Self Reflectance, Inspiration and The Immortality of Edge.

It's funny what happens over the days as you work side by side with the same people sharing a similar vision, passion and drive. Over the past few weeks my fellow directors and myself have worked diligently on creating a grammatically correct and, if you will, lyrically consistent shot list with the hope that we can finesse our way onto the envied pedestal of the 'wow factor' and crush our competition (aka classmates).

Yet a funny thing happened along the way. As we were finalizing our final shot list on Sunday at the end of another 8-hour meeting, the dvd for the U2 concert tour of The Joshua Tree came on. While we were hammering out the details and exploring new and unique camera angles to visually illustrate our story we were suddenly caught off guard and treated to the sounds of my favorite band and their own unique and awe-inducing sounds; U2.

As the song Where The Streets Have No Name came on we paused. Although it's not my absolute favorite song on the Joshua Tree album (however it maintains its position as one of my favorites), I caught myself giddy as a 10-year old and covered with goose bumps as if I'd never heard it before. As the immortal beauty of the whimsical brilliance of Edge cast a inspiring reverb throughout the room I couldn't pull myself away as it's very nature brought about a feeling I haven't felt in a long time. it's almost like his guitar speaks it's own language that pulls you in and generates an awe inspiring, jaw dropping butterfly turning experience of its own. Comparatively, it was on par with when I made the incredible discovery of what Skittles were for the first time - so different, strange, unique yet compelling that you find yourself thirsting for more even when you're stuffing your face full of them.

As the song ended we got back to work, but for those 6-minutes or so, I was transfixed into another world - a place I haven't been in a long long time. There are not a whole lot of adjectives that I can think of that would justly satisfy my "awedness" if you will. It was just something that took me away from the realities of my life and what I was doing and brought me to a place where the streets truly have no name.

The Blueprint Part 3

So I figured it was time for a new posting. I'm working on a few things - again more on that later because it's going to be an exciting year filled with many interesting adventures, projects and new acquaintances.

But for now here are some more pics for your viewing pleasure

2009 - The Year of Becoming (Post Script [Part Dos])

For those of you who don't know, haven't heard or if I haven't specifically talked to you yet, something big (read: HUGE) has happened in the past few days. It's something I've been working on for a while now - but things are finally beginning to take off.

As of right now I will not discuss the project, but I felt it warranted an update on the blog, so please check back again soon!!!

2009 - The Year of Becoming (Post Script)

Yesterday I was awarded the position I tried out for.
I was given the task of Directing the movie "Alone"

2009 - The Year of Becoming

Over the past few months a lot of things have crossed my mind regarding my future. I moved to Florida with the mindset that I wanted to be a director, and while that's still one of my goals, I've realized that what I want more than anything is to become a filmmaker.

2008 saw me leave my home, my friends and the girl that I loved to chase after something that any sane person would call nothing more than a crap shoot. Leaving the securities of Arizona behind I came out to a place that was more foreign to me than any other. I had no clue what an f-stop, t-stop, color temperature reading, or a tungsten light for that matter looked like. I was less than a neophyte and in the process I had to look within myself and rely on those closest to me to get me through every day. And while I never knew the strain I put on them, I realize now (albeit too late) the toll that their sacrifice cost...and although that toll was too much for some to overcome, I only hope they could know that I couldn't have made it without them.

In time I hope I can repay them for their effort, their love and their belief in me. For it is that unconditional love that has helped me survive the constant insecurities and rigors of taking on something so foreign, keeping me focused and teaching me to excel in life and not just in school.

And as I write this, I look forward to a new dawn. It's been one-year and one-day since I officially made Florida my home and tomorrow brings about the first of a new series of challenges. In less than 10-hours I will know whether or not if my self belief, my talent and my dream will be a reality - in all but a small series of events.

As I sit here pondering what a year's worth of sacrifices, personal losses and professional successes has brought me, I can't help but think about the inevitable. I'll be sitting in class tomorrow thinking about my future and what it means to me. I'll be thinking about the people who got me to this point, but most of all, I'll be wondering if my decision was worth it.

I know deep within myself that I was born to make movies. Yet, as my passion springs life from my veins the reality is the nature of this fanaticism can take as much away from you as you're willing to give. And that's why I find myself lost in self-reflectance, because as I wait to hear my name called, that question will be lurking in the depths of my mind. Because after all, whether I'm meant for this is not the question - but whether it was worth it. And it all will start in a small series of events which will stand as the hallmark of my pursuit.