Archive for May, 2010
Rolling with it…
Getting in motion and staying in motion is key. I'm meeting people who want to help with projects - I wonder if it's easier to build "on the cheap" during times of higher unemployment?
Self Enterprising Update
Last week was a very busy week. A beautifully fun, busy week. Monday I met with the artistic director of a local improv/comedy club and he agreed to offer up advice on an as-needed basis. I got the thumbs up to be able to use a local piano recital studio for filming (who really uses film any more? Still sounds cool to say "filming" tho). On Friday I met with a videographer who has agreed to shoot video for my projects, as well as we'll be collaborating on some industry-specific videos. Saturday I did a photo shoot with the Talk It Up TV cast and crew where we were all on the lense-side of the camera (that was a blast); followed by our first on-location shoot (which lasted too long, but made the cheeseburgers all the more tasty afterward). A fantastic week; one that made for sleeping most of the day on Sunday. Excited to go forward. --DAVE C
Best parking violation I ever got.
Wow. What an exciting day. I met the artistic director of the local improv club and he's agreed to a seat on the advisory board of FunnySaysWhat?! This is a great boost to the project, to have someone who knows more about the craft of improv, the structure that performers are used to, as well as his connections within the industry. Very fun. I left that lunch appointment and noticed a storefront sign of an associate of mine (actually, I had met him at the local improv theater - we were both taking a course there). Having never stopped by his place, I took the opportunity to stop in. I hadn't anticipated it, but walked out with a place to call home for our local FSW studio; and a suggestion for another place if I needed a place to house a set that didn't need to be taken down. Getting back to the car, I discovered a parking ticket. I was quite pleased it was only $10; I guess I anticipated a cost of $40. A comfortable studio arrangement for $40? Not bad. Not bad, indeed. Don't know what will come of this next bit, but I had pulled into a parking lot to await a reply on a text message. While I was there, I ran into a local performer who had expressed interest in learning more about my online improv project and got his card. On the drive home (I really want to move closer to town), I put together some thoughts on making a full-time studio/office profitable; which led to ideas for an improved model for growing FSW. Exciting day. Say your prayers; they're heard.
What Am I Lying To Myself About?
This passage is from Nathaniel Branden's The Art of Living Consciously. When we evade the truth about those we deal with, for fear of disturbing the relationship, we set ourselves up for inevitable suffering. If I am honest with myself about someone's shortcomings but choose to go on dealing with him or her because of other benefits, and therefore do not complain or express shock if the shortcomings express themselves, I amnot engaged in evasion or self-deception. I am in effect taking a calculated risk based on what amounts to a cost-benefit analysis. But if I choose not to be conscious of plainly apparent dangers 0r if I deny or rationalize my spouse's abusiveness, pretend not to see evidence of infidelity, or, in business, if I make myself oblivious to the shortcomings of a deal because I want so much for the project to work - then I am inviting the pain and disappointment I will experience. I have forfeited the right to cry "betrayal." I have disarmed myself, and by my cooperation I have signaled my partner that his or her behavior is acceptable and there is no need or reason to change. ++++ Branden's book has impacted my life; I recommend that you buy a copy. --Dave Charbonneau
Hurling thru projects…
Staying focused. That is, if having 3 projects in front me at once is focused. My wife and I are adding a service to go along w/her virtual business management endeavor. FunnySaysWhat?! is moving forward, and looking to build a studio set for the upcoming show. Working on any one of these has me feeling like I should be spending time on the other items. However, having fewer than three areas of focus tends to lead to my feeling burned out or bored. Uh oh. Change of plans tonight. My son is hurling in the bathroom. Oh well. At least he made it to the bathroom. -DC
Just add dollars…
My days have been focused getting some websites updated (OutOfTheInbox.com, CheapSeatsProductions.com, FunnySaysWhat.com), gathering info for set construction, pre-production meetings, that's about it. So exciting to be working in areas I love (tho the web-stuff isn't my fav). How exciting will this be to make dollars, too?! What are you doing, lately? Let me know! --Dave Charbonneau
