I just got back from New Hampshire where I attended the inaugural Conservation Media Group Catalyst Workshop. It's a lot to process, and I have a feeling that I'll continue to reap the benefits over the course of the next few weeks, months, etc. I can say that my outlook has shifted. I think there are enough caring people in the world to make a difference. We just have to accept the responsibility to do it, and than accept that we must work together. More later. But I'll leave you with this photo/wise quote from the retreat center for your own inspiration.

I was the Bay Area line-producer for the award-winning film Love Thy Nature (narrated by Liam Neeson). It's a great film by a female filmmaker, Sylvie Rokab. It's her life's passion project, and we all can totally relate to passion projects. 

It was beautifully shot and has a great message - we are part of nature. I have seen the film a few times now, and am moved emotionally at each screening. It is 76 minutes long, and Sylvie Rokab will be in attendance at most of the evening screenings for a Q&A after the film.

I would love to see you at one of the upcoming screenings. 

http://www.lovethynature.com/bay-area-premiere

For those of you with kids, Sylvie would like to remind you that it's a kid-friendly film, and encourages kids to watch it. Feel free to invite others!

Check out the 2-min trailer: www.lovethynature.com

Hope to see you there. Let me know if you have questions.

As creative professionals, we're often asked to work for free. And because we're creatives, our desire to make art often pushes us to keep creating [working] even if there is no monetary compensation involved. Sometimes the indie films, PSAs, webisodes, etc. that we produce are simply a labor of love, and don't put any food on our table. Nonetheless, we're proud of our work. And we have to keep pushing the envelope by accepting new and intriguing challenges.

Because I am often asked to produce or edit an indie film or video for free, I have decided to set parameters for the type of work that I do pro-bono. I'm a committed conservationist/ecologist/nature-lover/treehugger. So when I choose to volunteer my time and energy, the project must fit in with my worldview and my personal beliefs. That way, I never fall into the trap of feeling like someone is asking me to work outside my parameters. I feel like I am doing the pro-bono work because I'm making the world a better place. 

Call it good karma.

Even if I don't receive monetary compensation, I receive a reward that feels good in my heart. And I make valuable connections with like-minded individuals who care about the same causes that inspire me.

Finally, I need to make sure that my work schedule will allow for me to complete the pro-bono project within their timeframe, and that I'm not taking on too heavy a workload. 

So that's how I choose my 1 pro-bono project per year.

BTW - this year, my pro-bono project is editing a fundraising video for Golden Bridges School. 

I've been thinking about three-act structures lately. Mostly because I just spent the past weekend with Cloud in a cabin in Guerneville, California revising a screenplay that I wrote back in 1998. Sometimes it's easy to get lost in your story, especially when it's long like a feature length film screenplay.  One good way to stay focused is to remember that your screenplay should have three acts. That way, your screenplay won't be one big blob of a story, and you can break it down into smaller parts. Also, each act should have its own trajectory, its own beginning, middle and end. It is a basic rule to screenwriting and storytelling, that we often forget! So today's tip: Don't forget about the three-act structure. It will help guide you through the end while adding tension and build-up throughout each section of your film. 

Meet Cloud! She makes editing at home more fun! Here she is helping me track a mask in Adobe After Effects!

Hello readers!
Thank you for visiting my site and clicking on my blog. This is a new experiment for me in providing little tips, tricks, insight and advice, and to also share with you how I approach storytelling and content creation. Hope you enjoy and please make comments. I love engaging in dialogue!