Have you ever taken a writing class or met someone who tells you to try to make your stories truthful? Do you even know what that means? I'm of the belief that one who learns something recently is better able to explain it to others, because those who have known something for a long time will assume that others know things that they take for granted, and it makes their teaching suffer. (hopefully that made sense)
Anyway, for the lesson: I believe that making stories truthful means making them as true to reality as they can be. Now this doesn't mean make them boring, it means let what should happen happen, and dont try to control where the story goes. Do you know JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series? I believe in the sixth book, one of her favorite characters dies (I won't name the character because I don't want to ruin the story). She didn't want the character to die, but knew she had to do it for the sake of the story being truthful.
That is the difference... Making a story truthful means that you take a story somewhere that you may not like, just because somewhere in your gut you feel it is more "right" in the story sense. Don't take the easy way out by making a story decision that helps advance the plot in the direction you want it to go. Make a decision based on where the story should go, even if it's different than what you originally had in mind.
It's writing for crying out loud! If you don't like it you can always go back. But if you don't explore new possibilities and take risks in your storytelling, you'll never become a better writer.
I believe that the more often you take these risks and try new things, the faster you'll become better at what you do.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A Lesson in Teaching, if it's Not Your Profession:
I have to say that over the course of my life I have learned many things, and one of them relates to the effectiveness teachers have on their students. I'm not one to talk of course because I'm not a teacher, but I do want to get something off my chest.
For me, it seems that as soon as you fully grasp any new concept, you become much better at teaching it to someone else than any teacher who has known the concept for a long time. Of course the teacher may know some tricks and other ways of doing solving problems that you may not, but here's the kicker: because you have just learned it, you aren't taking for granted things that you have known for a long time. By this, I mean that you don't know aspects of something so well that you forget to explain them. And if a student asks a question, because you are so used to the concept already, you will likely not be expecting their question to be something so simple and so you might not respond with a clear answer.
Let me explain with an example:
In a class a few months ago, we were learning about how orchestras can be created with a single player when recording multiple times to a track for film music. The professor explained that one musician who can play many instruments would sit and record the same song with the differen instruments on separate tracks, over and over again so that they would all line up and play together, and it would sound like a full symphony orchestra. "Well," a student said, "how are they able to keep the playing synced to the other tracks?" The professor went on to explain all these details about click tracks, tempo, beats per minute, and how they can use advanced technology to slide parts over that might be out of sync. The girl said okay, but I could tell she still didn't have an answer she was looking for. After a little while, someone else asked a similar question. I knew what the students were getting at, and raised my hand. I asked about what type of headphones they use for recording. As soon as I said this, both girls said, "Oh, so they use headphones!" and I knew their question had been answered. Something so simple as that hadn't even been considered by the professor, because the question was so elementary to music recording.
So, I leave this on the table... As teachers and professors, of course you know many advanced things, and the basics are so far behind that you don't even think of them. And of course most students ask questions that don't spark the right answer because you don't expect them to be answering such a simple question.
This is why sometimes I feel that those who have just fully grasped a new concept can be the best teachers, because they don't leave out those most elementary of details, which are sometimes the most crucial.
I am currently working on a book about wedding videography that i hope can really explain every aspect of it, from the most complicated down to the most simple. Since I am still learning each day about this craft, I hope that I will keep in details that might be forgotten by those who have been doing it for decades. Therefore, if you are interested in wedding videography, I implore you to ask me question you have so I remember to answer them in my book.
For me, it seems that as soon as you fully grasp any new concept, you become much better at teaching it to someone else than any teacher who has known the concept for a long time. Of course the teacher may know some tricks and other ways of doing solving problems that you may not, but here's the kicker: because you have just learned it, you aren't taking for granted things that you have known for a long time. By this, I mean that you don't know aspects of something so well that you forget to explain them. And if a student asks a question, because you are so used to the concept already, you will likely not be expecting their question to be something so simple and so you might not respond with a clear answer.
