Short term wins

I got a call from the folks at PVLA. They got us an attorney referral.

I corresponded with the attorney this week and he is eager to take on our project.

Did I mention what a great resource PVLA was?


Carlos


Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Entertainment law

Little things make a difference...

..especially when you don't expect them.

This week-end, I got a very touching letter from Valerie M. Whyman, the Executive Director of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, recognizing us for the sponsorship we made to them this season.

Now, I know a lot of people recommend that young filmmakers do stuff for free in an effort to be discovered. But please, bear in mind a couple of things.

-Create work that has purpose.
-Create work that has original content.
-Surround yourself with the best people possible.

As a filmmaker, the most powerful things you own are: YOUR CHOICES.

It makes no sense to direct(pro-bono) say, two low-budget slasher flicks for reel, when you want to be discovered as a director who shoots serious drama. Make your time count by creating purpose-driven and original work that includes great people.

All of us here at First Contact want to thank you Valerie, for the opportunity to work with the WSO, and fulfill the aforementioned values.


Carlos


Technorati Tags: Williamsport, PA, Filmmaking, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra

We're gonna turn and head for third..

..because the essense of the truth is our only obligation. This is a baseball term and of course--the ball's in play.

So, this is my very public response supporting my friend Steve's first post surrounding the important film work on the Mural Project, that we have been so privileged to find in our great city of Williamsport.

Also, I'd like to add that a feeling of belonging is the greatest need for human beings--this should never be subverted nor ignored, because if you ignore the important things, if you ignore the sensible solutions...what else is there?


Carlos



Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Murals

What We Have Here is a Failure to Participate

Carlos has been pointing out to me that our blog is titled "TWO Guys in a Garage", and not "Carlos and his Silent Partner" so I figured it is about time for me to start making some posts on here. Alas, this will be my only post for the next 2 weeks as I will be away. Nonetheless, off we go.

One of the topics that this blog will also be covering are some of the rough patches that we have to go through as being film "pioneers" in an area nearly devoid of a film industry (which we are working on changing).

For instance... if one of our crew members inexplicably deserts us and then goes out and starts spreading bad rumors about us, that might end up on here.

-or-

If the members of any oganization connected to the mural project or our film project were to act in nefarious ways in order to sabotage either project, and our repeated attempts to make peace with them were completely ignored, we might put something about that on here as well.

These "hypothetical" situations are just two examples of problems we might run into out here, as I imagine that pioneers in any industry might run into. We will blog (video will be on here at some point) about these problems moreso to show how we choose to navigate these situations so that anyone undertaking a mission like ours may find our experiences informative and useful.

That being said, we won't dwell on the negative much (unless, and this is a fear of mine, we run into an excessive amount of bad things with the project and are given little choice) as we wish to keep this project and everything related to it highly constructive.

So, in conclusion, I have now officially made my first post here and I wish to encouarage any of you pioneers out there sruggling with adversity not to lose sight of your goals as it can be easy to get sidetracked on that which is not important.


Steve

Technorati Tags: Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Documentary

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

We ushered in a new month with a flurry of activity. I was in Philadelphia yesterday with our ongoing search for an attorney. My first stop was at PVLA. For P.A. filmmakers this is a HUGE resourse--a must see. They were very informative and listened to what I had to say. It's so refreshing to deal with people who have the human components in order. I will blog more in-depth on human components issues in general in future posts.

While at PVLA, they turned me onto Isaiah Zagar. I took a ride through South Street to see some of his work. It's amazing and inspiring. South Street, by the way, reminds me of a blend of Melrose Ave.(L.A.) and Bleeker Street (NYC), a very cool place.

I interviewed with one other attorney, but they were not licenced in N.Y., PA, and CA. We need someone that has all three. It's just easier to have someone in legal that has a passport that cuts accross all borders where we will potentially do business (distribution companies mostly). Nevertheless it was an informative chat and a strong contact.

When I got back to Williamsport, I got an e-mail from Steve Shope. He informed me that he's coming on board and was available on all fronts to give his expertise to the film. He is a Williamsport guy with world experience and a great addition to our Marketing/Fundraising team. Thanks Steve!

More good news--WVIA will be in town to film for the Mural tomorrow on First Friday.

Carlos

Technorati Tags: Entertainment law, Filmmaking, Williamsport, PA, Murals