Struggling artist gave up his day job to be a filmmaker

A Struggling artist gave up his day job to be a filmmaker. Most would say that you're out of your mind. Probably right, but the passion is something that I can't let go of. I enjoy writing, shooting and editing. I don't always get it right, but regardless, I keep on doing what I do, and always finish what I start.

Don't get me wrong, I have training and experience in the industry, 20+ years, so I'm not delusional about how great I am, and head on down the yellow brick road, to a dead end wakeup call. I'm a finisher, I worked at the biggest post houses in Hollywood as a staff editor and post production supervisor for film and television. Freelanced as a Film Editor, On-Line Editor and Offline editor . I started producing because one day the producer didn't show up, I did the job so well, the rest is history.

It's bit harder on your own, you have to find money to support your ideas. It ain't easy because these days, everybody is a producer director. Forget about earning a title, or respect that comes with the title. I remember when the Panasonic AJ-100A and the Sony VX 1000 came out; the independent film community world went crazy, and the flood of home made gumbo cinema soup was born. I held to my guns with the DVW90 P Digi-BetaCam, went on to be trained with the Panavision Genesis, basically a beefed up Sony F950 with Specially made by Panavision prime lenses. Then came the Sony F55, and so forth... The Canon 5D MK II and the RED really changed everything!

Point is, a new industry evolved that made it affordable to shoot Quality low budget films, requiring less and less light, now a days 25000 ASA, with very little noise. I was told to create shape and form with light, the art of light a whole new chapter... I respect the great Film DP's out there, they are masters of the art. They set the standard for the world to follow. So owning an expensive camera and a set prime lenses doesn't make you a great DP.

For the story teller, it is a great medium to test the waters with your craft. Working with actors and pushing the limits of your imagination, without selling your organs to pay for it. I miss living in LA, it is my home. So many talented people who understand the importance of working together. Egos don't go far in LA, or anywhere else. Finding other talented people who have the same passion and drive to collectively work on project, that will help their career's in the industry as well. It's all about networking hands down...

Get your dream team together, and start walking the talk, you'll find your experience more rewarding when you realize that the collective contributor's to any project, will shine brighter, than the one on your own.