Let me explain with an example:
In a class a few months ago, we were learning about how orchestras can be created with a single player when recording multiple times to a track for film music. The professor explained that one musician who can play many instruments would sit and record the same song with the differen instruments on separate tracks, over and over again so that they would all line up and play together, and it would sound like a full symphony orchestra. "Well," a student said, "how are they able to keep the playing synced to the other tracks?" The professor went on to explain all these details about click tracks, tempo, beats per minute, and how they can use advanced technology to slide parts over that might be out of sync. The girl said okay, but I could tell she still didn't have an answer she was looking for. After a little while, someone else asked a similar question. I knew what the students were getting at, and raised my hand. I asked about what type of headphones they use for recording. As soon as I said this, both girls said, "Oh, so they use headphones!" and I knew their question had been answered. Something so simple as that hadn't even been considered by the professor, because the question was so elementary to music recording.
So, I leave this on the table... As teachers and professors, of course you know many advanced things, and the basics are so far behind that you don't even think of them. And of course most students ask questions that don't spark the right answer because you don't expect them to be answering such a simple question.
This is why sometimes I feel that those who have just fully grasped a new concept can be the best teachers, because they don't leave out those most elementary of details, which are sometimes the most crucial.
I am currently working on a book about wedding videography that i hope can really explain every aspect of it, from the most complicated down to the most simple. Since I am still learning each day about this craft, I hope that I will keep in details that might be forgotten by those who have been doing it for decades. Therefore, if you are interested in wedding videography, I implore you to ask me question you have so I remember to answer them in my book.
Monday, January 17, 2011
How to Make Money
What kind of questions is that? What do you mean, "How can I make money?" There are a million ways to make money. If you want to know the easiest way to make money on your own, I'll tell you. It takes hustling a bit and some hard work online, but you'll wind up making enough to survive on after a few months.
Basically, pick something you're really good at. Remember, the key is to get people to want what you have to offer... And to get a lot people to want it. So don't pick something stupid because no one will want it.
Now, try offering your service for free to a bunch of people and get their opinion on it. If they really like it, ask them to tell their friends and offer a reward to them for doing so. Add them to your mailing list and then start building your list. Then start charging. If people like the product or service enough, they will be willing to pay!
And there you go, you are making money.
Okay, so I know I'm making it a lot easier than it is. But in reality, the truth is that you really can make money off of anything you like, because there are always people who are willing to buy what you have to offer, as long as you seem to be an expert on the subject. this is why the internet is such a gold mine for starting a business. You have instant access to the entire world.
Blogging about a subject means that Google will start seeing your pages and you will start to rank higher and higher in Google for the topic that you blog about. This will mean that more people will start seeing your blog. As soon as they do, you can start advertising your services or consultations or products to the readers you have, and since you have put so much information out there already on the topic, they will trust that you have more.
It's so simple a caveman could do it.
Buy this book for less than $20. It's a great book by Robert Allen, called "Multiple Streams of Internet Income." I highly recommend it, as it goes into all the details about how to make easy money online.
Basically, pick something you're really good at. Remember, the key is to get people to want what you have to offer... And to get a lot people to want it. So don't pick something stupid because no one will want it.
Now, try offering your service for free to a bunch of people and get their opinion on it. If they really like it, ask them to tell their friends and offer a reward to them for doing so. Add them to your mailing list and then start building your list. Then start charging. If people like the product or service enough, they will be willing to pay!
And there you go, you are making money.
Okay, so I know I'm making it a lot easier than it is. But in reality, the truth is that you really can make money off of anything you like, because there are always people who are willing to buy what you have to offer, as long as you seem to be an expert on the subject. this is why the internet is such a gold mine for starting a business. You have instant access to the entire world.
Blogging about a subject means that Google will start seeing your pages and you will start to rank higher and higher in Google for the topic that you blog about. This will mean that more people will start seeing your blog. As soon as they do, you can start advertising your services or consultations or products to the readers you have, and since you have put so much information out there already on the topic, they will trust that you have more.
