oh the fall brings so many choices

When I finished producing Chimes, I considered my next logical step was to produce a 106...I told myself that my second year I should gain experience, then do a 106. Well I'm all set for that and hopefully Theoryland can make it to there, but I've also been thinking about back-up/alternate options. I have built up 106 so much in my mind as to think I HAVE to make one, and yes, I really do in my time here as a major, but if it's not the right project, it's not the right time. I told myself that even if Theoryland doesn't get in, I would just try and produce someone else's project...but now I am more skeptical about that thought. I think I would want to produce an animation, so perhaps with the right people, and a great idea, I would jump on a project post-pitching. But if it's not right for some reason, I'm thinking "no" because to produce a project is a very serious idea to me; I would want to put my all into it. That's my thought for now, yet again once I step in that production hallway, I may think differently, we shall see.

As I start again with Greenscreen, I am reminded how much time and commitment it takes, so that makes me excited that even if Theoryland doesn't get in, I will still have my "in" with production; and even better because lately I have been really into collaborating and facilitating, even more than making my own art. For example I have lately thought of the job world of agents and management...something I never really thought of before in terms of the entertainment business.

So here are the options:

(1) If Theoryland gets in:

-106
-Greenscreen (this will be the case no matter what)
-Cam Con

(2)* If Theoryland doesn't get in (even thought I hope it does!)

-Get a job at Campbell Hall theatre (they offered me a job during reel loud; I like the people, and it gets me back in the theatre)
-Greenscreen
-Cam Con

*And for Option #2, the thing for me to think about is that I might be more prone to work on IVDV (which I feel an obligation to do so because I practically started it; and REEL LOUD (which has been really close to my heart since I started UCSB).
-Reel loud begins in the winter, which would interfere with 106 in terms of priority.
-I think this year IVDV may be in the winter

If I produced Reel Loud, I would want that to be my priority for spring(but hopefully I can talk Joe into creating a new system of leadership, so instead of one producer, there are 4 {like IVDV}, that way there is more team work, rather than a faulty dictatorship like this year.

-And 106 gives me no time for a job, in conjunction with Greenscreen...so having a job would be pretty nice, especially come Reel Loud time in terms of making a film- for Reel Loud, making a film is magical...I want to be on the committee and make a film; I know that that causes some issues...even though I don't think it caused much for me this past year, but there is a huge difference in making a film and making the festival...I don't know if I would be able to relinquish the magic of making a film so that's something to think about too.

So there are some things to think about; i guess getting those options on paper may clear things up for me soon...but essentially I can't really plan much of this because everything is based on what happens after the pitches.

It's just so exciting I have all these options, yet a little overwhelming that I will have to choose my priorities and annoying because I can't do everything!

If anyone actually read this and understands, and you have any comments or thoughts, let me know, otherwise here's to a lengthy "note-to-self!"

summer update

Just thought I would post an update about what I'm working on for the summer.

Last weekend I helped out on set of the DIRECTOR web-isode series, Episode 5.

This summer, I am in the stages of pre-production for the film I plan to pitch for the 106 film class in the fall. It is a script written for Film Studies 192 A, about a student who falls into her animated film, met with film theorists along the way...in a trippy adventure setting.

Pre-production mainly entails, honing down the script, putting together a budget, and putting together a crew.

So far, my crew that is set is Samantha Cohen as director, Leigh Mierke and Erica Pearsons as cinematographers, and head artist, Simon Estrada. I look forward in securing an editor soon, as well as a team of animators; a production manager is still iffy as well. It is very difficult to get people to really commit because everyone in the below the line jobs would like to see what else is being pitched before they decide what to work on. But, the cool thing is, that this script is really solid so people seem to be reacting to it really well. I plan on, a week before the pitch, holding auditions for the main actress, and perhaps putting out a casting call for the adult actors, that way if we get in, we can get the ball rolling. This would also be the time to do interviews for an Art Director and sound people. I figure if it doesn't get in, we just tell people that is a possibility ahead of time, but if it does we will rock it so nicely because we will practically be ready to plan test shoots and weekend 1 of filming. i figure too much waiting around is just an excuse to be lazy.

Lastly, soon I will be starting my work as an undergraduate executive producer/creative director (haven't quite figured that out yet lol) for Greenscreen. Greenscreen is the environmental media initiative that supported Chimes of Gaviota. I will now take on a broader role; no longer producing a specific film (because hopefully this whole 106 plan will work out), but instead will be helping all the projects as they create media geared towards local environmental issues.

Oh yea and then there is Cam Con. Seems like I got myself into that one too haha. This will be it's debut year, as a weekend, or week-long seminar/fair/workshop geared toward lighting/gaffers/cinematographers. I think I will help organize that event. Oh boy.

Phew...and you wonder why I haven't updated in so long.

Chimes of Gaviota or I've Got the Real Estate Blues now has a website:

www.chimesofgaviota.com


Watch the entire film online!

DVDS are now available too. Contact me or the website if you would like to order a copy.

Film Contest

This is an upcoming contest that my sister told me about hosted by the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. Take a look HERE, there are nice cash prizes.

tail end of the quarter

Film production for my sophomore year is officially over. Reel Loud was amazing. I got to call the whole show as stage manager...something I haven't done since high school. It was such a great feeling, even though I had no preparation...it was like a spontaneous and surprisingly organized show for me in terms of the films and light/sound cues. I realized on Friday how much I miss theatre. Reel loud is a really good combination of the two because on the actual show, film and theatre meet; in addition to art and music.

To be honest I really did work myself a bit too hard this quarter. I thought the last two with Chimes was busy and tough...but oh boy. I would say never make your own reel loud, work on a few others, and plan two film festivals, but it was sooo worth it. When I see everything come to fruition, my recollection of stress almost goes away. What I love is that I'll get a break right now (besides all the papers I have to right in the next two weeks) and for me, a break just means a build-up of more creative energy. Soon I will be so ready to start another project. I am already getting excited for the script that I have begun writing with Leigh for 192. I can already see how self-reflexive it is going to be, which is kinda overdone, but in this case is just a true catharsis.

Things I learned from Reel Loud:

Work hard and it will make a difference
It's all about planning ahead
Don't be afraid to be over-prepared, even if others think it's silly because they will be thanking you later.
Align yourself with people as hard-working and responsible as you.
Stand up against injustice and poor treatment by crew members
Have fun
Don't forget the importance of personality, even in the grand scale of a large event
Keep that romanticism of Art.
My first writing/directing experience!
How to cut and splice film and use a projector!

Reel Loud and Twigs

All the films I worked on this Reel Loud Season, are officially in: Jesus Blues, Doodles, and Twigs and Tracks. Twigs and Tracks is a little more near and dear to me, since I wrote, produced, and directed it. It will be premiering in two weeks. I may not be able to see it that night, because I will be stage managing backstage, but hopefully it will be legit. Let's just see if I can edit it, put together a beatles cover band, and organize a unicycle stunt in a week...!

IVDV this Saturday!