rain, and continued to rain through the morning. Mom suggested that if we wanted it to quit raining we should pray about it. So, Jared and I began to pray that it wouldn’t rain - in the park.

“Twenty minutes before the company arrived, the rain was still falling, but on the street, next to the park, but not in the park. I was thrilled that God answered our prayer just because we wanted to play with our friend and have donuts there. Looking back it seems simple and kinda silly, but it definitely made a lasting impression on me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first answered prayer.

“For all of my life, I want to live as an example of Him in everything I do. I hope that others who see me will be able to get a glimpse of His love through me, because my love for others comes from Him.”

Seth considers himself an ordinary guy, but in many things he’s remarkable. He’s well versed with the U.S. Constitution and devotes much of his time to staying abreast of current political practices and atmospheres. He loves paintball, national and international history, working on archaeological digs and organic gardening with his family. He told me one of the most prolific characters he’s ever had the privilege to meet was Frank Buckles, the WWI United States veteran who recently passed away. When Seth talks about Frank, his face lights up in admiration for his friend.

He was homeschooled and apparently well schooled. He has excellent communication skills, even when he’s nervous. He opens doors for women. He answers with, “Yes, Ma’am” or “No, Sir.” Seth is an absolute and resolute gentleman. So, actually a not-so-ordinary guy behaving in a remarkable manner doing remarkable things with his life spiritually and professionally.

Thank you for your time, Seth. You were definitely worth the interview.