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Seated next to his neatly stacked pile of classic vinyl records, filmmaker James Allred leans back in a red chair with grin on his face as he discusses his love for cinema. He is not a typical student at PCC. Silver-haired and much older than most college students, the 47-year-old returned to school three years ago to finally pursue his dream to become a director.

“Believe me, it took a lot in my 40s before I started chasing my dreams,” Allred reassured. Leaving behind former preconceptions in his younger years of earning money to “get the gold watch,” Allred realized that it was much more important to follow his passion: film.

“Film gives you that authentic voice. You get to speak about issues and moments that resonate with self,” said Allred.

Allred began his quest striving to become a versatile, independent filmmaker by taking classes for acting, screenwriting, editing and directing at PCC.

“I want to know as many skills to break into fortress Hollywood,” said Allred. “The courses and instructors here are world class. The professionalism and the skills you learn are a fantastic foundation.”

Taking part in the cinema program, Allred made his debut as a filmmaker with his short film ‘Final Vinyl’ in May. Spending an approximate six weeks to make his film, the filmmaker showcased his work by competing in the third annual 3C Media Solutions, a student and video festival for California community colleges.

“James is very dedicated and he’s always trying to give his best effort,” said PCC Cinema Program Director Lindsey Jang. “Older students bring a seriousness and he demonstrates that really well. I never get the sense that he cuts corners. He’s earnest and he has integrity.”

As the judges’ favorite and the first film to receive a perfect score in the festival’s history, ‘Final Vinyl’ won the “Best of Show” award.

Following the narrative of a music buff named Eugene, ‘Final Vinyl’ takes the audience on a lighthearted ride through the protagonist’s battle to keep true to his identity or conform to his controlling girlfriend Gina’s ideals. In the approximately six-minute film, music becomes the patchwork for each moment as Eugene struggles to hang on to his soul, his sacred and extensive record collection.

Although many filmmakers use personal incidents in their work, Allred explained that the concept for this film was not from experience.

“It’s not based on my life, my love life is boring,” Allred chuckled, as he disconnected himself from the common struggle he depicted in his film of the relationship and life-changing choice between loves.

Similar to Eugene, however, Allred spoke wide-eyed of a comparable enthusiasm for music. Pointing out the album cover artwork and the sense of nostalgia a vinyl uncovers, Allred has developed an appreciation for the old school form. Parting from his vinyls is similarly painful for Allred.

Even though he has given several to his family and friends after moving, he is adamantly against selling his priceless pieces for mere pennies: “I’d rather break my vinyls in front of you than to sell it at a yard sale. You want to make sure you give it a good home.”

Allred, being immersed in music since his young adulthood with his vinyl collection comprised of immortal rock icons such as The Who, The Rolling Stones and even several ’60s one-hit wonders, has made the film’s soundtrack a pinnacle element that drives the story.

From the choice of music to the time it took to make ‘Final Vinyl,’ this particular film taught Allred the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

“The main thing I’ve learned is collaboration. You can’t do it alone,” said Allred. “I’m so grateful to Mr. Jang, the cast and crew for working so hard on the project.”

At times, the road to getting to a finished product was dusty for Allred with the amount of work and energy it took to create the film, but working with and receiving support from Jang helped Allred “back from the edge of the ledge” in his moments of genuine frustration.

The bittersweet journey in creating ‘Final Vinyl’ has only ignited a greater passion and drive within Allred to overcome the critical silver screen circuit.

With a solid drive and vision to where he sees his future, Allred has already started planning his next short film, making his tactical advance to storming Hollywood’s stonewalls.

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