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Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city’s creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year’s Best of Phoenix issue, we’re profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 86. Travis Mills.
Travis Mills doesn’t run short on ambition.
The downtown Phoenix-based filmmaker cofounded Running Wild Films, a company that embarked on a challenge to make 52 short films in 52 weeks over the course of 2013. Running Wild screened its finished products earlier this year. While Mills and company aren’t aiming to match last year’s pace, they’re keeping plenty busy with new projects.
See also: Phoenix Artist Courtney Price: 100 Creatives
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“We are finishing our latest baseball feature film Duel at the Mound and preparing to make a movie about local legend Jack Durant,” says Mills, 28.
I came to Phoenix with a rare perspective, having grown up in the Comoros Islands off the East coast of Africa.
I make art because it’s what I do. I wouldn’t even call it art; this work is no different than a blacksmith’s or carpenter’s.
I’m most productive when I am surrounded by a great team, which I have found over the years amongst the film crew and actors in Phoenix.
My inspiration wall is full of pictures of classic movies torn out of books and Edward Hopper paintings.
I’ve learned most from Gus Edwards (playwright who started my company with me), Paul Cook (ASU professor, novelist), and Werner Herzog (filmmaker).
Good work should always come from your gut, your instincts.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more ambition.
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova 99. Niki Blaker 98. Jeff Slim 97. Beth May 96. Doug Bell 95. Daniel Langhans 94. Nanibaa Beck 93. Nicole Royse 92. Ib Andersen 91. Casandra Hernandez 90. Chris Reed 89. Shelby Maticic 88. Olivia Timmons 87. Courtney Price
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