Director Sean McNamara joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to talk about the lessons he’s learned from On Fire the Film, Reagan, Soul Surfer and more.
Director Sean McNamara is the force behind such films as Spare Parts, The Miracle Season, Soul Surfer, and the recently released Reagan. His creative prowess, directorial skills, and even more so, his humble nature, have gained him a reputation in the industry as “an actor’s director.”
Six and a half years ago, Sean read the script for a film called ON FIRE, fell in love with it and has been steadfast in bringing it to life.
Today, Sean shares insight from the filming of ON FIRE the film. But more importantly, he shares what it was like growing up in a large Irish family, how his parents challenged him to do mighty things, his journey from starting as a Production Assistant delivering scripts to directing box-office hits, and so much more.
My friends, you’ll leave this conversation- with my friend Sean McNamara- full of joy, hope and excitement for what’s to come not just for On Fire the film, but for your lives.
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SHOW NOTES:
- You can do anything. By his parents providing a positive upbringing, Sean started making short films at 12 years old on their family trip to Ireland.
- Starting as a Production Assistant (PA) delivering scripts, Sean took pride in learning his position before taking on more responsibilities.
- While shadowing John Landis on the television show Topper, Sean admired his energy he brought to his craft and the care for the actors.
- “I am a cheerleader for my actors and my crew, trying to bring out the best of the best that they have.”
- Genius! Brilliant! Savant! After wrapping a scene, Sean frequently says “genius!” or “brilliant!”. In filming Reagan with Dennis Quaid, Sean adopted a new word: Savant!
- Struggling for six years to find another movie to direct, Sean worked for Candid Camera where he learned how to get a real performance out of people — even if they didn’t know it!
- In filming, and more importantly in life, things don’t go as planned. Sean reminds that no matter how bad things can get, let it be bad for awhile and then move on.
- “I read it for sport.” – Sean McNamara on reading the good (and the bad!) reviews of his work.
- “It doesn’t come to you. You have to set out to follow your dreams and go for it.”
- “Life is challenging and there are miracles everywhere. You have to keep recognizing that you can follow your dreams and follow your passions.”
- Are you struggling to follow your dreams? Sean reminds us that it’s normal to struggle and encourages us to acknowledge that not every day is going to go perfect but to try do a little bit every day or every week.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Coach Kathy Bresnahan – the lead character from the feature film The Miracle Season. After their captain and all-star player was tragically killed, Coach Kathy Bresnahan guided the high school volleyball team through grief to a state championship. It’s a story of strength, faith, perseverance and love. Listen to Coach Kathy Bresnahan on ep. 89.
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SEAN MCNAMARA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I used to play more. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Photo albums. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. John F. Kennedy. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Forgive and move on. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Enjoy the freaking ride. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. He came into this world. He surfed a lot. He wiped out a lot, but he always got back up on the board and went for another ride.
