Went to a SocialMediaClub meeting in Austin.   This is where a variety of professionals from different disciplines, and we addressed overcoming resistance with scriptwriters to communicate with each other and with movie producers.  Still needed to develop the concept, writers are almost by default suspicious when they share their work.    

Overall, several meetings with a couple of fellas who wanted to introduce their product.  Possasible assist with movie, will keep you updated.

Be Dependable

I had one of my friends contact me Sunday evening, 7pm, asking me for a favor;
"do you know a hot girl that can come out to shoot tonite".

This friend was doing a film shoot out in Lytle Tx, easily an hour and a half drive from most anywhere in San Antonio, it was getting really late, and he was in a bind. I called and texted anyone I could think of, reaching some (I am embarrased to admit) I haven't talked to in a long time. My one ace in the hole was unavailable, and even thought this would have been her first major role she would have missed out on her first day on the job. Can't be giving that up for deffered payment, more on that later.

The point is that you cannot be showing up absent when it is time to roll camera. Some people do it because they don't take the film they are in seriously, others because they chicken out at the last minute. I've even heard some people come up with the "family problems" excuse.

Let's make one thing clear. A film is a series of sacrifices and compromises, a testiment to a group's dedication and a monument to time, relationships, and monies lost that may never be recovered. Even Stanley Kubrick's first marriage came apart at the seems during his first feature. So if you are a slacker, a pretender, a weak wannabe that wants to test the waters to see if they are cold, let me be the first to tell you "Yes, the waters are frigid". And not only are they frigid but they will rob the very warmth of your heart as you try to gasp for air. If you make it, if you can follow through with the simple agreement of learning your lines, overcome your fears and commit, then you will have accomplished what most can't even envision. That is what living creatively means; living a more full life.

But if you can't, turn away, live a quiet little safe life, free from risk and reward. And for those of you who fail to follow through on your word, who don't appreciate the sacrifice of others and lead people on to believe you have drive and do not, my guess is that not to many people will miss you when you are gone.

Beware the Gatekeepers

I was found out last night. I had previously worked as a recruiter with a local casting agency in the San Antonio area. I have to, on occasion, "explain" myself. The quick version is that the talent agency I worked for, although not technically doing anything illegal, was not all that is was made out to be. I will carry my share of the blame, and I did sincerly believe that the owner had the actor's best interest in mind.

The problem was that the owner portrayed himself as a gatekeeper. To clarify, when someone portrays themself as the only road to travel, the only one in the know, the only show in town, I call them a "gatekeeper". They will play with your mind, and they will have enough general knowledge of the film industry to answer the majority of your rookie questions intelligently. Often, they will posses real skill, wether it be in front of or behind the camera. The common detail is that they prey on your desire to make it big.

There are some things that are standard in whatever industry you get into; most independent filmakers use Final Cut Pro, all actors will need good headshots, and writers should be writing everyday. My advice on this topic is to make your connections in groups, like at the Film Forum held by the San Antonio Film Commision held monthly at the Main Library downtown (affectionatly known as the "enchilada red" library) . Check out their website at http://www.filmsanantonio.com for details on their next meeting. There is also a competion for filmakers coming up the 2nd weekend of August, and the participants are looking for actors, writers, and various crew positions. A very good experience for all involved, more details at http://www.48hourfilm.com/.

In conclusion, just be reasonalble in your expectations and get to know who you work with if at all possible.

Until next time,
Armando Guerra /PapaBear

Make yourself available

I often encourage people to be available to new and odd things as part of the "program" to living more creatively. This bit of advice is two fold; involve yourself in activities you would not normally go to, and be willing to go further than you would normally consider when opportunities arrive.

While several examples come to mind, I'll stick with the two that are coming up shortly in the South Tx area.

