Filmmaking new year’s resolutions

*1. I will spend one hour every morning writing.* Right after I wake up is the only time I can commit to with any kind of consistency. I really believe that if I can establish a daily writing routine I will improve quickly.

*2. I will attend at least a few IFC meetings in Kansas City, despite the drive.* Right now, I really need to surround myself with other people who are interested in film who can inspire me. My meeting with Matt reminded me how motivating friends can be when you share the same interests.

*3. I will focus only on short projects this year.* Although features are more marketable, I was especially frustrated by the rush of this last one. It seems like every day the goal was mainly to get the shots done, which means we weren’t able to really fine-tune the lighting, performances, etc. Without such talented, flexible and easy-going actors and crew, Rock Paper Scissors would’ve been a pretty crappy movie — both to make and to watch. I think, with a smaller pie to chew on, we can really _craft_ a film, which is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while.

*4. I will experiment with my own methods of distribution.* I’m thinking about finding a venue and staging some screenings for the public. Hey, I made these movies to be seen, right?

*5. I will raise some money to finish paying for what I have and buy some badly needed sound equipment.* One of my friends suggested selling DVDs of Dumping Jenny and Rock Paper Scissors on the website. To be honest, I had never considered it before. Would anybody else be interested in this?

*6. I will stop wasting time on the internet.* I read a great quote the other day, something along the lines of: “Being a great writer is 10% talent and 90% not getting distracted by the internet.” Man, can I relate there.

*7. I will strengthen and expand my network.* Even with the web — and lots of time at work to be on it — it was harder than I thought to keep in touch with our friends back home while we were living in Japan. On the bright side, I made such great friends in Japan from all over the world that it sort of balanced itself out.

*8. I will experiment with _film_.* Including 35mm black and white still photography. I have an old Super8 camera and I’m thinking about breaking it out for one of those aforementioned short projects. It’ll be a bit more expensive, but the organic quality of it appeals to me. Matt sure got some nice results with it, plus it would be a terrific learning experience.

*9. I will better organize my time.* I have a system. I just need the discipline to stick with it.

*10. I will make a serious effort at self-promotion and fundraising.* I haven’t yet made many serious efforts in this direction. Honestly, I’m living in a small town. It wouldn’t take much to get everyone to stand up and take notice of what I’m doing. As soon as I have a firm project, no matter how small, the newspaper is getting a press release and I’m organizing a screening. Who knows what might happen?