Brian Hart may not be your typical caped crusader, but that makes him no less a Salem superhero. He is a capital city native whose life mission is to make Salem a better community. Much like Clark Kent, you may not see his hidden superpowers unless you have had the privilege of attending one of the many activities Brian helps create and organize. Whether it be his prior volunteerism with roller derby or current involvement with Make Music Day and TEDxSalem, you will find him lending time and talent volunteering with enthusiasm and passion. When he is not busy helping to create a more vibrant and thriving Salem, he fills his time at Allied Video Productions where he has been employed for the last 13 years, and more recently part-time with The RiverCity Rockstar Academy. In 2011, Brian was voted by the public, through The Statesman Journal, one of “Salem’s top 20 under 40” and dubbed “The Original.” Brian lives up to this title throughout all aspects of his life. Almost five years ago he decided to embark on a 30-day challenge not to drive and has been peddling rain or shine ever since. What started as a personal challenge ended in a new lifestyle. He is continually challenging himself in new and exciting ways. So stop, and marvel at what makes this Salem Superman tick.
What is your favorite thing about Salem? Salem is having a bit of a renaissance and it makes my heart sing. I was born in Salem and have lived here almost my entire life. When I was young I hated Salem and was part of the problem taking part of the horrible nickname “So-Lame.” When I turned 30, I decided to be part of a movement to shed that image once and for all. I love Salem with all of my heart!
What is your favorite thing to do in Salem? I love putting on events and watching others glow in the splendor of it all; TEDxSalem, Before I Die, StoryCorps, One Billion Rising, Cool Sheets, The Reel Film Snobs, the Salem Progressive Film Series, Make Music Day, and The Salem Film Festival are just a few. All of these events past and present I do for no pay, but the happiness I get in return is priceless. They have changed me. Seeing a spark in others is one of the most rewarding things you can possibly experience.
Where would you go in a time machine? I would like to see the world in about 200 years in the future. I hope it’s still around and I would love to see the new tech!
If you could make one change in the world, what would it be? I believe that If everyone practiced loving-kindness meditation for at least 10 minutes a day that almost every problem in the world would go away.
What does courage mean to you? Embracing fear and moving forward anyway.
If you were to meet your 20-year-old self, what advice would you give him? If there is no chance of a flash point I would just tell myself to stay curious, that I’m doing a great job, and that everything is going to be just fine.
Where are you happiest? Being around my friends and family are definitely my happiest moments. They mean everything to me. I also find happiness in volunteerism. I’m also a big hippie, so I am in complete awe with people and the world around me. I live a charmed life and I don’t take any of it for granted!
Favorite movie? Impossible question. Some of my favorite directors are Kubrick, Hitchcock, Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman and the holy independent trinity, Kevin Smith, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. They are why I got into film making.
Most interesting famous person you have met and where? Oh dang! This is a tough one too. I have volunteered for the Sundance Film Festival for 18 years, so I have met a lot of actors. Watching Robin Williams perform for 45 minutes during the Q & A of one of his last films was something I’ll never forget.
What is your most treasured possession? Nothing. I try to not be attached to any of my possessions. I like my bicycle, my tech stuff, and my 27 house plants, but I try not to be too attached to them. I don’t find that very helpful to my overall happiness.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? This question makes me laugh. I have no idea…Superman?
Stanley Kubrick or David Lynch – That’s a tough one, but I’ll have to go with Kubrick.
Dancing or singing – Wish I could sing, but I’ll go with dancing.
Early bird or Night Owl – I’ve switched over from night owl to early bird.
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 4 (Dec 2018/Jan 2019).