It's so simple a caveman could do it.
Buy this book for less than $20. It's a great book by Robert Allen, called "Multiple Streams of Internet Income." I highly recommend it, as it goes into all the details about how to make easy money online.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Student Filmmakers: Buy the Nikon D7000 ASAP!
As a student filmmaker who only has access to an HDR-FX1 camera and a depth of field adapter, along with solely Nikon equipment for photography, I have to recommend the new Nikon D7000.
In Candlelight - Very Little Noise. Watch in HD on YouTube to see.
What's so great about this camera is that it is the perfect camera to do almost anything in regards to video (and of course photography too). I have been getting great results when shooting films because of the shallow depth of field it provides. Additionally, it has one of the highest signal-to-noise ratios of any Digital-SLR cameras.
All you have to do is light a scene with a candle and you can still get great low-noise shots, which is absolutely stunning.
Check out this footage:
Both shot with Nikon af-d 50mm 1.4 lens, at f1.8
In Candlelight - Very Little Noise. Watch in HD on YouTube to see.
If you are a photographer who owns Nikon equipment and you are planning on upgrading to get a camera that can do HD video, this is it. It's quality rivals that of the Canon 7D and 5D because of it's new sensor technology. As soon as I got this camera and started using it with my Nikkor Lenses, it became my absolute favorite. Plus the shutter is very quiet, as opposed to my older Nikon D90.
So I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone looking to spend under $1,500 on a great Nikon camera that can shoot video. It definitely rivals the Canon's and is finally bringing a competitive edge against Canon on the video side.
Student Filmmakers: If you want a great camera and have a great film to shoot, buy the D7000, as it will bring you great results and really keep your film budget down.
Reply with a comment if you have any questions.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
How to Become Rich and Famous Within 5 Years
Wow. If you are reading this right now, you are not on the right track. You have to ask yourself, "Why do I want to be famous?" Do you want money and fame for it's own sake? If so, that's a problem. You should want to be the best at something and let that take you to the top... But whatever, I'm going to assume you just want to be rich and famous for glory.
First off, let's look at statistics... Who are the richest and most famous people? Well, rich people tend to own companies. Famous people tend to be actors or in show biz or sports. Of course they often are interchangeable, but you have to keep in mind that the likelihood of you being discovered by someone is probably smaller than winning the lottery. And the only reason you would be discovered is if you are extremely talented in something.
Now I think you should know that becoming famous and rich takes a lot of work. By a lot of work I mean almost non stop work, whenever you get free time. All you do is keep working and working.
Remember this tip: the only level playing field these days that you don't need money to be successful in is the Internet. All you need is a brain and an idea. Build a website or a blog and figure out some service to offer people. It can be anything, but you need to be decent at it. And you have to be willing to work non stop at it for about 5 years straight.
Buy a domain name. Start writing content and building a blog. Anytime you get a new idea for something or have free time, write it down. Build your blog and start getting readers. As you get followers, contact them and ask them to send more people to you. Become a teacher and get people to want your information. Or become a service professional and get people to want your services. As you build your base of followers and the word spreads, keep track and keep everyone telling their friends (there are many ways to do this, which I will discuss in future posts). It's basically fail safe, and will take about 5 years. You don't have to trust me if you don't want, but try to deny it first. Remember, the lazy ones come in last. If you want anything bad enough you'll get it eventually unless you give up.
As you continue getting followers, you will be able to start offering other things to them, and they will likely buy. You can start getting rich and using the money to promote yourself in other ways. Soon enough after about 5 years, I guarantee you'll be rich and famous if you have continued, non-stop, building your followers.
Just want it bad enough and don't give up. But make sure you know what your next step is after becoming rich and famous. Don't let it be drugs... Maybe start a foundation!
First off, let's look at statistics... Who are the richest and most famous people? Well, rich people tend to own companies. Famous people tend to be actors or in show biz or sports. Of course they often are interchangeable, but you have to keep in mind that the likelihood of you being discovered by someone is probably smaller than winning the lottery. And the only reason you would be discovered is if you are extremely talented in something.
