Nicole Cone
“ON YOUR RADAR” IS A WEEKLY GRAD FILM NEWS SEGMENT THAT FEATURES A STUDENT PICKED AT RANDOM.
NICOLE IS CURRENTLY A 3RD YEAR STUDENT AT GRAD FILM. WE ASKED HER A FEW QUESTIONS, AND HERE’S WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY:
Where do you consider home and what is it like there?
I grew up in the suburbs of Miami. When I think of home I think of the warm sun (I didn’t see snow until I went to college!) palm trees and the diverse group of immigrants who found a home in South Florida and made it the unique, cultural place it is. I think of my Caribbean family, and how my first stop after I land from the airport is usually to pick up a Jamaican beef patty.
I also think of the black methodist church I grew up in, one of the last historic structures in a neighborhood called Overtown, just a few blocks from the Miami Heat arena and rows of swanky condos. Miami has a rich black history that not many people are aware of.
What is currently inspiring you as a filmmaker?
I am currently inspired by film and television shows that are innovative, hard to define, and that keep me guessing while watching. I love Donald Glover’s Atlanta, and had a lot of fun in the movie theatre watching Everything Everywhere All At Once.
As we slowly inch out of this pandemic, this last year I’ve been inspired by traveling and seeing my friends and family. After being isolated, so many people in my life are making strides in their creative careers and their wellness, and experiencing big, positive, life changes. It is inspiring and fulfilling to see people I’ve known for so long grow and change in beautiful ways.
What has been your most rewarding experience at NYU Tisch Grad Film so far?
My favorite moment each semester is when we all return from a long production period, and we share rough cuts of our films. My classmates all have such unique and distinct voices, and it’s been a true honor to see how everyone has nourished and strengthened their craft over the last few years.
I also really enjoyed shooting my 2nd year film last year in Florida. It was fun showing my classmates where I grew up, and my parents finally have a sense of what I do every day at Tisch.
Check out her Vimeo.