There will be a Film Forum tomorrow hosted by the San Antonio Film Commision (www.filmsanantonio.com), and the talk will be on how to promote your film within your community. If the conference is to be geared to that topic, what benefit would there be to those of us who are, say, actors or screenwriters? You always want to be where people serious about making film meet if you want to get into film. Ask them what they are looking for in their next project, what they enjoyed about making their film and what they need to make that film a success. If you are a photographer, accountant, or a web designer, (don't let these choices limit you, there are dozens of things that a film needs done) you can generally find someone who is looking for a little help to get from "done" to "distributed". Independent film is all about wearing multiple hats, and noone is a specialist until they have paid their dues.

Another event coming up the first week of August is a talk by a real hollywood script agent, sponsored by Upstart, Inc. in Bastrop TX (about 2 hours drive from most of San Antonio). You can read all the details at http://www.upstart.citymax.com/articles/article/4251370/104251.htm . She will be reading from her book "The Real, Low-down, Dirty Truth About Hollywood Agenting". For those who have an interest in getting their scripts sold, this would justify the 2 hour drive.

I mention these two examples because you would be amazed at how much resistance you get from those people who say they seriously want to break into the business. If you don't have a car, then "pitch" the idea to a friend to take you. If you can't plead with emotion to your friends and family, can you hack it during an audition? If you can't break away from your job to make such a fruitful event, then this is one of those tests that will determine if you are really willing and able to take that jump. You don't have to make every event, but there is a problem when you don't even make it to one.

Life has a way of challenging you at every turn, but those who really tap into their calling seem to exhibit the ability to make things happen. And that, my friends, is the quality they're looking for...

One thing leads to another

I belong to several different groups that are managed by a website called Meetup.com. Since most people I know give me the "what is that look", I will say that it is a website where you can join a group that has mutual interests (e.g. dog lovers, travel, wiccan, etc.). My groups include filmmakers, actors, movies, and dining out, and today's lucky choice was dining out. Apple Annies at 555 Bitters Rd. has an excellent Sunday brunch, not a huge variety but what was there was so good.

Moving quickly, will take what was an eventfull day and summarize as follows;
-talked to a sweet older lady who loved to talk as much as I do (or maybe it was I that kept up with her) ; she is going to give me contact info on a guy who has written a book on the biker lifestyle. I have ideas on how to promote his book and want to help him out.
-found an actress for my next short film; she had mentioned she wanted to be in a film, so now she is in My film.
-another person who overheard my pitch for the short film asked me how to "break into" the movie making scene in Texas.

I have been wanting to do a blog related to that last topic. I come across people want to know what it takes to get into movie making/acting/writing in the San Antonio, and I have set up a blog in BlogCatalog, under http://BearsEatMoonshine.blogcatalog.com, for those interested in the nuts and bolts of what I have learned. (use the blogcatalog button on this page if you want to get there to see thier other blog offerings)

Why would I want to do two blogs on the same subject? Simply to have one place to write about what I am doing, and another to put down why I am doing it. This is where I will put down my "theories" and blogcatalog is where I shall put down my "practical" info.

My friend who asked me about moviemaking just called me, she tells me that she has a great idea for a documentary. I gave her some advise and encouragement, and told her to keep up with my blog. And so it begins.

Encouraging others, encouraging self

I had my daughter come to me with an interesting idea for a film; what if when you see raindrops, you would hear different types of music in your head. We brainstormed a bit, like what types of music would correspond with what types of drops, etc. It has not been raining very much in San Antonio this summer, but since it was raining that day, we decided to move on the inspiration, load the video camera and shoot.

Often times I get my own ideas for the film and get bogged down by all the wrong things. Will I have the proper actors, is the story strong enough, when will I have time, where will I shoot, so on and so forth. There are countless things that afford wonderful excuses to not actual doing the film. What was different this time is that I did not want my daughter to do fall into those bad habits. If you have a burning desire, stoke the coals and set the wheels in motion. Luck and good fortune favor those who pursue luck and good fortune.

So we shot some film, my daughter and I made our way around the apartment complex and we got some decent shots. No Oscar's forthcoming, but we had fun. I'll spend the rest of this weekend editing our humble first collaborative work. But more importantly, I will think back on the lesson that I tried to teach my daughter. The principle is sound even if the teacher forgets to apply it now and again.