I shot and edited this video of the Austin Twestival at Ace’s Lounge on 6th St. Part of the worldwide Twestival event that took place in over 200 cities on February 12th, 2009. The name Twestival comes from the words Twitter and Festival. This event was conceived and promoted through Twitter. It was, as my friend @daveiam like to say, social media for social good. Worldwide, the Twestival raised over 250K for Charity: Water. That money will bring access to clean water to over 17,000 who currently drink water filled with parasites and mud.
New Beginnings
Many of you know that I’ve spent the last 3+ years working with my good friend Lee Rothenflue as half of the production company eleven72. What most of you don’t know is that, as of January 1st, I’ll no longer be working for eleven72. Don’t worry. There’s no bad blood between Lee and I. We’re cool. And it’s been a good three years. I’ve learned a ton about running a business and had the chance to learn and grow through writing and directing dozens of short films. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, except maybe the chance to Direct a feature film :). That said, it’s time for me to move on to something new.
I want to give my dream of Directing the best shot I can so I’ve decided to put together a spec reel of spots and shorts aimed at getting me noticed by some unwitting production company. Along those lines, I’m currently working with the High Plains Division of the American Cancer Society here in Austin to come up with a couple of spots that will help them raise awareness of the fact that they actually do and fund a lot of cancer research. I’m also weighing options for my first feature film. I’ve got a great script and the option on a book staring me in the face at the moment. I just have to figure out the where am I going to get half a million dollars to make a movie part? Ideas?
And while the Directing stuff takes shape, I’ll continue to work freelance. I recently had the opportunity to work as the 2nd AC on a feature film in Oregon. I’d like to do that again. I’ve also taken back up the notion that I might be able to figure out how to operate a Steadicam rig with some semblance of grace. I was given two opportunities this past week to work on that particular skill. The Austin Stone and Gateway Church were both good enough to hire me as a Steadicam Operator for scenes in their respective Christmas shorts. If anyone needs a Steadicam Operator, I’m game if you are. Finally, I still very much enjoy any chance someone affords me to operate a camera for cash. Please don’t hesitate to call me should you need a DP or Camera Operator in any capacity.
So that’s what’s happening with me. I’m going to miss working at eleven72. Lee and I have had a lot of good times and great experiences together. I’m proud of what we’ve done and accomplished. This last three years has been a real blessing to me and my life. But it’s time for what’s next.
If you’re interested, this is a place where I’ll deposit some of the better bits and pieces from the journey. Spots, shorts, thoughts, stories, stills and other whosits and whatsits. See ya soon.
