In Tune with the Soul: The Making of ‘Do You See Me?’
“Do You See Me?” follows the remarkable journey of blind musician Kyle Woodruff, defying stereotypes and leaving an indelible mark on the prestigious Tabernacle Choir.
The spark for this inspiring tale originated from Camille Gottscheck, the director of the documentary. As she scoured the internet for a subject for her class assignment, she stumbled upon an article showcasing the extraordinary story of Kyle Woodruff. The blind Latter-day Saint musician faced the challenges of COVID-19 with an eternal vision that resonated with Camille. Intrigued, she reached out to Kyle via Facebook, hoping for a quick response to arrange a pre-interview. Much to her delight, within five minutes Kyle eagerly agreed, setting the wheels in motion for a compelling film.
The production journey became a deeply enriching experience for Camille. With a small crew of less than ten people on each shooting day, the intimacy of the setting allowed them to forge a genuine connection with Kyle and his family. As they readied their equipment, Kyle would serenade them on the piano or share lighthearted jokes, turning the filming process into a joyous and entertaining endeavor.
The pinnacle of the production at the Tabernacle Choir where getting authorization was a formidable task. When the green light finally came through only Camille and her Director of Photography made the journey. Despite the hurdles, the experience of being so close to the musicians and the choir was profoundly rewarding. Camille recalls the special moment, “We just could not believe how wonderful of an experience it was to feel the music and capture Kyle’s happiness.”
Reflecting on the production Camille expressed a desire to capture Kyle teaching his class, a facet restricted by the circumstances. Nonetheless, she believes witnessing children’s reactions to his exceptional teaching would have added another layer to Kyle’s incredible story.
For aspiring filmmakers, Camille offers unwavering advice – there are countless untold stories waiting to be shared. She encourages them to look around and identify someone whose remarkable journey deserves to be brought to the world, emphasizing that they might be the only ones capable of doing it.
“Do You See Me?” Is an official selection of the Utah International Film Festival and will be screening at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT. For those eager to stay connected with the filmmakers and their future projects, social media proves to be the the best way to do so as Camille Gottscheck and her crew are active users and good friends, ensuring that their audience stays informed about their upcoming ventures.