Aristotle's "Golden Mean"

So, I decided to start this blog as I was inspired by the writings of Tom Cuban on his "Blog Maverick." His most recent post describes the power of new media, and the role of blogs as an expressive medium. He then goes on to rip Donald Trump...and hey, if Rosie has a blog, I can have a blog too.

To introduce myself, I am a freshmen attending film school in Los Angeles. I'm originally from smalltown USA, located in Northern California. To say the least, entering the film world (and I say that with a huge emphasis on entering) and Los Angeles, has been quite intimidating. I am learning quickly and surely the role of women on set. We are a "gem," one to be kept around but not allowed to move forward or up the ladder. I have been told numerous times to "hang around the electrical department" in order to make ammends with the gaffer, in order to meet with the DP, and therefore get my foot in the door with somebody important.

All of this is bullshit. Why? Because unfortunately, as much as I would love to work up the ladder of bitch work (aka operational work) in film, it simply isn't viable for me. Unfortunately, script coordination is not my dream job, and I don't want to spend the next 10 some odd years doing it. I want to be at the very top, and unfortunately there is a glass ceiling quite low to the ground for me.

This leads us to why I want to do film. In every person's life, and every direction or path we choose, we must assess- yes this is my passion, but why do I want to do it? Of course, there are several different types of people out there. A vast majority will have no clue as to what you're talking about when you say "passion" and "career" in the same sentence. Those will most likely tell you they are doing so and so in order to have a security, a good life, and maybe even a family. Sure. These people will most likely find themselves comfortable in the working class or middle class if they've decided to pursue a decent education. Then there are those of us who have decided to take the "riskier" route- the pursuit of what we love to do because we love to do it. Some examples of these people might be musicians, entrepenuers, small-business owners etc. They may care less about the pay, and more about the fulfillment of their career.

Then there are those of us who fall into my category. I don't have a name for this category, nor a formula, but when you love something and have to do it you must question its entirety beyond yourself and your own "selfish" reasons. Yes, I love to do film. So much infact, I kind of have to do it. But I realize that I have more power than that of just self-fulfillment. I happen to be going into an art that can be thought of as the "ultimate medium," one that enhances and manipulates our senses and can control a message so powerful it can have great repercussions on society as a whole. I have the power to craft social reform, or maybe change a perception, or possibly inform somebody about something I feel is important. My message has power, and with this power I must learn how to use it. When I think of my career goals, I think not only of myself and my own artistic expression and passion; I think of the medium as a powerful tool of communication that has the power to influence, portray, and produce incredible things. If I had to come up with a title for this kind of a person, I would probably call them an "idealist."

And that is where I'm at right now. A meer ant in a pool of billions. I am coming from nowhere-- square one. No connections, no family member in the entertainment industry, no knowledge, no preconcieved notions, no nothing. I am starting to network, starting to experience work on small sets, I've begun an internship in a production company in Santa Monica and I'm starting to learn just how crazy the industry is run in Hollywood. Yes, I am questioning myself and yes I am a little bit scared. But let that be the fire in me, the one thing that will keep me going. I know I am in the right place for now, and that I'm hopefully on a good track.