My therapist today told me I was exhibiting signs of burn out. Chiefly, lack of motivation to finalize my edit for the short film TASTE that I made as part of my Directing 1 curriculum.
But I’m sure there are other factors at play — I want there to be an expert hand on the edit and I don’t think I’m that expert. Do I want to be? No, not really. I’m happy to be the writer/director and not the editor.
Also, I’m not 100% happy with what we shot and why we shot it.
Just by Googling, A.I. tells me “While directors often strive to create a film they are proud of, it's rare for a director to be completely satisfied with every aspect of their final movie due to the inherent compromises and limitations that arise during the filmmaking process, including studio interference, budget constraints, and the need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances on set.”
So, I’m incorporating everything I’ve learned this past time and will hopefully improve as a writer, director, producer. Happy to hand off the editing on the next one! Next time, I really want to rehearse more with actors and become a better director for actors.
This semester is off to a sprint as I work on my next short film (SLEEPING MOTHER) as well as developing a teaching philosophy and syllabus to teach undergrads next semester.
Plenty of homework including all the prep work for SLEEPING MOTHER.
Yesterday, I rode home with a TV writing student who talked about having a day job on top of course load. I don’t think I would be able to manage. But she says she has a supportive workplace.
Here’s what my course load looks like:
Production 1 - producing and directing 8 minute short film SLEEPING MOTHER as well as Production Designing several other shorts. We are put in groups of 6 and spend 6 weekends shooting short films.
Screenwriting 1 - writing a feature screenplay to the midpoint. I’ll be working on the feature version of TASTE. I wanted to believe that I could finish the script by the end of the semester but now that I see my course load I am doubting my abilities. I will finish a full draft shortly after classes end, though.
Teaching Practicum - this class is required to get hired to teach undergraduates as a paid TA. We develop our own teaching philosophy, course descriptions and syllabi (x2). This one starts at 9:30am on Thursdays, which is not ideal for me.
Acting for Directors - Judith Weston’s book is the textbook for this course. We just partnered up and acted out a Mamet scene. I loved hearing people laugh at me (in a good way). The instructor has a great laugh.
Cinematography - we study lighting and cinematography with a Canon C200. I’ve already been complaining on social media about being required to take this class. We only meet for 6 sessions (of 6 hours each). I successfully adjusted my attitude last weekend and had a positive experience DP-ing in our groups for an exercise. I hate being miserable so I’ve decided to get over my animosity toward taking a technical class (I’d rather be writing!).
It’s a lot.
Will I be able to maintain my 4.0 GPA? Does a GPA matter to me? Will I get enough rest? Will I finish this program with a solid portfolio?
Lots of questions to consider. Lots of weeks to go.
But I’m sure there are other factors at play — I want there to be an expert hand on the edit and I don’t think I’m that expert. Do I want to be? No, not really. I’m happy to be the writer/director and not the editor.
Also, I’m not 100% happy with what we shot and why we shot it.
Just by Googling, A.I. tells me “While directors often strive to create a film they are proud of, it's rare for a director to be completely satisfied with every aspect of their final movie due to the inherent compromises and limitations that arise during the filmmaking process, including studio interference, budget constraints, and the need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances on set.”
So, I’m incorporating everything I’ve learned this past time and will hopefully improve as a writer, director, producer. Happy to hand off the editing on the next one! Next time, I really want to rehearse more with actors and become a better director for actors.
This semester is off to a sprint as I work on my next short film (SLEEPING MOTHER) as well as developing a teaching philosophy and syllabus to teach undergrads next semester.
Plenty of homework including all the prep work for SLEEPING MOTHER.
Yesterday, I rode home with a TV writing student who talked about having a day job on top of course load. I don’t think I would be able to manage. But she says she has a supportive workplace.
Here’s what my course load looks like:
Production 1 - producing and directing 8 minute short film SLEEPING MOTHER as well as Production Designing several other shorts. We are put in groups of 6 and spend 6 weekends shooting short films.
Screenwriting 1 - writing a feature screenplay to the midpoint. I’ll be working on the feature version of TASTE. I wanted to believe that I could finish the script by the end of the semester but now that I see my course load I am doubting my abilities. I will finish a full draft shortly after classes end, though.
Teaching Practicum - this class is required to get hired to teach undergraduates as a paid TA. We develop our own teaching philosophy, course descriptions and syllabi (x2). This one starts at 9:30am on Thursdays, which is not ideal for me.
Acting for Directors - Judith Weston’s book is the textbook for this course. We just partnered up and acted out a Mamet scene. I loved hearing people laugh at me (in a good way). The instructor has a great laugh.
Cinematography - we study lighting and cinematography with a Canon C200. I’ve already been complaining on social media about being required to take this class. We only meet for 6 sessions (of 6 hours each). I successfully adjusted my attitude last weekend and had a positive experience DP-ing in our groups for an exercise. I hate being miserable so I’ve decided to get over my animosity toward taking a technical class (I’d rather be writing!).
It’s a lot.
Will I be able to maintain my 4.0 GPA? Does a GPA matter to me? Will I get enough rest? Will I finish this program with a solid portfolio?
Lots of questions to consider. Lots of weeks to go.
