Inspired By: Steven Spielberg

One of my first big inspirations comes from Steven Spielberg. From Jaws to Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones to AI — his ability to tell a story through film is magical.

In high school, I remember going to the Miss Crawford County Fair pageant and during the one-on-one interviews one of the contestants was asked the question, “If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would you have lunch with?” And she totally BLANKED. Like, couldn’t answer. It was okay for the first three seconds, but every second after became very uncomfortable. I almost yelled out, “just say YOUR MOM! Have lunch with your MOM!” - but I wasn’t brave or loud enough… and then just giggled at the absurdity of the whole situation.

However, it got me thinking: who would I love to have lunch with? And my answer: Steven Spielberg. I’m fascinated by the way he tells visual stories - how does he direct his actors? Many of his actors were nobody famous, but he must have a way of bringing characters to life. More than just geeking out on the movies he has done, he just seems like a very down-to-earth, fascinating person.

I’ve always appreciated his movies - the music, the visual effects, the pacing, the story… he certainly has the ability to take you to another world for a few hours.

Who are you inspired by? Who would YOU have lunch with and why?

Who are YOU inspired by?