Aw... Don't feel bad about the games and TV. Most people can only do creative stuff for so many hours in a day before everything starts turning out crappy.

Enjoy this time of fewer demands, because in future you may have more than you can handle.

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Stop popping that bubble wrap and check out *ThePurpleNurple
“Make [your] characters want something right away—even if it’s only a glass of water."-- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Welcome back!

WoW is a black-hole. I've seen, and am seeing, many a-friend going down that evil videogame well... It's sad, but, I think with the poor economy and people losing jobs, a lot more people will be sucked into WoW and other things like it. For the subscription fee, your electricity bill, and your internet bill, you can escape reality and the fact you're jobless and living off of Kraft Dinner... what am I talking about?!

Anywho... I look forward to seeing your movie, but I've gotta ask:

What is with people making DVD cases, trailers, and posters for their short movies? I mean, besides it's just something to do. I know a lot of film-school graduates who do that, but it doesn't make sense to me because those are things to advertise movies, but I don't think there are ten shorts in the history of cinema (silent comedies excluded), that made money... it's like... The Red Balloon...

I know! I know! It's just fun to do those things! I'm being a cynical grump. I look forward to seeing your movie.

Thanks!!! How are you doing?

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"Typical of hypnosis-induced somnambulism. Must stop this dreadful glidiing among shadows; refocus concentration and thereby restore ego center."

Enjoy this time of fewer demands, because in future you may have more than you can handle

You always have wise words for me Alice I am also reminded that life is short, and I need to make as many movies as possible. Unfortunately, video games and tv shows greatly curb my creative side, because I don't have to think.

We have already started to feel the crunch since we got 2 kittens. They are adorable and lovely and cuddly, but they take up more energy (and money) than you'd think! I can't help but wonder about a few years from now when we actually have babies.

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"Typical of hypnosis-induced somnambulism. Must stop this dreadful glidiing among shadows; refocus concentration and thereby restore ego center."

lol thankfully my husband has a good job so we're not living off of Kraft dinners (that would suck, I'm lactose intolerant!), and the sub fee isn't that expensive I finally got myself to take a break every couple of days from the game, and it seems to have made a difference. My husband is still hooked and plays everyday, but it's cool, since his rotation is so light he doesn't have much else to do.

To answer your question, shorts provide a jumping off point for filmmakers. Almost any big film maker you know of today has started out doing shorts. It shows off your talents in a small amount of time, without too much money. You can show it to a producer or investor and say "Now think what I could do with even MORE money!"

If you just hand them a burned DVD with the title written on it in sharpie, they're less likely to be impressed by you, and might not even watch it- it'll get lost. But if you have a shiny DVD case with a nicely printed label, with chapter selection, trailer, and extras- it's something they can put with the rest of their DVDs on the shelf, and they'll probably keep it and remember you.

And it's not really fun, it's a pain in the ass. You have to be your own PR person, and talk the talk. If you don't schmooze and pimp your own movies, you'll just get lost in the crowd with all the other wannabe filmmakers who whine about never being noticed.

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"Typical of hypnosis-induced somnambulism. Must stop this dreadful glidiing among shadows; refocus concentration and thereby restore ego center."

Welcome back!

I've heard nothing but bad things about WoW--mostly because the only people I know who play it have lost their souls to the game, and that's all they do. Don't give it your soul! Though at times, video games can provide useful inspiration as far as costumes, creatures, environments, etc. And taking a break and unwinding is always good too.
Games like WoW are scary though...unlike console video games with a reasonably limited amount of what can be done, there's virtually no end to WoW.

I haven't been online much at all lately due to lack of internet at our new apartment. And I don't really miss the internet. I still pop in periodically to check messages, but not having it on a daily basis, I don't feel all that deprived. (It's not like I had a real active presence on the internet anyway XD)

Anyway, I ramble. Nice to see you're back into the swing of things!

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"Those who flaunt their power disappear when the truly powerful appear."
~Rose, The Legend of Dragoon

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
~Alucard, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

Aw...

Life is short. I think it's good to zone out once in a while.

Most writers work for 3 hours in the morning each weekday. Visual artists (the ones I know) are less regimented and work for longer stretches of time, sometimes late at night. For painting I like natural light and would work in the daytime. But digital can be done any time. I know zip about creating films... But maybe you could set some goals around worktimes. Since I'm split between art and writing, I'm working more on one or the other in any given week. So for two or three weeks I'll be on the writer's schedule and for two or three weeks I'll be on the artist's (lack of) schedule. I actually have more 'spare' time when I'm writing. Anyway, it's something to think about.

Well babies cost about as much as kittens at first, but as they grow, you might as well just hand them your paycheck. But what they give you in return can't be measured in dollars, of course. You find ways to have inexpensive fun. There's lots of free stuff. You avoid having to have your child dressed in the latest style. You shop at WalMart, etc... It works out.

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Stop popping that bubble wrap and check out *ThePurpleNurple
“Make [your] characters want something right away—even if it’s only a glass of water."-- Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Hangin in there! Life is still awesome... work, a bit stressful but good.