Year: 2013

Everything Can’t Be A Priority (…but actually)

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I currently attend a small private university (SPU). I can’t speak for all SPU’s and I definitely can’t speak for larger universities, but on my campus being over-involved is highly encouraged. Don’t get me wrong, we all know it’s not okay. Everyone complains about how they don’t time (period). Not to mention, it’s difficult to get students to commit…fully commit…to an organization. To make matters worse, many will even take on leadership roles for multiple orgs knowing that they don’t actually have time to LEAD the members. Moral of the story: YOU NEED TO PRIORITIZE. Most people have multiple “passions.” However, you’re no help to anyone if you can’t focus your passion and commit your time. Let’s be honest: NO ONE WANTS TO DEAL WITH YOUR SCATTERBRAINED WAYS. Know yourself and what you can handle. Currently, I am doing this very thing (call me a hypocrite). But at least I am taking step number 1 (Recognizing and admitting that I have a problem). Here are my priorities The University Student Film Society* Film Courses/Personal Readings* …

Ambivalence: Senior Year

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Oooooh senior year. It is slowly approaching and my mixed emotions (ambivalence) continue to grow. Being a film student, there is something that I was told by many alumni and professionals… While all of my business student friends (and by that I mean…the students in the business school whose names I happen to know from one class we had together) are running off to their post-grad jobs that they solidified before senior year began… For us in the film community, odds are, we won’t have a job on graduation day. To make matters worse, it’s not our fault. We don’t have control over it. It is just how the industry works. Some people may read this and think: That’s not true, the company I interned with just offered me a job. You are the exception. CONGRATU-frickin-LATIONS. No but really, Congratulations! That’s pretty darn awesome. You truly are one of few. Needless to say, if you have connections from heavily networking or a family friend happens to be someone with a lot of power, use them as …

Think Outside the Box? Ha!…I Didn’t Even See One

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“Think outside the box” is a very popular phrase. One that I usually pride myself on. I tend to find ways to get creative beyond the confines set by a given situation…outside the box. Then this summer occurred. I’m working on a film project and my program instructor wants me to recreate the rough cut that I handed in. He presented me with a simple solution that would allow me to do so without reshooting.  I won’t bore you with the details, but long story short, the mission was accomplished. What blew my mind about the experience was, he wasn’t thinking outside the box. There was no box, in his mind, to begin with. This may seem like a lot of confusing babbling, but basically what I’m saying is… Instead of “thinking outside the box,” throw the phrase away. Ignore the confines of society — unless it’s a legal restriction that will cause you to go to jail — and institutions. Or in my case, GET OUT of YOUR own WAY. You never know, your …

Fear NOT! No Really. Being Afraid is Getting Old.

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I recently began and wrapped a short film. During the pre-production phase there were a couple of fears that a few individuals possessed. 1. Fear that jobs were not being completed. 2. Fear that things would go wrong during production. These fears were not helpful in any way, shape or form. Having no trust in your teammates can diminish their confidence. Especially when they have the same concerns.  Solution: Trust your teammates and hold them accountable. Obviously you should use your common sense. If you realize someone isn’t getting the job done, talk to him/her. Consider assigning them a partner, but start with trust. You never know, they might surprise you. Or they might not. (Sorry, I like to remain realistic). Remember, work TOGETHER not with each other. There’s a difference. As far as dealing with fears of production mishaps, you just have to let that fear go. It’s that simple. Why? MISHAPS ARE BOUND TO HAPPEN, no matter how professional the project.  Solution: Plan ahead to prevent major problems. Do not pre-stress over the possibility …