Hey all, If you want or need advice on how to have a successful crowdfunding campaign here is a 2 hour video presented by Film Courage. I think you’ll get a lot out of it.
Hey all, I hope you are well. I slugging away on the research on my feature. There is so much reading involved. Dear lord. But you know you need to research the subjects you’re writing about. Yes, it takes time but you will write a better screenplay, book, or article. Also you are less likely to get called out for getting it wrong. And for me that would be the worst thing that would be said about my work.
So I would say that bringing awareness to the subjects of the sex slave trade and combat veteran’s issues is my main goal with my film. I was talking to a guy the other night and I told him that the average age that a prostitutes enter the business in 13. He was shocked. With my film I want to educate Americans of a horrible truth. The more awareness on this subject the better.
So I realized I do not write enough. I really need to delicate more time to it. I have 3 blogs: this one, my personal blog and a social and political one. I have lots to say and enjoy doing them. I also think that I can contribute to the filmmaking and art community.
From the founder of Seed&Spark CEO Emily Best Via Film Courage.
Back to the grid. I am doing my research for my film that I have written about on here. It gets hard sometime. I am a vet. I know a lot of my brothers and sisters suffer. Especially those who did directly or indirectly do the killing. It can be a motherfucker. Plain and simple. And it hurts. The film I am doing is a lot about pain and painful things; however, they things that need to be discussed. We as a country tend ignore issues like combat vets issues and the sex trade. It makes people uncomfortable when we talk about them. Well guess what America, that is America, regardless if you choose to except it or not. And trust me, these things will fester and grow. And there will be a point where we will have to pay more than we had too.
What kind of filmmaker do you want to be? You can be a fluffy filmmaker that doesn’t take on any real subject. Tampa is full of them. We are the city of fluff. If you are into one dimensional film, Tampa is where you want to be. But then there are a few people who are trying to say something and using film as a medium to say it. I have a lot to say and find I have many tools of saying them, whether it be film, a series, a painting, theater or whatever is at my disposal . But I’m out there using them, and so should you.
What kind of filmmaker or artist, do you want to be? Do you have things you want to say and discuss. For me, art, film, and whatnot is just tools for me to communicate things I want to talk about. The series I am developing is about topics I want dive into and explore subjects that I find interesting and relative, and also showcase good music and talented artist. Go do the same. There are so many ways to express yourself and so many ways to get it out there in front of people. that you really have no excuse not be working on something. I know I have don’t.
So it occurred to me yesterday while driving, I haven’t written what my series is about as far as a treatment or synopsis. You would think it would be obvious, however everything has been in my head and I have been doing research for it. I have talked and bounced off ideas with trusted people. I found someone who will be responsible for music. Constantly working things out in my head and taking notes, but never wrote the thing out. So I am going to be writing the synopsis and treatment. Now this is terrifying for me and here is why. I have always ran away from writing even though I am a writer at heart. So I am crash coursing it and will tell you what I learned. I also have to crash course into screen writing. Something I have been very intimidated by, which is is why I have found screenwriters instead of writing it myself. With this project I have to write it, at least at the beginning, because there is a certain theme and tone I am trying to convey.
So what else I am doing? I am working with an author who has put out a book that I am going to have edited and then release it. I also am looking into a film which I will produce. I have always wanted to be a publisher and here is my chance. I am currently looking for a editor so if you are an editor please contact me. I think it is a great opportunity to become an independent publisher and a great way to put out great literature and non fiction publications.
So is there anything you guys want me to talk about? Write me and let me know. I would love to look into something for you. Oh, one more thing, I am going to be writing about subjects other than film here like the creative endeavors that I am taking on. I am going to start making artworks again as well as to get into photography which is what I started doing in 97. I started studying fine art photography in the summer of 97. After that I got into sculpting and painting. I really enjoyed doing that and have been wanting to get back into. I think you should always be moving and creating. For me there is so much out there to get into: Art, film, writing, theater, and whatever. It is exciting. Why should you limit yourself. I am a filmmaker and creator of content. To me having no limits on what I can do makes the most sense to me. I say go out and try different things and see which one sticks.
Til next time.
My journey into film 