Kino filmmaker-actor builds giant catapaults

Sergey Shayevich /Staff
"First we launched a typewriter and a bowling ball. Then we launched a few pumpkins," says catapult builder David Anderson, above, working on one of his many projects in his welding suit.
By Aaron Cowman
SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR

With fewer than a dozen students in a graduating class, developing a unique style is not unusual. Such is the case for David Anderson, a senior at Kino School.

In his spare time, Anderson has taken up filmmaking with a hand-held camcorder and an old Macintosh computer. Making mostly satirical and post-apocalyptic flicks, he has ventured as far as Death Valley to make these mini motion pictures.

Anderson has gathered followers since his start four years ago. "Usually there are about four of us making them," Anderson said. "But I've worked with up to 10 people before."

His favorites include "Food Chain," his longest film at 90 minutes, and an adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown."

Although he is mainly involved with the production aspects of his films, Anderson manages to find time in front of the lens as well.

"I mainly edit and film, but I'm in a lot of them, too," Anderson remarked.

Cinema is not his only interest, though. This may sound a little crazy, but Anderson has also spent a little time making catapults. He has built two of them now, ranging from 16 to 20 feet in height.

"First we launched a typewriter and a bowling ball," Anderson said. "Then we launched a few pumpkins."

His explanation for this need to send items into low orbit is simple: "My friends and I saw an article on catapults and figured we would build one."

Don't expect to see the name David Anderson in the credits of any major motion picture in the near future, however.

Anderson's plans have little to do with cinematography. He plans to attend Lewis & Clark College in the fall, with an education leaning toward history.

"I got interested in the subject after reading a book on James Kirker, a scalp hunter," Anderson explained.

He really has no idea what one does with a history major, though.

"I guess I'll see what subjects interest me and see from there."

Aaron Cowman is a senior at Canyon Del Oro High School