Probably a year ago, I made the introduction of a gentleman named Mr. Jace Freeman who it turned out was a brilliant filmmaker in the early stages of his career.  Occasionally, and often over a pint of ale, we would discuss menial topics of far less consequence than his or my art, until Mr. Freeman made casual mention that he had heard a rough recording of The Grey House in visiting one of my virtual destinations.  It was then that he revealed an interest in making a short film which would supplement the then unrecorded final rendition of that surreal lullaby.  We would eventually meet at a coffeehouse where we would discover an aesthetic kinship in the way of imagery and effect.

The images from The Grey House came to me in a dream.  There was an ominous-looking grey mansion perched upon a hill of bleak and desolate surrounds.  I surveyed that damned edifice from afar with a feeling of utter disgust as though it was the fount of my unfortunate plight.  Yet, The Grey House is a song of inspiration and awakening, for my thoughts and feelings were instantaneously transformed with the entrance – or exit rarther – of a sentient being.  A lovely woman she was, the archetype of purity and grace, and she descended from this sinister abode with all the good cheer and light-hearted presence of an angel in Heaven.  Her alluring beauty alone was enough to quell the most petrified of hearts, but that which she represented would be the thing that completely transmuted my every idea of Heaven and Earth.  This rare beauty, and her child-like heart were seemingly un-affected by those dismal environs!  She was not victim to any of it.  In turn, I began to question if there was anything ‘wrong’ at all!  Perhaps this horrid scene was a product of my own perception..? 

When I outlined this for Mr. Freeman, he seemed even more inspired and compelled.  We set a date for Saturday, April 24 for the initial shoot – a month in the future.  On Friday, April 23, I left the studio with a CD of rough mixes which the producer, Mr. McMahan, had rendered for me.  In listening on my way home, the recording of As the Storm Rolls In stood-out to me as a particular piece of magic.  I contacted Mr. Freeman immediately to suggest the impulsive notion of discarding the past year’s anticipation for The Grey House and filming a video for As the Storm Rolls In, in its stead.  Had the director been anyone else, he might have considered this a flighty notion, but Mr. F. in fact reveled in the idea of honoring the moment!  It is in this way that we truly do see eye-to-eye. 

As synchronicity would have it, a storm did roll in on that day of shooting.  Mr. F. sealed his camera with plastic and duct tape and we shot a video in the midst of a torrential down-pour, high winds, thunder, and lightning.  It was an exhilarating experience to risk our lives for this decidedly worthwhile cause!  As it seems that Mr. Freeman is likewise a man of Faith, neither of us was overcome by fear.  The result, I’m told, is a wealth of inspired footage.  I eagerly anticipate that day when I can reveal it to you!

~Mr. H.