Indie filmmaking is tough. It’s very personal. It’s time-consuming. It’s risky. It’s often really expensive. But it can be incredibly rewarding.
I remember a day when I asked a filmmaker how to get started. His answer? Just go do it.
I was angered by the simplicity of such a response, but I needed to hear it. I needed to be angry. I needed to start somewhere. He gave me that starting point.
Since that day, so much has changed in my life. I have fallen madly and deeply in love with filmmaking — and all of its challenges and frustrations. It’s an art/business that absolutely fascinates, excites, and delightfully exhausts me. I’m totally and helplessly hooked.
In the past 10 years, I have been lucky enough to learn so many things about filmmaking. Most of those lessons were learned the hard way, through rookie mistakes and blunders. But I think those lessons are rarely forgotten.
They become painfully ingrained, almost like physical scars. You know, those marks that are bravely earned. They become badges to show how you’ve truly lived your life. (“See that? That’s where I got side tackled during a soccer game. She got a red card and we won the game!”)
Not sure what it is about today but I find it to be a truly beautiful day. The sun is finally shining again. It’s been a long series of rainy weeks, and I have missed the sun. Maybe I’m sleep deprived and a little punchy. Perhaps I’m giddy from meeting a challenge head-on recently. No matter. In these beautiful moments, it’s important to take time to reflect on life, I think.
It’s important to enjoy these momentary milestones in one’s life. They are significant. They shouldn’t be brushed aside. They should be celebrated and honored. Because life moves all-too quickly.
The following quote is absolutely one of my favorites. I believe that it is filled with truth and beauty. Enjoy today’s sunshine, the little things in life, and this small taste of positive encouragement, eh?
Up until the point we commit, we dance about the edges and we deny Providence the ability to add to our own actions. But the moment we do, something happens. People and happenings swing into action on our behalf, simply due to the act of commitment. If there is anything you want to do or dream you can, commit. Commitment has boldness, magic, and power within it. Do it now.
— Goethe, German playwright and philosopher
Celebrating this milestone with a delicious dinner at 18 Seaboard, one of my favorite restaurants in Raleigh, N.C. Pictured here are varieties of heirloom tomatoes. They were SO TASTY!