Disillusioned

topic posted Tue, October 9, 2007 - 7:33 AM by  Gothalot
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When I was a boy I found a super 8 projector and a camera in my parents closet along with some dirty swedish erotica. Hey, as a boy you get inspired by that stuff. So I got it out and learned about super 8 REAL fast. The rest is history so to speak. I got my Masters in film blah blah blah from London Film School. I was from LA and slogged my way into movies from being a security guard , p.a. , then directing my first motion picture with a b list actor. I had dreams. I didn't so much want to be famous but I certainly wanted to make a living. I am good at what I do. Geeze what do I do.. I do whatever the challenge brings me, I did a lot of camera work, I made so many shorts before film school and after I cant even remember em all. I art directed, DPd, directed, wrote, made coffee, wrote-optioned and sold a few screenplays some made into movies. I paid my dues really I did. and here comes the but... BUT... things dried up. The work dwindled and dried up over the years. I went into video to pay bills by shooting legal depositions. A very client based and dependent business. When I moved the business became less an less. I have tons of expensive video gear from production to post and I have nothing to work on. I feel despondent, sad, disenfranchised at my chosen career and beaten. I could have been a doctor for what my education cost. I could have at least helped others.

Those that don't do, teach. Those that don't teach give up and die. Im dyeing here. I hear "you just gotta go out and do something but at the moment the inspiration fails me. Am I relegated to working at Jack in the box? Should I start practicing my "would you like fry's with that speech? i just don't know anymore.
posted by:
Gothalot
SF Bay Area
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  • Re: Disillusioned

    Tue, October 23, 2007 - 12:56 PM
    I feel your pain! But there is work out there. Not much but its there. Here is to new contacts!
    • Re: Disillusioned

      Tue, October 23, 2007 - 1:15 PM
      Ive tended to create my own work but even that can be taxing.
      • Re: Disillusioned

        Wed, October 24, 2007 - 7:53 AM
        I'd say hook up with young up-n-comers out of films school who have scripts that inspire you, and maybe their energy and enthusiasm will bring you back to what brought you to this love in the first place.
  • Re: Disillusioned

    Fri, October 26, 2007 - 10:47 AM
    it sounds like you have the beginnings of a great script based on the shifting tide of your field of work. it looks like you have a surplus of equipment and maybe time. Sounds like you could do something in 5 minute blocks and, yes, put it on all of the online video services. A video business card that leads back to you.

    I have a gypsy theater company. I'm a professional actor in an area where that means nothing. The price that I paid for my education and company could have paid for a 'real' education and made me money in the 'real world'. I constantly struggle. I do lots of other things that are not acting or theater or entertainment based.

    Here's that advice that you knew was coming:
    If you are in a town or city that there is no opportunity or work. Move.
    The comes a time where you need to look at the hole you're digging. If the hole is in the wrong place, you need to stop working on it.
  • Re: Disillusioned

    Wed, May 28, 2008 - 6:50 PM
    I've never liked that phrase "Those that don't do, teach" (in reference to the original posting on this thread)
    I play music, and I teach, in fact unlike most musicians I know, I actually love to teach.
    There are spiritual rewards that come from teaching that I could never find on a stage, or in front of an audience.
    People seem to have this viewpoint that those who have failed, teach.
    Performing helps my teaching, and the teaching helps my performances.
    Most artists would be amazed if they were open enough to do both.

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