2008 in Review

Hello all,

With Christmas soon approaching and the end of the year not far off, I figured I let my last blog for 2008 be one of reflection. When I look back at 2008 I realize I've done a lot and in some cases things I didn't expect to be doing (acting in two plays and shooting a short film). These special events were on my radar, but with work and school I wasn't actually sure what I would be able to fit in and have the energy to complete the projects. I continue to surprise myself with the energy I seem to muster up for my artistic endeavors.

I'm grateful that I had two opportunities to get back on the stage this year. While I planned for No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs, Anton in Show Business was a complete surprise. Each play was different in its genre and scope. The plays required that I use different skill sets to get solid performances and that was a challenge for the actor in me. I definitely feel like comedy is much harder to do then drama, because timing is everything. I have to give it up to stand-up comedians. I think most people take for granted how hard it is to make people laugh and even if you do it well, the pay mostly sucks and you get no benefits like insurance or a 401k.

I'm also grateful that I have a full-time job that allows me to further my education and pursue my passion, even if it is being pursued part-time. With a recession showing no signs of ending anytime soon, it is essential that I have job. I look forward to the day when I can pursue writing, filmmaking, and acting full-time. While that day may never come, it doesn't mean I give up.

I think that is probably the greatest lesson that was reinforced to me this year. I can't give up, even when adversity has me knocked down. It is all about perseverance. Where there is a will, there is a way. Yes it is a cliche, but I believe it to be true. Things are definitely looking up for 2009, but I know there are no guarantees on anything. I feel like I'm stepping up by game as a writer (becoming a finalist for the first time ever in the Gem Literary Festival), but I've also received enough screenwriting rejection letters to know I still have a way to go.

On another positive note, things are looking a little better for After the Headlines (ATH). The missing coroner scene is found (YES!!!). I just need to digitize the footage and get it to the editor before he leaves for L.A. I'm not sure if that will happen, but if it doesn't, the edit will go on without the scene. At this point in time I can accept that post-production on ATH will be done slowly but surely. Sooner or later I will have a rough cut. I want the best film possible, so I'm willing to wait(like I have a choice, lol). The ups and downs of post-production thus far have taught me to be patience and to hope for the best, but expect the worst.

2009 is going to be another busy year. I have a thesis to write, a short film to edit, a film screening to plan, short film festivals to enter, to revise Finding Patience, as well as start some new writing projects. No rest for me! I keep going and going!

In closing, I would like to say a special thank you to all of you who read and comment on my blog. You all continue to encourage and support me in all my film and acting endeavors. It makes a world of difference to know others believe in me. So many people have helped me throughout the year! I consider myself extremely lucky to have the support network I do.

I wish each one of you all the best this holiday season and in 2009. See you all next year. Happy Holidays!