Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post

JennSkis · 12-10-2006, 07:51 PM

I re-read your entries and realized that you have been not motivated for 8 years in attaining your goals. Some people don't reach their full potential ever so at least you know that you want to make this change. That is a big step.

Try associating yourself with people who may be a mentor in the industry that you want to be in.

Initially, I wanted to be a documentary filmmaker. I was going to go to film school but my family urged me to go to law school because they felt it would be easier for me to get employment if the film dream never took off. I am so glad I took their advice.

Since 2000 when I graduated from law school, I was able to work with a filmmaker whom I admired. It was really by luck and the grace of God that he responded to my sincere request for me to work with him. I volunteered some time with him but then I realized that I did not want to be poor. He was not making much money but he was someone who had multiple Emmys and other recognition for his work. Fortunately, I was able to get paying employment but I still keep one foot in the film industry. I read as much as I can about documentary filmmaking and I am a member or a few associations for documentary filmmakers.

From the 6 years being in the real world and working with filmmakers, my role with the industry is being more defined. I thought I wanted to be more on the creative side (which I still do to a smaller extent) but I am a business minded person. I've been using my business/law skills in helping some of filmmaker friends out. It has been really awesome seeing my own growth and helping others. One day, I will make my own film, but I see where I really blossom in this industry. This was a dream that I had since I was 13 years old so I am really glad that I took these steps. I never had specific guidance on this dream but I took the initiative to find out the differences from independent, Hollywood, international/word, video and tv industries.

When you find your passion, you will slowly get into what your really want out of life.

There is a book called, "What Color is your Parachute." If you have not read it, check it out. It helped me in college realize my passions in life.

Stay optimistic!

12-10-2006, 07:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
JennSkis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York City Posts: 2	Something to add.. I re-read your entries and realized that you have been not motivated for 8 years in attaining your goals. Some people don't reach their full potential ever so at least you know that you want to make this change. That is a big step. Try associating yourself with people who may be a mentor in the industry that you want to be in. Initially, I wanted to be a documentary filmmaker. I was going to go to film school but my family urged me to go to law school because they felt it would be easier for me to get employment if the film dream never took off. I am so glad I took their advice. Since 2000 when I graduated from law school, I was able to work with a filmmaker whom I admired. It was really by luck and the grace of God that he responded to my sincere request for me to work with him. I volunteered some time with him but then I realized that I did not want to be poor. He was not making much money but he was someone who had multiple Emmys and other recognition for his work. Fortunately, I was able to get paying employment but I still keep one foot in the film industry. I read as much as I can about documentary filmmaking and I am a member or a few associations for documentary filmmakers. From the 6 years being in the real world and working with filmmakers, my role with the industry is being more defined. I thought I wanted to be more on the creative side (which I still do to a smaller extent) but I am a business minded person. I've been using my business/law skills in helping some of filmmaker friends out. It has been really awesome seeing my own growth and helping others. One day, I will make my own film, but I see where I really blossom in this industry. This was a dream that I had since I was 13 years old so I am really glad that I took these steps. I never had specific guidance on this dream but I took the initiative to find out the differences from independent, Hollywood, international/word, video and tv industries. When you find your passion, you will slowly get into what your really want out of life. There is a book called, "What Color is your Parachute." If you have not read it, check it out. It helped me in college realize my passions in life. Stay optimistic!