I’m back in cyberspace to add a little update to where and what I’m doing next. I’ve been surrounded by a mix of planning, researching, and constantly being on the go with much less to report (other than helping friends out with shooting, editing, and editing scripts). However, I have loved almost every minute of it and now I have some really great news to report…I finally got the word that Nyumbani Village has agreed on my visit. I am set to leave March 28th! I’ll be there to shoot a documentary style teaser for the purpose of being a fundraising tool. I’ll also work on the first steps of shooting a full length documentary for the village.
I am excited that this also has worked out perfectly around my cousin’s wedding in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He gets married on Easter and I’ll leave for Kenya a few days after. Once I’m in Kenya an on the village premises I hear there is no electricity and no air-conditioner. So, this leaves alot of planning I still need to get to to ensure I have enough batteries and battery powered lighting. Well, I’m ready.
Here is my perfect example of how good does come to those who wait. I have really wanted to work on this project for quite a while and I feel truly blessed knowing that I actually get to take on this amazing challenge.
The title cliche says it all. Throughout the duration of this blog I’ve kept you as informed about the progress of one particular project in Kenya. Looks like things may be stalling (or not going as quickly as I would it to work). I have been waiting to get the OK on the budget and funding for me to go over to shoot a documentary short for an orphanage in Kenya. However, after waiting to get the ball rolling there seems to be more waiting that I need to do.
To make a long story short I am going to host my own fundraiser to get myself out there to shoot this documentary. This is day one of the gathering of the necessary resources. Why is this so important to me well I’ve done some research and this isn’t just any orphanage, it’s one that has a self-sustaining method to it. Rather than relying solely on aid to keep up the facilities, this one brings in local elder from the area to teach and take care of the orphaned HIV positive children. I was thrilled to bring to light the importance this would have on other orphanages…gathering the efforts from the land, from the roots to continue to raise these children. Like many of us I certainly was listening to when Senator Clinton made that famous “it takes a village” speech and in this case it’s literally the truth.
So where am I starting on getting this fundraiser going? Well, where else… my own father. He’s been the fundraising expert who has been right there all along. I set up a meeting with him to pick his brain on all the steps you need to take to get the right people to support your mission that will have a lasting impact not only in Kenya but globally as well. Do you see the connection in all of this? There are truths to these cliches…but I won’t go on any further. There’s work to be done!
I ordered my first camera last week and I am so excited about it. Unfortunately we are covered in a few feet of snow so I’m not holding my breath about getting it today (unless the UPS trucks are now running on hovercraft fluid). This is a top of the line camera that was suggested to me by a good friend. I got the call last week that the price had dropped on B&H and immediately bought it…it was perfect timing!
I also heard from the director at Nyumbani and we will discuss plans on Saturday! Wish me lucK! I am also looking into presenting another proposal to a few non-profits in both Tanzania and Kenya. More to come!
If I could write this blog completely on my iPhone I would have a winner, as far as getting in those daily updates. If you were wondering why the site hasn’t been updated, well I came across a technical issue with the blog that I have now fixed! Whew, don’t think I abandoned you guys….
So far I have a video up thanks to my friend Lamar who shot and edited it (click on the “why I’m here” tab). I also have sent a little video out to the directors at Nyumbani. I have to say it can be very discouraging when things don’t move fast enough, especially when you have your hopes set on something. Well, I can say that this time has gotten me working on writing, helping my friends out, and dreaming up all the things I want to do. Right now I have completed a total of 4 videos (shot, produced, edited) for friends of mine using low-budge equipment. It’s at least those baby steps in the right direction.
I’ll post pictures of work and some cool information on the project I’ll be starting this month.
I can now upload video I take with my iphone. What an amazing lesson I just learned. This video is just a simple test shot I filmed this morning on my morning run along the GW parkway. Gorgeous view of the water and I couldn’t help but admire this tree embedded into the water now lapping up its roots. Made me think.
Ok, next up I’ll be looking into international phone plans so I can continue uploading and keeping everyone informed in a very raw and edited way. It’s like the reality TV shows we are all so addicted to. We are all guilty of it, I just see this blog as a way of inspiring others to commit to their own cause and make it a reality.
As for updates on projects here goes: I did receive an email from the Project Natal proposal I submitted two weeks ago. Unfortunately, they had too many talented filmmakers to choose from and could not offer me the position. After wiping off the disappointment from that notice I went right back into the Nyumbani project. The committee member responsible for communication outreach comes back from Kenya today so I will present him with the options I have come up with (getting additional sponsorship and fundraising ideas). I want to get this project up and started next month.
