This past week has been one of the longest weeks ever. It’s been non-stop studying, working, and test-taking. I had three finals back-to-back-to-back, and I’m still not finished with this quarter. Along with that, I had been trying to fit time to do pre-production for another music video.
Brian Frang (a great guy), whom I worked with late last year on his last music video for his song, “Birthday Wish,” called me up last weekend and wanted me to direct a music video for his latest song, “Free” for a contest on KISS FM. Normally, it’s an easy yes, however, since I knew how crazy hectic this week was going to be, I had to listen to the song and see if I had any energy left to spare.
I took a night. Listened to the song. Ideas just started flowing (hope they don’t ever stop). I agreed to do it. Since I said yes, it was just ridiculous because I had less than a week to flush out my idea, get three locations, find an actress, and obtain some other equipment needed for my vision to come to fruition. This week was really a time for calling in some favors. It also taught me about one of the most important things: people.
I’m the type of person who usually does his best to offer his help when he can. At the same time, my time is valuable. Time is something you can never get back. When I volunteer my time and energy or resources to someone, I have to really believe in what they’re doing and my relationship with them. I want to know that when I volunteer myself, that if the day comes when I’ll need them, they’ll try their best to do the same. If not, that’s fine. They shouldn’t ever expect my help. Fortunately for me, there are certain people in my life that come through 110%
One of the best examples I can come up with is my friend, Herman, a fellow aspiring filmmaker. Herman is amazing. He’s someone who you can almost always count on. If you need him or something from him, chances are he’ll say yes. He’s one of those people that, whenever he needs my help, I’m there. For his last shoot, there wasn’t an ounce of hesitation when he needed my help. I can count on Herman, so he can count on me. Same thing with my friend Spencer, also a great guy. I needed to find another apartment to film in for a few hours earlier today. It’s finals week. People are busy studying, and I knew it was going to be a tough sell. Spencer, who has four other roommates with finals this week, volunteered his place. Then, there’s my friend Courtney (with a final on Monday) who was pretty much my assistant these past couple of days on the shoot. These are true friendships right there.
Some people you can count on, some you can’t. That’s life. I’m just really happy I have people like them in mine. (Thanks you guys.)
The shoot was good. Two hours after I got out of my final, we started shooting. Brian was studying when I was setting up my next shot. Overall, it was great. It really reminded me about the root of what I love doing and that I really can do it.
Lately, I’ve done shoots that have involved a lot people and a lot of opinions. In the industry, that’s usual how it goes. I’m ready for that, but I’m still growing. I’m still learning. To get back to what’s important, it’s nice to have just the talent, the camera, and me. To not have to answer any questions or ask any approval, this was visceral and basic and amazing.
Stay tuned for the final product later this week. But now… back to the paper!!