Now I think you should know that becoming famous and rich takes a lot of work. By a lot of work I mean almost non stop work, whenever you get free time. All you do is keep working and working.
Remember this tip: the only level playing field these days that you don't need money to be successful in is the Internet. All you need is a brain and an idea. Build a website or a blog and figure out some service to offer people. It can be anything, but you need to be decent at it. And you have to be willing to work non stop at it for about 5 years straight.
Buy a domain name. Start writing content and building a blog. Anytime you get a new idea for something or have free time, write it down. Build your blog and start getting readers. As you get followers, contact them and ask them to send more people to you. Become a teacher and get people to want your information. Or become a service professional and get people to want your services. As you build your base of followers and the word spreads, keep track and keep everyone telling their friends (there are many ways to do this, which I will discuss in future posts). It's basically fail safe, and will take about 5 years. You don't have to trust me if you don't want, but try to deny it first. Remember, the lazy ones come in last. If you want anything bad enough you'll get it eventually unless you give up.
As you continue getting followers, you will be able to start offering other things to them, and they will likely buy. You can start getting rich and using the money to promote yourself in other ways. Soon enough after about 5 years, I guarantee you'll be rich and famous if you have continued, non-stop, building your followers.
Just want it bad enough and don't give up. But make sure you know what your next step is after becoming rich and famous. Don't let it be drugs... Maybe start a foundation!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Actors: Do Your Own Self Promotion, Start by Taking Down Bad Samples
No one is going to do this for you, so you need to do it yourself. Even a manager or agent won't do as much for you as you can do for yourself, because agents and managers are really out to help themselves.
Remember this golden rule: the only person who will bring you to the top is yourself. If you're serious about becoming a professional actor, making all of your money just from doing acting jobs, there is no better way to do that than by promoting all of your work.
Be sure to follow my guide on how to get lots of acting jobs, which can be found on www.cityheadshots.com, but at the same time, make sure you are constantly putting your latest works online for people to see. Get rid of the bad stuff and just keep the good stuff. The truth is, no one really cares to see the bad and old stuff you acted in unless they are a really close friend or they were in the project themselves. Therefore, I highly recommend you remove old works from your website and samples page. If you have put them on YouTube, of course you can leave them there, but anywhere else should be taken down because you only want your potential employers (i.e. Casting directors) to see your best stuff. Remove the bad from your website.
It's a harsh world out there, but taking things one step at a time is a sure way towards success. Just think: what if you had a not so good work on there and a casting director saw that one first? They don't have all day to say, "Well maybe that was just one bad performance." Nope, instead you go bye bye. That's a wasted headshot and resume right there, as it's now about to be recycled! So, one very important thing to remember, actors, is to always keep your best orks online, and no other ones.
Good luck.
Remember this golden rule: the only person who will bring you to the top is yourself. If you're serious about becoming a professional actor, making all of your money just from doing acting jobs, there is no better way to do that than by promoting all of your work.
Be sure to follow my guide on how to get lots of acting jobs, which can be found on www.cityheadshots.com, but at the same time, make sure you are constantly putting your latest works online for people to see. Get rid of the bad stuff and just keep the good stuff. The truth is, no one really cares to see the bad and old stuff you acted in unless they are a really close friend or they were in the project themselves. Therefore, I highly recommend you remove old works from your website and samples page. If you have put them on YouTube, of course you can leave them there, but anywhere else should be taken down because you only want your potential employers (i.e. Casting directors) to see your best stuff. Remove the bad from your website.
It's a harsh world out there, but taking things one step at a time is a sure way towards success. Just think: what if you had a not so good work on there and a casting director saw that one first? They don't have all day to say, "Well maybe that was just one bad performance." Nope, instead you go bye bye. That's a wasted headshot and resume right there, as it's now about to be recycled! So, one very important thing to remember, actors, is to always keep your best orks online, and no other ones.
Good luck.
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