Looks like I’ll be a pro at this blogging system by then! Tips and suggestions are welcome!
I’m sitting here at a cafe off of U street here in the Nation’s capitol teaching myself how to upload information and pictures directly on to the site. Having had no prior knowledge to blogging and anything html involved, I’ve felt like I’ve basically been learning a new language! By getting the swing of things now I’ll be equipped with the confidence to know I’ll be brining all of you with me on my travels.
As for that, I haven’t gotten any responses back from anyone on fundraising ideas, so I’m going to just jump right in and start contacting people who I think would drawn in a large crowd for the fundraiser to get me onboard this solo documentary project. I’ve noticed that there is a BIG difference between idea people and action oriented people. It’s so easy to get caught up in the realm of ideas and imagination…but that quote on genius being “1%imagination and 99% perspiration” couldn’t ring more true. Planning is good but doing is amazing.
On that note, how is everyone doing today? Comments, suggestions…what would you like to see or read more of?
Today marks the start of week number TWO of my world famous leap out of the 9-5 drudgery. It’s MLK day and the Bittersweet Cafe here in Olde Town Alexandria is bustling with people glad to have that extra day off. I just finished helping a friend of mine shoot some footage for his documentary film by the waterfront earlier today. Lamar and his wife Ronnie manage ablog they created focused on marriage and relationships within the African-American community. As an offshoot of their award-winning blog they’ve starting a series of documentaries releasing the stigma placed on the black and married. This particular shoot was for their second documentary on how marriage healed several couples. You don’t have to be black or married to appreciate what this doc is uncovering. I’ll hopefully link up a teaser shortly (copy that Lamar?!)
So this brings me to the title piece. Besides helping on a documentary shoot I was also able to shoot and edit a quick clip for my friendTatiana Guerrero- a holistic health counselor. The video was on how to make a “maca smoothie” – youtube it! I could write a whole piece on the benefits of Maca, a Peruvian root supplement, from my personal experience alone. From mental alertness, a sense of balance, and an overall increase in energy…I’ve noticed a definite positive effect. More on that if anyone is interested but my first week has brought me to a sense of feeling grateful…not only for my freedom but the fact that I can assist my close friends and family with their creative needs. I’m using my time and energy working on my craft before going out into the world to help. In the wake of the tragedy in Haiti, I know many of us here in the US are in that charity state of mind. Buying cupcakes and lady gaga merchandise knowing the proceeds are going to the Red Cross. Sometimes it does take a devastating tragedy to wake up from the smugness we can get stuck in living our day to day lives….but even when things are good, helping out our friends and neighbors is one of the most rewards acts we can engage in.
On that note, I’m going to have to get my sponsor list together this week for my own projects.
Here’s an update about the Nyumbani project: the communications director is currently in Kenya at the orphanage until next week. They have already offered a very very small amount for the budget, however I need to raise my own sponsorship and funding to get any additional funds. That said I’ve gotten some good advice on how I need to proceed in approaching sponsors but fundraising…I haven’t the first clue.
If anybody can help create a quick and efficient fundraising plan I would greatly appreciate it. Heck, does anybody to write themselves into the budget when the fundraising plans succeed?
My eyes shot open this morning with “time management” and “goal setting” in the forefront of my head. Sure you can liken this to how Paul McCartney rushing to his piano one morning to strike the first cords to “yesterday.” However, in my case the words just popped out as subjects I needed to address in this blog, like mental reminders or tools of survival. Eh, not quite as cool as the making of a hit song but I bet McCartney had his own method to his success too!
‘Starting from the roots’ for me is the method behind any of my creative goals, how I plan to get there, and also just my simple way of living. It’s how I got the guts to take the first leap to follow my dreams. Nourish your core, your roots, figure out the ‘root cause’, then heal it, and move on to tackle your fears. Like all paths, there are road maps and one thing you have to keep in mind is pacing yourself and managing the expectations you place on yourself. Without getting too philosophical (I tend to do that!), simply stated mapping out your day or week are ways to stay focused.
Without a manger to micromanage me and notice when I’ve breezed through projects, I have to be my own manager. Best thing to do is break open the “to do” list and start brainstorming actions…but actions that you actually expect to help reach your goal. For me my main goal today is to contact several people associated with the first project on the burner (The Nyumbani Orphanage teaser)
The president of Nyumbani (get an update on my proposal)
Filmmaid East Africa
Fred (a friend from LA whose uncle works in the film industry in Nairobi, Kenya).
