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“Connecting the Dots" Is a documentary series by Tanner Ray. A collection of films that capture the most formative years of life from 18-21 years old. A coming-of-age story and profound exploration of the past.<a href="https://youtu.be/mWyqJx8Kb8Y" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-link-auto="" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/mWyqJx8Kb8Y</a>

Connecting The Dots

Hi I'm Tanner Ray

My passion for filmmaking really kicked off a few years ago after I graduated high school and realized all my friends were gone. Feeling isolated and lonely my mom gave me the idea to make a film about trying to make friends in unconventional ways. That documentary became known as "An Oklahoma Summer". I spent a year working on it, and decided just posting it alone in my room kinda defeated the whole purpose of the film. That being said I decided to call EVERY theater in Oklahoma until one would allow me to premiere the film for my new friends and my community to enjoy. After many many "no's" and even more "maybe's" I finally got a yes. A guy named Blake allowed me to premiere my film at "Admiral Twin Drive-In" a local Drive-In in a nearby city. What I didn't expect was how it would bring my entire community together. The premiere got news coverage, and seeing everyone's reaction to the film made me realize that filmmaking didn't have to be this thing I did alone in my room. Filmmaking could bring people together. I also realized this was something I wanted to do the rest of my life. A few documentaries later and now I'm working on my first ever narrative film "Love You Bye", Based on An Oklahoma Summer. It explores themes of loss, gratitude, and living in the present.<a href="https://youtu.be/YFNAAew3BLk?si=bFkmWNfo-a0Xtm7J" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-link-auto="" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/YFNAAew3BLk?si=bFkmWNfo-a0Xtm7J</a>

An Oklahoma Summer

Mood Board

My experiences growing up in rural Oklahoma, combined with the vibes of A24's "Mid90s" and "Footloose," really inspired me to make this film. I love the idea of juxtaposing rural farm life with the freedom of skating. I have direct access to the landscapes and culture here, which makes it a perfect fit for the story. They always say to "write what you know," and having lived through the challenges of fitting in, I really get this journey. It’s all about capturing those moments of searching for belonging in a place that feels so different from what you want.

Inspiration

Welcome to my creative journey! - Leading up to "Love You Bye," my recent projects have focused on authentic storytelling and personal experiences. I premiered "An Oklahoma Summer," a film that captured the essence of small-town life and the importance of community, gaining attention and uniting my local community. Following that, I completed a feature documentary called "Connecting the Dots," which resonated widely on YouTube by showcasing real-life narratives from my life. These projects have refined my filmmaking skills and deepened my passion for relatable stories, setting the stage for "Love You Bye," where I aim to explore themes of belonging and identity through narrative storytelling.

My past work

[Tanner Ray] - Imagination Fund Proposal

1. Project Idea and Approach:"Love You, Bye." follows an 18-year-old city kid who moves to a small rural town to live with his grandma for a "fresh start." Fitting in feels impossible until an unexpected group takes him under their wing, helping him redefine his sense of belonging. This film draws from my real experiences and the people I've encountered, so I’ll use smaller cameras to keep it authentic. The aesthetic will blend a Midwest country vibe with an alternative grungy indie and Midwest emo feel, featuring a unique mix of Midwest emo and country music. I hope to learn the technical skills of working with a crew, as this will be my first time doing so.2. Impact:I hope the film's core message will help people see life through a different lens and recognize what’s right in front of them. I'm particularly excited to collaborate with Native Americans, bringing together diverse backgrounds to realize this vision. I aim to challenge the stereotype that small-town life is simple and that people here are not accepting, highlighting that our shared humanity transcends race and place.3. Growth as a Maker:I'm eager to learn the ins and outs of a narrative project and get my first one under my belt. The Inspiration Fund would provide the financial support I need to make this film happen, covering costs for equipment, locations, and meals for the cast. Additionally, I'm looking for mentorship and connections that could help me successfully complete this project.