Entry One

I aspire to meet many goals this year. In terms of technical goals, overall I want to gain a better understanding of how to manipulate the camera in a more manual and customizable way. While I know how to operate most of the manual functions of the camera, I seldom use them during a shoot. Really, I've only used them for achieving depth of field and other similar effects. I would like to operate the camera in a more hands on way in my piece to develop my own unique style as an artist. That said, I would also like to gain more experience with higher end equipment be it during a gig or for my own project. Being on the spot with the added pressure and responsibility of using higher end equipment isn't only fun, but it develops an increased level of comfort with the medium. That said, I feel comfortable with the technical aspect of things. I wouldn't put any one of my technical goals above any one of my artistic goals.
As I mentioned earlier, I want to grow as an individual artist. I want to develop a unique style. This isn't an overnight process, but I want to be conscious of my options while film making, and evaluate them myself, allowing for my inclinations to speak through my products. I additionally would like to create a narrative. I have made many documentaries, and would love to continue making them, but some aspect of the narrative is extremely appealing to me. The writing process involved in the screenwriting process is particular. The cooperation involved in getting a cast to go along with everything and balancing the chemistry of the production team are all tasks I would like to take on. Still, I don't have a solid idea for the narrative. I have written down and explored many scenarios, but haven't found the right one yet. I plan on reviewing my notebook and basing the premise off of one of those ideas. I have played around with the idea of a commentary on reality, and on life, but it sometimes feels too philosophical and also too cynical. I mean, a happy-go-lucky commentary on life cold be found in a Disney movie and I was thinking of something more gritty. I've also considered a classic kind of Dragnet type short, but it feels kind of cliched. I'd like to do something else.