Stan Bertheaud attended the USC School of Film and Television for three years earning graduate credit in film production and screenwriting. He is credited with two theatrically released screenplays. The first, TILT-A-WORLD starred Dwight Yoakam in his first leading role that went on to receive the Gold Award at the Houston International Film Festival. The second, the surrealistic western, SOUTH OF HEAVEN, West of Hell, which premiered at the 2000 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
Bertheaud earned his Master of Architecture degree at North Carolina State University. He’s taught at Mississippi State University, Tulane University, Auburn University and the University of New Mexico. Professor Bertheaud has amassed numerous awards and honors throughout his career as an architect, educator and screenwriter. Currently, Bertheaud is a Professor of Architecture at Woodbury University in Southern California where he teaches architecture and a basic filmmaking course. He is also working on a series of children’s books and a short introductory film for liaMolly.
1. What’s your favorite political movie?
DR. STRANGLELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB my hands down favorite, then…
WAG THE DOG, BULWORTH, ELECTION and PRIMARY COLORS round out the honorable mentions (in no particular order). I guess I like my political movies laughable.
2. What role do you feel art plays in politics?
My first reaction is not enough, but when I think about it maybe that’s good. Art should make statements (political and otherwise) but only as an interested, uncensored observer. Art should remain fiercely independent.
3. What do you think is the biggest issue for the next generation of Americans?
It’s the environment…
4. Who was the first political candidate you were excited to vote for and why?
Bill Clinton. I was in my 30’s and I was finally beginning to look at things more holistically. His speeches resonated with me… of course, it might have had something to do with his sweet southern cadence and down home expressions, being an expatriated southerner myself.
5. What factors are important to you in choosing a president?
Intelligence tempered with a seriously healthy dose of common sense and humility… and a sense of humor sure can’t hurt.
6. What issues would you like to see politicians focus more on?
To begin with, having a realistic grasp of the issues would be nice. More specifically, having a sense of the big picture, the long term health (literally and figuratively) of our country would be a great place to start.
7. Which issues would you like to see politicians focus less on?
I’m not sure it’s an issue, but I could do without the partisanship and constant bickering.
8. Which candidate’s initiatives do you feel better address environmental concerns?
Obama’s platform on “being green” and its potential benefit to the economy appeals to me. Can he pull it off?… I think so.
9. This is your soapbox - shout it out! What do you need to get off your chest?
I’m not really a soapbox kind of guy… except I will say that people in general need to be more inclusive and open to new ideas. We’re becoming (have become?) way too adversarial and judgmental.
10. Do you have any recommended links, books & or movies so people can learn more about the issues you care about?
For philosophy I suggest Calvin and Hobbes the comic strip; about the creative process, try On Writing by Stephen King; for all things “green”, the Sundance Channel; about architecture, I read Dwell magazine. Finally, try talking to some kids about what’s going on… your kids, your sister’s/brother’s kids, any kids. It’ll change (at least tweak) the way you think.
Extra Credit: Fill in the blank. _________ for change.
LIGHTEN UP for a change.
