I just discovered I had a Substack account because someone started following me, even though I had no posts, only interactions with other folks who post.
So why am I telling you this? Are you still reading?
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OK, so I am a filmmaker, defined as all-inclusive of many jobs in filmmaking, of course, with a focus on certain jobs and aspects of filmmaking. I am a master of none, but I have made a good living in the Camera Department, and for the last 20 years as a Cinematographer and Commercial Director as well as a Camera Operator, you know the kind that can operate wheels and handheld ;-).
I continue to endlessly learn these crafts.
I have also produced many projects of my own and executive-produced for others. I have worked as a (key) Grip as recently as last year, as a casting director, albeit I am still very green at that, and Gaffer. More recently, my path has led me to screenwriting and directing my first feature film; it’s a very long road, BTW, regardless of experience, so it seems.
I started as a PA in VFX, then an AC in VFX, the focus puller, and a camera technician. My educational resources were limited back in the day. I went to community college for three, yes three years, then a state school, then I moved to LA on a hope and prayer. Technically, I shattered the rules, or maybe that is my ego talking? I hunkered down, studied a lot after school, and learned from many of the best and most successful. I was handed nothing without earning it.
If you’re curious, ask me how?
Many of these job opportunities were made possible through curiosity, opportunity, and tenacity.
So, where does this land us? Well, I have learned a lot over the years, probably forgot more than some know. And now I wonder if there truly is a way to share the knowledge and an educated opinion?
Is there a way for me to not only monetize but to inspire others?
(For now, this Substack will be free – as will my educated and experienced perspective. I wonder if I charge, will they come?)
I admit openly that I am good at, and I also flail at marketing my skills and abilities. By my measure, my work and reputation stack up pretty well amongst my peers, yet at times I find myself empty-handed and out of pocket, scratching my head and wondering where I misstepped, then landing an opportunity out of the blue that is epic! I can easily count many of the opportunities presented to me as homework, and hard work paid off as well.
I have taught many classes and groups of people over the years. My first speaking engagement was at Brooks, before it closed, then AFI, USC, UCLA, Pasadena Arts Center, and countless other opportunities to teach and share, most of which were unpaid. I did OK as a speaker and Chairman for the ECA awards for 17 years; after that long, I must have done something right.
If I ever spoke at an event you attended and I was better than OK, let me know. Thanks.
So here I am, open to questions and offering guidance for future, current, and experienced filmmakers. Happy to engage in chat and chatter, to share ideas and concepts, to learn and to teach, to grow and to inspire. I believe in community, that rising tides raise all minds and opportunity, that collaboration is the key to happiness, and that no one is an island.
I am also seeking advice, guidance, connections, and mentoring on my journey to raise money and make a few films… before I am dead.
Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.