Rise and Shine - The Jay DeMerit Story

Soccer Banter first interviewed Zach Salsman at the end of March about his role as the cinematographer for 'Rise and Shine - The Jay DeMerit Story' and since then the documentary has moved to the release stages. BUT, a big BUT, they need people to get involved and order the DVD or even make a donation.  I saw the unedited version of this film this past Fall and I was inspired to do more with my own life.  It might be corny to say that DeMerit lived the American dream but instead of doing it stateside he accomplished it in England.  Please spread the word about this great project and GET INVOLVED!

Below is the interview with Zach Salsman from April 1, 2011 and a trailer from the movie. 

For complete information and to order go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1370261090/rise-and-shine-the-jay-demerit-story

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Soccer Banter:  When did you first get into cinematography?

Zach Salsman:  I took my mom's video camera when I was 10 years old and never gave it back.  Wherever my friends and I went, the camera went too.  I was very into making movies at a young age.  When I got to High School I was heavily involved in the television program and eventually decided that media production was something I wanted to pursue as a major in college. As college progressed I narrowed my focus from general media production to cinematography. 

SB:  How did you first become involved in 'Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story'?

ZS:  I do freelance cinematography work so I'm constantly looking for new job opportunities.  I actually just applied for the job from a posting that I found online.  The producers were impressed with my work and my resume so they brought me in for an interview.  I found out later that they had received over 300 applicants for the job in less than 48 hours.   

SB:  You have traveled throughout the USA, South Africa and England to complete this project, what was the most memorable part of filming?

ZS:  I would say that filming in South Africa during the World Cup was the most memorable part of the production.  I had been to South Africa before, but it was completely different being there during the World Cup.  There were so many people from so many different countries, all hanging out together to watch the games. I walked around the streets with my camera and a soccer ball and everyone just wanted to kick around.  I got most of the interviews in South Africa from first kicking a ball around with people and then asking if it was okay if I interviewed them.  
 
SB:  Where does the documentary currently stand in relation to being distributed?

ZS:  The film has been accepted into a few film festivals already but we are currently still seeking distribution.  We are hoping that it will be well recieved at some of the festivals and that will eventually lead to a distribution deal.  

SB:  Prior to this documentary what was your involvement with soccer and are you currently working on any other soccer projects?

ZS:  I played soccer growing up in youth leagues as well as all 4 years of high school.  I was recruited to play soccer at the college level at Quinnipiac University but the coach got fired right before my first season was to begin.  The new coach brought in his own recruits and I was invited to try and walk on but that didn't end up working out.  My sophomore year I started shooting for Quinnipiac University's Women's soccer team and continued to work for them until I graduated in 2009.  After "Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story" was finished I shot another documentary entitled "Soccermen" that follows two Englishmen to Micronesia on their quest to play for the worst soccer team in the world.  That was quite the adventure.  I currently work part time for the United States Soccer Federation as a videographer.  Recently I covered the U17MNT World Cup Qualifier in Jamaica and am actually writing this from Guatemala as I am here shooting the U20MNT World Cup Qualifier.