As part of the Project:Direct contest for YouTube, my newest short film is online. It’s called “The Collection” and it’s the film I’m most proud of making at this point in my career as an amateur filmmaker. It’s a slight departure from the films I’ve made in the past, because most of my movies have been comedic in nature. This is more dramatic and atmospheric.
Sure, there’s things I’d like to change about it. With every project I wish had a real budget. I wish I could film in all the places I want to film. I wish I could visually create everything that pops into my head, but there’s always restraints and restrictions to working on your own. To not having the best camera in the world or the best lighting or the best editing computer. But you do the best you can with what you have.
Luckily, I’ve learned over the years to be flexible in my approach to filmmaking. Being an improvisor has been helpful as well. I still get stressed, when things don’t work out exactly the way I want it to, but I make myself move forward, striving to figure out a way to work through the problems and create something comparable through a little creativity and ingenuity.
I also like working with talented people. I’ve worked with Brian Thacker on several films so far and he’s always been flexible to my way of filming. This recent movie has really allowed him to do something different and I’m excited about his performance. I think people will be surprised.
This is the second film I’ve done with Alena Koch and it’s been a joy working with someone who’s very passionate about her art. Her energy is infectious and her collaboration on this film as well as my last film has been very helpful in how I go about fleshing out the story and characters. She’s been a good soundboard. I look forward to doing more projects with her in the future.
By what I’ve read in the rules for the YouTube contest I should find out tomorrow if I’ve made it as a top 10 finalist in the contest. If I do, then it’s up to the YouTube community to vote on the films. The top 3 voted films can have their movies given to people at the Sundance Film Festival. The top video will allow the director to go to the Sundance Film Festival. At this point it would be nice just to be a finalist, but it would be even nicer to have my film seen by people outside of the confines of NC. Especially, if I can get my foot in the door of Hollywood as a filmmaker.
I guess we’ll see, but all I know is, my passion has grown stronger with each film I’ve done and this most recent entry in my filmography is my favorite so far. It makes me want to make more. It makes me want to create more. It makes me want to dream more.
As long as I surround myself with talented and creative people, I know I can do cinematic wonders. Cross your fingers for me.
Check it out at the link below:
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