There are only a handful of films I can more or less watch any time or any place. For reasons I don't always fully understand, the stories resonate with me on a deeply personal level. They inspire, promote thought, re-energize my desire to shape the narrative through my own interpretation of the world.
It's interesting to note while watching a film you love to see how you've changed. The movie may now affect you in different ways than it did before. The themes more or less relevant. The movie may hit harder that you've seen more, discovered more, and lived more.
It's important to take stock of how a story has influenced your life. And hopefully, in some small way, for the better.
Perhaps this will inspire you to do the same for someone else.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
You Can't Force People to Care
Yesterday afternoon, I had the chance to work with some very talented actors currently performing in, The Last Tiger in Haiti, a production nearing its run at Berkeley Rep.
The actors had all agreed to participate in a reading of my screenplay. I was less concerned about casting the right people for the roles than I was just having terrific actors play with the words I'd spend the past several months putting together.
After the reading, the six of us engaged in a spirited dialogue about what it means to be an actor. We talked about the lifestyle, the struggle, and the rewards. Each of us agreed the story I was trying to bring to life was important, relevant, and needed to told. But they also voiced their frustrations with getting people to care about storytelling in general - to get people to appreciate how stories shape our culture and identity.
What I learned during our conversation was nobody can force you to care about anything. Whether it's a compelling film or animal rights, each of is wired in different ways. As a result, we all have unique desires, hopes, questions, concerns, and passions.
What you can do is present YOUR interpretation of the world through anecdotes, stories, or facts and then allow people to make up their own minds on how they feel about it.
I suppose what people ultimately think is less important than making the effort to create something in the first place.
The actors had all agreed to participate in a reading of my screenplay. I was less concerned about casting the right people for the roles than I was just having terrific actors play with the words I'd spend the past several months putting together.
After the reading, the six of us engaged in a spirited dialogue about what it means to be an actor. We talked about the lifestyle, the struggle, and the rewards. Each of us agreed the story I was trying to bring to life was important, relevant, and needed to told. But they also voiced their frustrations with getting people to care about storytelling in general - to get people to appreciate how stories shape our culture and identity.
What I learned during our conversation was nobody can force you to care about anything. Whether it's a compelling film or animal rights, each of is wired in different ways. As a result, we all have unique desires, hopes, questions, concerns, and passions.
What you can do is present YOUR interpretation of the world through anecdotes, stories, or facts and then allow people to make up their own minds on how they feel about it.
I suppose what people ultimately think is less important than making the effort to create something in the first place.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Get Comfortable with Boredom
Today, we live in an unbelievably distracted world. We're glued to our laptops, touchscreens, and televisions. We are petrified by the thought of having a moment sans gadget, stimulus, or that dopamine rush that comes with a text, voicemail, or email.
And there's research to support that once our brains are hardwired for distraction it becomes extremely difficult to re-calibrate our minds for deep modes of concentration; a skill set becoming more rare, but actually more needed as we continue moving at breakneck speed through an ever-changing information economy.
Thankfully, there are little steps you can take. You can set up an "Internet and Phone Sabbath." Devote blocks of time where you disconnect in a connected world. Set your day up so you attack your tasks in 30 - 90 minute chunks where interruptions are simply not permitted.
The quality of how we listen on stage, or on-camera directly affects the strength of our work as performers. And we can only listen as artists if we cultivate that ability in our daily lives.
Find time to unplug, to walk aimlessly with just your thoughts, and see how it builds up your ability to concentrate on things of real value.
And there's research to support that once our brains are hardwired for distraction it becomes extremely difficult to re-calibrate our minds for deep modes of concentration; a skill set becoming more rare, but actually more needed as we continue moving at breakneck speed through an ever-changing information economy.
Thankfully, there are little steps you can take. You can set up an "Internet and Phone Sabbath." Devote blocks of time where you disconnect in a connected world. Set your day up so you attack your tasks in 30 - 90 minute chunks where interruptions are simply not permitted.
The quality of how we listen on stage, or on-camera directly affects the strength of our work as performers. And we can only listen as artists if we cultivate that ability in our daily lives.
Find time to unplug, to walk aimlessly with just your thoughts, and see how it builds up your ability to concentrate on things of real value.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Connect
"Really ask!" I can still hear Kristin shouting. One of my most influential mentors at grad school was Kristin Linklater, esteemed vocal coach, actor, teacher, and director. Anytime she caught an ounce of artifice in our performances she'd immediately call us out on it. Merely saying words on a page weren't enough. We had to connect.
What's interesting is her lessons in the classroom transcended the stage. She wanted us to engage with the world outside as well; to speak up when there was wrong, to live boldly, and to take an interest in current events and how we might shape them. She also wanted us to heighten our ability to listen and ask meaningful questions.
