A year? Really?

[fewdiodave]

It's... it's been over a year since I've updated my journal? Seriously? How... how did that happen? Seriously, how has it been over a year? That really weirds me out, because it sure doesn't feel like it. It really doesn't feel possible.

A lot has happened in the past year I guess, and at the same time, not much has happened. Obviously, there's the writer' strike, which has, how do the French say it, "sucked". And even though the strike itself has only been active for about two months now, it's really been boning me for much, much longer, it seems. Since everyone has known it's been coming for a long time, everyone has been scrambling for any work, and writers who are normally above me on the writer food chain have been taking jobs I'd normally be up for, leaving me with nothing. So, it's been a lean year on that front.

I've been making some side money doing video editing, a skill I've been teaching myself for the past few years. I've had some fun jobs (editing music videos and concerts for http://www.powerchordacademy.com/), and some mind-numbingly dull jobs (editing an hour and a half high school reunion dvd, anyone?), and some that was just work. It's slowed down now, but hopefully will pick up again soon.

But the big news is I've started a company with some friends. We're producing short content, meant for the web or streaming cell phone, etc. It's shaping up to be a big market, and I think for a change, we got a nice jump on the wave early on. We saw this market emerging, and started things rolling about a year ago. So we've spent the summer/fall creating 15 short horror/thriller films. We're finishing up post on them now, and one of our members is actually up at Sundance right now selling us. He had his first meeting this morning, and it sounds like the person was blown away by what we'd done on such limited budgets. The reaction to our shorts so far has been very very positive... so hopefully this will be my future.

Emotionally I've been in kind of a weird state. I think I'm kind of over with the whole "Yay, I've got lots of money! Wait, now I'm completely broke for the next several months. Hey, I've got lots of money again! Oh wait, now I'm broke again..." cycle. That's part of what the idea behind the company is, to become our own bosses, get out of the freelance game. But I think it's really had a toll on me, emotionally. I think I might start to see a therapist. For that and other things.

I got a really nice email from my younger brother last night, a really emotional, nice email. You have to know my family to know how out of the blue this is... we don't communicate very well, and we're not particularly good at expressing emotion. The email made me cry. In a good way and in a regretful way, but mostly in a good way. I wrote him an email back, that also made me cry. Again, in a mostly good way.

Comments

[democritus.livejournal.com]

Hey, good to see you around. Good luck on your company!

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Thank you! And, thank you!

[sarahpolk.livejournal.com]

I think I'm kind of over with the whole "Yay, I've got lots of money! Wait, now I'm completely broke for the next several months. Hey, I've got lots of money again! Oh wait, now I'm broke again..." cycle.

My dad did that, and I think it's why I seem to gravitate towards the most stable 9-to-5 jobs with a regular paycheck. I just can't handle the roller coaster of insecurity.

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

I can understand that. It was okay in my 20s, but it's not so good anymore. And I can't even imagine trying to support a family living this way, so it's understandable that it would be ingrained in you to avoid it.

[unmercutio.livejournal.com]

Sounds like some great news on the company front. As our luck keeps having it be, when I got a new phone I lost your number for like the 7th time. My e-mail for my profile here works, so drop it to me. If you need any scrubs for your company, I'm there!

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

It's possible I'm looking in the wrong place, but I don't see an email address listed on your profile page. Email me at davidschneider at gmail.com and I'll reply with my #.

And thanks for the scrubbage offer. I'll definitely let you know when we start shooting the second series... no doubt we can put you to work.

[joeyhemlock.livejournal.com]

Hi David! Good to hear from you!

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Thanks Mark! Good to be heard from. And good to hear from you as well. Hooray for hearing!

[joeyhemlock.livejournal.com]

Hearing is so def.

[geobabe1.livejournal.com]

Has it been that long? Jeez. My time sense has gotten totally warped since having kids, since everything with them seems like either forever ago or just yesterday. Anyway, good to see you! Good luck with the company; I hope it works out and makes you oodles of money!

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

It has been that long, even though it sure doesn't seem like it. Even though I haven't updated in that long, I still read my friends page every day (I love seeing all the picture of the boys... they're growing up so quickly, it's amazing!), so I still have the illusion of being in total contact with all you guys, which I think to me makes it seem even more unbelievable that it's been that long.

Anyway, thanks for the luck wishes!

[jamespolk.livejournal.com]

Congratulations. Does this mean I can now start starting you script ideas so I can sue the first time one of your pieces bears even the remotest similarity to one?

That's really my retirement plan now so don't disappoint me.

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Here's hoping the company blossoms into something that would be worth suing over and retiring on!

[paroxytone.livejournal.com]

Wow Dave, it really has been a while since you've updated. Of course, I did see you at Jen and Bryan's party, but still. Congrats on starting your new venture, here's to stable money!

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[chique.livejournal.com]

Was thinking about you the other day for some reason but now I can't remember why. Nice to see you're not yet dead. :)

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Nice to not BE dead!

How are things with you?

[chique.livejournal.com]

I now have only 270 items in my inbox; I finally have the time and energy to actually, y'know, reply to some people I've been neglecting.

Things could be worse. :) I'd give you the blow-by-blow but it's probably a lot easier to just link you to what's been happening with me since October. So....link: http://nadsters.com/nads/showthread.php?tid=2242

Sorry it took so long to reply - I'm behind in *every*thing. Shoot me a line at rsandy at gmail dot com and I'll fill you in on other stuff. :)

R.

Agreed!

[runs-in-circles.livejournal.com]

We moved to LA the day thew writers strike started! So our "big" plans to jump right into the industry is smoldering. LOL It's like enough already give the folks their cash and move on!

Best of luck with your new company! Digital Media is definitely the way to go!
If you need an editing assistant, PA/"go get me ____" aka whipping boy please, let me know. My boyfriend has Avid/FCP experience. Anything will help us buy more mac and cheese and ramen noodles. lol

Re: Agreed!

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Oooo, bad time to move here! As you've seen, it's really effected a lot of people, not just the writers. It's not a great time out here. Hope it gets better soon.

Still, welcome to L.A.!

I will definitely keep your boyfriend in mind. Someone with FCP experience will likely come in handy down the road a bit when we get to work on the second series. And in theory, there WILL be money for that one!

Re: Agreed!

[runs-in-circles.livejournal.com]

lol Really anything, he can take trash out. He looks good in Gray jumpsuits.

Yeah I guess live and learn. We drove in during the fires to arrive safely to the strike, so I guess we just have THAT kind of timing!

Otherwise, whats not to like about sunny days and 65 degree afternoons in January!

[democritus.livejournal.com]

lol, did you make this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2L-7HdCva8

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Yup, that's me!

[tiny-nomad.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on the new venture, it all sounds exciting! Miss seeing you around these parts!

formerly xjetgirlx

[anamorphic.livejournal.com]

Thank you! It's good to see you too. I will try to show my face around here more often.

I remember noticing your name change a little while back, but I don't think I ever saw the why. Just wanted a change?