In Their Own Words: Emmett Grover ’21 and Calvin Grover ’22

In Their Own Words

EMMETT GROVER ’21 & CALVIN GROVER ’22

Emmett Grover ’21, from Norway, Maine, is the 2021 recipient of the Hebron Cup and the academic prize for Excellence in Science. He will be attending Princeton University in the fall. He was asked about his creative process and how he became interested in photography.

z Emmett Grover ’21

Ienjoy photography, especially landscape photos, and creating videos that can tell a story visually, whether that be through short films, mini-documentaries, or even ads. My brother Calvin got me into photography and videography, and we often work on projects together. That is especially fun for me.

I get inspiration from my surroundings. When hiking, I’m pretty confident I’ll find a nice view or interesting stream at some point along the way. My videos are much more deliberate. I try to outline the shots so that they effectively convey the story I’m trying to tell. I like having a general storyboard before filming, but with plenty of flexibility. Sometimes I’ll pre-shoot some sequences to make sure the cuts actually work and the scene feels natural, incorporating edits into the final video. It’s really important for me to review my work after completing a project in order to keep improving.

Being given the freedom this year to do an independent study in documentary filmmaking at Hebron was awesome. The support of the faculty was great, and being a part of the Audio-Visual Club allowed me to help with some cool projects for the school. Getting outside and being active helps inspire me. I get really excited about documenting the activities I enjoy.

Looking ahead, I think it would be really cool to be able to travel and create videos and photos that help promote environmentalism around the world.

z Atsuko Fukuda with her grandson Emmett and the Hebron Cup

z Calvin ’22 and Emmett ’21 getting footage for a project

Calvin Grover ’22 is the 2021 recipient of the Compton Prize for Languages and the Chase History Prize. His film Close to Home was a finalist in the 2021 Hotchkiss Film Festival. He was asked about his creative process, where he finds inspiration, and what he hopes to accomplish in the near term, as well as after he leaves Hebron.

I enjoy working on video production, usually in the form of (very) short films and documentaries posted on YouTube and other social media. I also do some photography, but my primary focus is video. I have had many opportunities to pursue my creative interests at Hebron, and I have been able to film footage used for the Academy’s website. Everyone at Hebron has been super encouraging and understanding of my work, which is great, even when it cuts into other things.

My creative process is very spontaneous. After an initial burst of inspiration, I write down how I envision the end product, then I grab my camera or begin to do research for a script. Depending on the type of video I’m shooting, I might be combining stock footage with voiceover, or editing action shots to music. I try to learn at least one new skill every time I make a video, so I’ll pay special attention to what I can work on the next time while editing.

I usually find inspiration from songs, poems, or people in my life. I have been heavily influenced by the films of Dr. Beau Miles, an Australian outdoor educator and documentary filmmaker with a flair for philosophy and adventure, as well as Kurzgesagt, a YouTube channel aimed at making complicated topics in science very accessible, along with many different documentaries on rock climbing, mountaineering, and skiing.

Environmentalism is something that is always at the forefront of my mind. Eventually, I hope to be able to create documentaries, films, and photographs that bring attention to the climate crisis and the people working to combat it. I also hope to develop my own voice as an advocate for change, while empowering others’ voices.