The Crosspatch Times 1 - Intro
Hi! Welcome to the blog, which I’m tentatively calling The Crosspatch Times. I’ll start with the basics.
Why Are We Here?
In the 7 years I’ve worked in Atlanta as a video professional, I’ve worked primarily in commercials and branded content, with some detours into narrative (a couple of features, a few short films, some documentary-style work). I’ve been busy, working as an editor most frequently, but also getting to flex my creative muscles as a writer, director, and assistant director. I’ve also got a real obsession with the Art Department and I can’t stop “helping” whenever I get the chance–I’m sorry! It’s too fun!
There are enjoyable elements to be found in most any project, and the ability to trick your brain into being really interested in, say, efficiently engineered landfill coverings, is very helpful when you want to successfully direct a video about them. Anyone who works in film and video will know what I’m talking about–we all work on projects we’re not naturally passionate about, but we try to find the parts we like in order to stay sane in what I’m convinced is both the least and most sane industry in the world.
Despite relying steadily on this ability for years, it eventually became impossible to ignore that my forays into narrative and documentary were, by far, my favorite projects, and the most rewarding.
The Pivot
In January of this year, I had the chance to direct my first short film, Swapped at Length, which I also wrote. My coworkers all chipped in as crew, to help keep costs down, and we had an amazing time. It was the most fun I’d had on set in years, and it solidified in my mind that I owed it to myself to try to chase that feeling.
That, to keep things brief, brings us here. I left my job in late October, 2024, with the intent to pursue my passion projects, hopefully find a space where I have to spend a little less energy caring about things I’m not naturally inclined to–nothing against the landfill covers; they’re way better for the environment than other solutions!–and find a new balance.
That short film is days away from completion, with a social media campaign and festival submissions on the way. I’ve never done that side of things before, so this blog is, in part, a place for me to document my experiences. I’d love it if someone reads about it and finds it helpful. I’ve been fortunate to talk to some people who are more experienced than I am in the narrative short arena, but I’ve noticed there aren’t many online resources that I find very credible.
In addition to the short, I’m also getting back to my first love: writing. I’m hoping to complete a feature film draft by the end of November, and more will come. I might even have time to get my D&D campaign back on track (wishful thinking, maybe)! I’ll talk about all that stuff here–even the D&D–as well as post movie and book recs and reviews when I feel compelled to do so. And I, of course, am also conducting a traditional job hunt, of which I’ll keep you apprised when appropriate.
Hopes & Dreams
While I’d love to say I’ll definitely establish myself as a voice in the Atlanta film community and eventually make movies for a living, I’m not blind to the reality: this is one of the most difficult things for anyone to do. It’s a lot of luck and a lot of hard work. Not to mention, I have to be as good as I hope I can be. I’m not afraid of hard work. I can’t control my luck, but can I put myself in positions to be lucky? Yeah, I think so. Plus, my dream of playing for the Yankees never panned out, so I feel like I’m due, right??
Can I be as good as I hope I can be? I’ve always had very high standards for myself, and confidence is a constant struggle. The only way to be good at anything is to do it, even when you’re not so good at it yet. When you’re as critical of your own work as I can be, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never get there.
But as one of my favorite authors would say: journey before destination. It’s not about hitting some mythical home run; it's about the love of the game! When I came to Atlanta, I knew next to nothing, but I didn’t waste time wondering whether or not I’d be “good” at this. I knew I wanted to do it, so I’d try anything; I put my fears aside and took the field. Now I’m 31 years old and I have to abandon the baseball metaphor, because at 31, my career would be nearing an end.
31 might not be young anymore, but I still have plenty left to give. Whatever comes, I’ll share it with you here.
