My short film “Super Structure” was made for an assignment and year-end project for my filmmaking class at the College of Marin back in the 1970s. My teacher was the awesome David Newby. He allowed me to work on my own, since I had tennis team practice every day at 2 pm, right when the class was scheduled.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a Super Structure
My subject was The Golden Gate Bridge. I shot this in 16mm film, which was not cheap even back in 1977! I was especially interested in the underside of the Bridge which it looked similar to an erector set.
The music I used for this documentary was suggested to me by my mother, who was a classical pianist. If it sounds familiar, you may know it from the film Elvira Madigan: Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Check it out here: II. Andante 14:01 . It was a favorite of my mother’s, and my father’s too. It’s so beautiful!
One of the best parts about making this film was that I shot the footage while on the ferry that cruised under the bridge. If you are not from the SF Bay Area, then you are missing something special. If you are local, have you done this yet? You must.
My Film Student Creation
Lastly, I produced this when I was just 19 years old and was a film student. It is still one of my passions. In fact, I’m writing a romance/drama script currently. I’ve finished the fifth draft and my plan is to hire actors, a cinematographer, and a small crew to direct it myself. It will most likely be a low-budget, no-budget film!
You may have a question about how I got my 16mm film onto YouTube. Well, I used a digitizing service from Kodak. I highly recommend sending in your old films and tapes. They have sales all the time! You won’t be sorry!
I would love to share my film “Super Structure” with you now! I hope you like it!
Super Structure by Anne Zarraonandia
Another Film
Another student film made is called A Dream Come True. It is about her sister Carrie Z who dreams of playing tennis legend, Chris Evert.
Safrianna Lughna
What a fascinating glimpse into your early filmmaking days, Anne! I loved the shots in the video of the water, especially, but seeing the structure and the city captured in time was amazing. I love how you captured the intricate details of its underside.
The soundtrack was perfect – it adds such elegance to the visuals.
Thank you for sharing!
Anne Z
Thanks for your nice comments, Safrianna. Movie creation has sure changed since my college days. The under side of the bridge is amazing in person!
Alice Gerard
Beautiful. I especially enjoyed watching the underside of the bridge. It’s gorgeous.
Anne Z
Me too Alice. It is a beautiful structure.
Tamara
Two of my favorite things: San Francisco and Mozart’s Piano Concertos!
Loved the footage, especially considering you didn’t have the technical possibilities we do today. I mean, you couldn’t view and retake scenes you didn’t like, you had to have your film developed and all.
Anne Z
Thanks for the comment. The film did have to be developed and I had to cut/edit on a physical device that spliced the film. Fun none the less and I wouldn’t go back. The Golden Gate Bridge is still a wonderful structure from any angle!