6 Weeks and Counting

Yes, six weeks and counting and with that being said - a lot still needs to get done, which includes a plan for packing.

Anyway, I was going through some paper clutter I had collected since I moved back to Tampa (which is 10 months ago...). So, 10 months of paper, books and more paper... OK you get the picture, I came across a magazine with an article written by the one of the great directors of American film, Elia Kazan.

Due to politics, many of his friends and colleagues turned against him during the 50s, when they were blacklisting anyone who whispered the word communism. No one had a right to judge... but those were the times.

OK, so I re-read the article again like I have so many times before and he states a very good point. He says, if you want to be a director? Then don't go to film school ( Personally, I agree and disagree - technical training is very important, but then you can learn by doing too- whatever suits you). He brings up a point, which I have lived by - in terms of filmmaking (setting aside "documentary filmmaking").

You want to become a director? then study everything. Study art, music, history, people, religions, media, politics,fashion, psychology, photography..... whatever subject interests you - learn about it. Sometimes, you might find a new passion or just learn something new for the day. Why does Kazan say this? Because directors are, or I should say "Should be" the expert on the story they are telling, because they will convey the vision of the story to a huge crew and cast. You draw from everything in order to tell a story, fiction or non-fiction to the best of your ability according to the author's intent? No? You try to convince an audience that this film is worth grabbing their attention for 120 min and make it "movie believable."

For Freedom Fighter of Nili, it has taken more than 3 years of research. Some of it can be listed as "life experience." Example: I lived in Israel. I was born and raised there. The documentary is about people who lived in Palestine (Now Israel).

Still, I had to gather up information and direct it in a path, that is not taking sides or stating an opinion. I have and still have to draw from my life experience and also from other sources to try and form a cohesive story. I want to tell a story without speculating, only tell what is documented and let the audience speculate till the cows come home, if they want.

Finally, aspiring directors - study life, because teaching you the technical aspects can take months in a film production course., but perspective, opinions,wisdom, experience, study - can take a life time...... or less.

Until next time....

-- Look out for a nice surprise soon - Clue: News flash.