Page 64 - Southern Oregon Magazine Summer 2022

neck of the woods | f ilm

how the resulting exposure can increase tourism. “The
northern part of the state has Astoria and Portland, but
here in Southern Oregon we have Klamath Falls, Ashland,
Medford, and Bend. I think the future of cinematic arts in
Oregon is being created here.”

Cannick believes filmmakers need to better focus on topics audi-
ences are interested in. “We need to get the wax out of ears and
listen to what people are interested in. What are they doing, what
are they interested in?”

Other goals including developing an appreciation for film and
future filmmakers through the annual summertime Klamath
Film Youth Film Fellowship. Held in partnership with the
Southern Oregon Digital Cinema Studies program, teens and
beginning filmmakers learn the fundamentals of filmmaking
with an emphasis on economically making short films.
Klamath Film crew working on Phoenix Oregon 2018
Even with his deepening involvement with Klamath Film,
Cannick hopes that retirement from full-time employment and
a move to Klamath Falls will give him more time for his own
filmmaking. He won’t reveal much, but says the script requires
winter scenes. Cannick’s experience in film began at age 19 as
a session musician/arranger in the Los Angeles area. “I learned
a lot about film in the process.” Along with regular jobs, for
several years he was staff composer for TCA films and in 1980
co-founded The Research Company, a small scientific/technical
film company in Hermosa Beach.

He’s lived most of his life in large, metropolitan areas, but
Cannick, like his dog, prefers a small-town lifestyle. “I’m the
only one in my family who does,” he tells with a gentle laugh.
“They’re all baffled why I like rural living. I just enjoy it. I enjoy
the peace and quiet.”

And nights at the movies.

Courtleigh Cannick,
Klamath Film’s
Executive Director
The Ross Ragland Theater in Klamath Falls

62 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | summer 2022