The other night while hanging out with a good friend, we began talking about our family histories. I asked him how long his family had lived in California. He beamed as he recounted stories of great-uncles, grandparents, and distant cousins. He explained how they settled in Sacramento and eventually made their way to the Bay Area. I got the sense that nobody had asked him anything in a long time.
If you get a chance today, strike up a conversation with someone. Take an interest in what they have to say by connecting and REALLY asking.
What's interesting is her lessons in the classroom transcended the stage. She wanted us to engage with the world outside as well; to speak up when there was wrong, to live boldly, and to take an interest in current events and how we might shape them. She also wanted us to heighten our ability to listen and ask meaningful questions.
The other night while hanging out with a good friend, we began talking about our family histories. I asked him how long his family had lived in California. He beamed as he recounted stories of great-uncles, grandparents, and distant cousins. He explained how they settled in Sacramento and eventually made their way to the Bay Area. I got the sense that nobody had asked him anything in a long time.
If you get a chance today, strike up a conversation with someone. Take an interest in what they have to say by connecting and REALLY asking.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Look Closer
Last night, I spent about half an hour reading, The Economist as I waited for a film to begin. Just a quick glimpse at the publication's summary page and you'd be forgiven for thinking the world was on the brink of ending.
Just an hour before, I was abruptly cut off by an aggressive driver clearly under the impression he needed to be somewhere, and fast.
The world certainly has its share of challenges. They are not to be taken lightly and its important we all take initiative in finding causes we are passionate about, and making a dent in our communities in whatever capacity we can.
But we are also living in a time of remarkable progress. Broadly speaking, violence and poverty have decrease significantly.
The realization I stumbled upon after being cut off in traffic and thumbing through a well-respected source of world news is this: no matter how challenging, one must try and maintain their poise in the face of unsettling news, and avoid the temptation to jump to conclusions.
Take a step back, breathe, and look at the larger picture. You may be surprised at what you find.
Just an hour before, I was abruptly cut off by an aggressive driver clearly under the impression he needed to be somewhere, and fast.
The world certainly has its share of challenges. They are not to be taken lightly and its important we all take initiative in finding causes we are passionate about, and making a dent in our communities in whatever capacity we can.
But we are also living in a time of remarkable progress. Broadly speaking, violence and poverty have decrease significantly.
The realization I stumbled upon after being cut off in traffic and thumbing through a well-respected source of world news is this: no matter how challenging, one must try and maintain their poise in the face of unsettling news, and avoid the temptation to jump to conclusions.
Take a step back, breathe, and look at the larger picture. You may be surprised at what you find.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Start Writing
Today, there are countless ways to get your voice heard. There's WordPress, Tumblr, and Blogger to name just a few. And the great news is the vast majority are absolutely free.
http://www.creativebloq.com/web-design/best-blogging-platforms-121413634
Still, two of the most common hang-ups I hear about not starting a blog are the following:
1. I have nothing to say.
2. There's so much noise out there. How do I cut through it?
First, as author, entrepreneur, marketer, and blogger Seth Godin suggests, "Write like you speak." In other words, nobody ever has "talker's block."
Second, good content is good content is good content. The world is not starving for information, but it is always on the lookout for wisdom.
You have something unique and compelling to share. Now get to it.
http://www.creativebloq.com/web-design/best-blogging-platforms-121413634
Still, two of the most common hang-ups I hear about not starting a blog are the following:
1. I have nothing to say.
2. There's so much noise out there. How do I cut through it?
First, as author, entrepreneur, marketer, and blogger Seth Godin suggests, "Write like you speak." In other words, nobody ever has "talker's block."
Second, good content is good content is good content. The world is not starving for information, but it is always on the lookout for wisdom.
You have something unique and compelling to share. Now get to it.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Follow-Up
Asking someone to read a screenplay you just finished can feel like asking for a kidney. And I get it completely. People are busy, distracted, and often have to prioritize tasks that will get them paid.
Still, if something is important to you like getting feedback on a monologue, short film, or a passage from a book you've recently completed don't stop trying.
The same goes for any endeavor, particularly when it comes to the arts. Trying to get funding for a feature film for instance, may feel like moving mountains. But you'd be surprised by the number of people who simply quit because an email wasn't answered.
Send a follow-up. Look for other avenues. Rinse and Repeat.
Still, if something is important to you like getting feedback on a monologue, short film, or a passage from a book you've recently completed don't stop trying.
The same goes for any endeavor, particularly when it comes to the arts. Trying to get funding for a feature film for instance, may feel like moving mountains. But you'd be surprised by the number of people who simply quit because an email wasn't answered.
Send a follow-up. Look for other avenues. Rinse and Repeat.
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