My brother (to discuss my game plan and to apologize to him for not filling him in on my plans BEFORE I quit my job – he felt left out from my leaping without informing him about my plans).
For those of you who are just now tuning into my blog, the project that caught my attention before I quit my job was a non-profit in Kenya. They needed a filmmaker to shoot a short piece to showcase at fundraisers. Since I’ve already produced something similar, and I have a love of Africa already, I saw this as the golden opportunity. Flash forward several months: I am newly unemployed (slightly daunting) but now finally in a position to take on opportunities as they present themselves.
Ultimately, there is a fine line between expectations and wishful thinking, but what separates them is pure action. Coupled with well thought out time management and reachable goals, there is absolutely nothing that can deter you from your dreams.
I’m going to leave on something my dad always used to tell me: “reach for the stars and you’ll never end up with a handful of dirt”. I always liked the visual that saying gave me but, sometimes people DON’T reach or take action because they are afraid to fall. So my little twist on that saying is if you do somehow trip and you end up with a fist full of dirt, USE that dirt to cover and protect those dream seeds you’ve planted. Just don’t forget to water them with good ol’ hardwork (blood, sweat, tears).
Today was the first day of waking up knowing I didn’t have to show up to work. Work consisting of fighting morning traffic, sitting shoulder tensed in front of a computer writing scripts, organizing shoots, and brainstorming graphic elements for on-air promotions. Instead, I woke up, made myself some breakfast (a bran muffin I made at midnight last night while savoring the fact I didn’t have to wake up at 6am), coffee and checked my email. No word from either projects but hey it’s only Monday. It’s ONLY Monday. I have to continue reminding myself things don’t happen over night and usually it’s when you’re napping or in a state of blissful oblivion that plans start to happen. At least that’s what I have to tell myself.
So back to the title – free/freedom, sure I’d like to say I feel free in a sense I can now create my own schedule and no longer be micromanaged. However, after spending over $400 in one day I had to consider that money needs to flow and I know that I definitely can’t rest on my laurels for much longer. Where was the money spent you ask? Here’s a breakdown:
- Emissions and State inspection for my Jetta: $59 (including fixing of brake light)
- Tetnus, Yellow Fever & Typhoid Vaccine : $300 (I believe so strongly I’ll be doing work in Africa I went ahead and too the leap and got the shots necessary. That, and well I DO have a wedding to attend in April to in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania .)
- Groceries at Wholefood: $30 (Only 3 items and a tiny salad bar box ..I am going to refrain from any WF/whole paycheck jokes.)
- Sushi dinner with friend : $30
- Realization that I don’t have to report to work tomorrow: Priceless
Freedom, whether is free or not, is all a state of mind. Although money is how we survive in this world (unless you are a pro at the barter system) it isn’t what inspires us and brings us the most joy. I see how little things like cars, food, socializing, and maintaining good health (you guys need to try out maca!) all require spinach, dough, paper, and simple bling bling to obtain. One thing that IS free is breathing. So breathe baby breathe.
I think that some days I feel like just scheduling a C-section for this birth of a dream to just happen already.
I’m back in cyberspace to add a little update to where and what I’m doing next. I’ve been surrounded by a mix of planning, researching, and constantly being on the go with much less to report (other than helping friends out with shooting, editing, and editing scripts). However, I have loved almost every minute of it and now I have some really great news to report…I finally got the word that Nyumbani Village has agreed on my visit. I am set to leave March 28th! I’ll be there to shoot a documentary style teaser for the purpose of being a fundraising tool. I’ll also work on the first steps of shooting a full length documentary for the village.
The title cliche says it all. Throughout the duration of this blog I’ve kept you as informed about the progress of one particular project in Kenya. Looks like things may be stalling (or not going as quickly as I would it to work). I have been waiting to get the OK on the budget and funding for me to go over to shoot a documentary short for an orphanage in Kenya. However, after waiting to get the ball rolling there seems to be more waiting that I need to do.
I ordered my first camera last week and I am so excited about it. Unfortunately we are covered in a few feet of snow so I’m not holding my breath about getting it today (unless the UPS trucks are now running on hovercraft fluid). This is a top of the line camera that was suggested to me by a good friend. I got the call last week that the price had dropped on B&H and immediately bought it…it was perfect timing!
