Some of you will recognize the building shown in the included photographs, even if you’re tucked away in the north and have never seen it in person. When I was 20, my film crew and I filmed our short “As Ever,” on the steps of Wofford College’s Old Main - we shot the exteriors here in Spartanburg, South Carolina during our spring break and matched interiors back in Oswego, New York. It was a strategic way to work around the snow. The memories of directing for a good chunk of time on these steps will forever be etched in my mind. Since the scene took place outside, I never really went in (apart from poking my head around quickly). But in September of 2018, my experiences behind those doors proved to be more powerful than any set I can imagine being on - attending the Celebration of Life for Dr. John Pilley.
Dr. Pilley was a renowned professor of psychology at Wofford, and though retirement he continued to pursue research. As a octogenarian he stunned the world by announcing that he had taught his border collie, Chaser, the names of over a thousand objects. Chaser and John continue to be celebrated across all types of media - they showed us that dogs are immensely more intelligent than previously thought, and that through joy and play, they can learn from us. And that there’s much we can learn from them.
Thanks to his generosity, the As Ever production team was given access to the college, local spots in town and across the state to film and pursue our “play”. We are all enormously grateful for the opportunity he gave us.
In June, John went on to his next great adventure, and left us with a legacy that proves relationships are at the core of everything we do, that through curiosity and persistence, we can make the world a better place.
I’m glad I got to see this place again and show it to my dad. The ceremony was masterfully executed by my Aunt Pilley , John’s daughter, and with family and friends including violinist Nadia Kodakovska, flutist Dave Heath and pianist Jay Bianchi, we heard stories that ranged from paddling to pedagogy, listened as the Spartanburg Symphony performed a flash mob of “Ode to Joy”, and raised a glass to his life. 🐶🐾🥃 @chaserthebordercollie @asevermovie #2018
