Stays and Goes

A new year is upon us. The big reminder that time is moving forward and there’s nothing we can do about it. The global “Ahh shit, I’m older.”

Which is a drastically different mentality from what I grew up with. As a kid, and through college, I always felt young and I could do anything.

At some point though, it changed and I grew up. It wasn’t one thing, but many realizations that built upon themselves. Moments that culminated and have resulted in me sitting here now, writing bits and pieces of thoughts.

So, with the New Year coming up and reflecting on the past, I’ve been been revisiting the old me - wondering, what is gone and what remains.

Well, I’m not selfish anymore, and I’m certainly not naïve. I’ve got a good grasp that life is not fair or easy, and fun and exciting is something you grab -not wait to happen. Which leaves me with hope. Simple and strong. It’s what has quietly been with me all along and continues to move me forward - eager for the next day.

I may be tapping away at the keyboard, thinking “crap, we’re getting old!,” but I’m excited about what the new year is going to bring. It’s taken awhile to understand it, but the key ingredient in my life is Hope and that’s pretty wonderful.

Happy New Year Everyone and here’s to an abundance of happiness, health and hope in the coming year.

stress vs. de-stress

It's so hard to cool one's jets when they're on a roll. O.K. let's switch to first person and call it like it is - I hate stopping anything when I get something in my sights. I think that's why I'm not that keen on holidays. Everyone goes on these dang holidays and nothing gets done. Everything comes to a stop and focus is shifted to relaxing - no more emails, no more meetings, no more "Let's Go!" going on.
Sure I'm all for holiday cheer, peace and good will to all, and hanging out, but this de-stressing, just stresses me out.
Go figure.

Is Good.

Feeling very hopeful. Got that if you believe, it will happen kind of thing going on. A nice change from the NFV (negative f***ing voice) that's usually harping on me. The film is progressing and I'm cooking up ideas for the next film.
Hopeful is good. Really good.

MilkDrive

Got a chance to catch MilkDrive last night at Botticelli's - excellent musicians and really good songs. They played a lot of tunes from their album, which I already have, but I was hoping to hear something that would work for my film. During a break, I introduced myself and was relieved that they knew who I was and that they were planning to send me some music.
So I'm believing and things are moving forward. I can't wait to hear what they send me. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Parlez-vous francais?

So why exactly am I getting Cialis wiener drug advertisements, in french no less, in the comments section on my blog? Just asking.

be done soon!!

Ninja James and the Beast boy - so close to being done! Just a little sound work, replace the music, get some posters, PR stuff and voila, off to the festivals. So close. It's killing me. I'm thinking this will take about a month and then, off to the film festivals and dvd for cast and crew. Please - oh - please be done soon.

MilkDrive

I never thought getting music would be so anxiety provoking. Perhaps I'm not going about it the right way.

First - I assumed that I'd find just the right song. I didn't.

Second - I assumed I'd find just the right band. And I did! I found a local unsigned band called MilkDrive. They are awesomely talented and have a fantastic style and sound. But after combing through their only CD/Myspace, etc., they don't have any recorded slow songs.

Third - Maybe, just maybe, MilkDrive already has a beautiful, pulls at your heart kind of song, but it's still unrecorded.

Fourth - Here's the tricky part - IF the band has a song that fits the film, in lieu of a payment for the use of their song, I offer to record their song (and video tape them recording it), cut in scenes from my film with their recording footage and turn it all into a music video for them (which would usually cost them $$$$).

Fifth - If this all worked out then, the band would have an awesome music video to put in rotation at any music video television station in the world, a new recording of their song, and because it is attached to my film, hundreds (and more) of people are introduced to their song and the band that made it (Free PR!!).

Yes, there are a lot of "ifs," But I believe in my film, I believe in this band and I believe that this is going to come together.

Wish me luck, I'm going to talk to them soon.

derailment

I have listened to more country, bluegrass, alt bluegrass, swing, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, bass combinations in the last few weeks, than I have in my entire life. Which is kinda sad really because I've found that I love alt/indie bluegrass and I absolutely love mandolin.
I'm listening, because I'm looking for music for my film Eulogy Maker. Looking for one golden beautiful, heartfelt song to make my sweet film complete. And this is a major problem, because getting music is a time consuming endeavor, that can derail the post production train.

LOVE BUG AUDIENCE AWARD

Congratulations to Kat Candler and her short film LOVE BUG for winning the Audience Choice Award at the Little Ripper Film Festival in Melbourne, Australia. Way to go Kat!

State of Mind!

Ugh, got the blahs, got the blues, got the arghs! Maybe it's this cold that won't quite go away. Maybe because I haven't heard from MilkDrive about using their music. Maybe I'm just a whiny, complainy, ungrateful, can't see past my nose, forest for the trees, let's get moving, can't stand waiting, silly self absorbed, self obsessed, needy, I'm in remission from cancer and can't believe I haven't reached some awesome zen place, it's time to kick my butt and stop complaining state of mind!
aaaah, thanks, I feel better already :)

Happy Birthday Dad.

I love you Dad, I miss you. I recognize that today is your birthday. I'm thinking of you and see your sweet smile and I kiss your soft cheeks.

good news

I had my scans last week and talked to the doc today.
It's official - My scans are clear - no cancer.
I'm in remission.
Fuckin' A!

musicians rock!

I posted on Craig's list for original bluegrass music, with lead on Mandolin, for my short film. And whoa, what a response. So many talented musicians!
Now I'm a regular on Myspace and have heard about 25 bands and musicians. There is a whole lot of amazing talent out there! It's fantastic knowing they are willing to share their music to be a part of my film.
Thanks musicians!!