The focus for this blog in 2021

What I’m working on

3 min readJan 4, 2021

Introduction

2020 was a difficult year. I didn’t have an opportunity to be on set and I focused on screenwriting and editing my short feature, Gun Story.

I’ve decided to start up this blog again.

Since 2019, I’ve begun to transition from making short films to focusing on longer form projects. I shot a feature in 2019, and I wrote two feature length screenplays this past year. I’m in development for another long form project that I hope to film this year.

When you’re working on screenplays and editing your films, you’re in a vacuum. There’s no way to predict how these projects will turn out or where they will go.

My goal is to share what I’m working on through these blogs and to answer some questions for people who are new to screenwriting or filmmaking.

You can see a teaser for my short films here.

When you do a daily vlog, much of your spare time is dedicated to filming, finding interesting ways to frame a shot, and editing. I did a daily vlog for one hundred days a few years ago. It taught me a lot about editing and it helped me to maintain a steady practice.

I plan on posting four blog articles a week and a vlog once a week. The blogs will cover what I’m working on and the basics of filmmaking or screenwriting. Vlog episodes will either cover what I’m working on (like an open studio project) or what I’ve learned over the course of making 30 short films with little or no money.

What I’m working on:

I’m editing a feature film.

I’m developing a new feature film project.

I’m going to make a vlog a week about what I’m working on or what I’ve learned.

My Background:

I got started in Theater. I had a full length play, a one act, and three short plays produced in Chicago. Then I transitioned to writing screenplays.

Shortly after I got into screenwriting, I started producing short films. I didn’t want to rely on someone telling me yes to make these stories come to life.

I’ve made around thirty short films and I’m trying to focus on making longer form content — feature films and feature length screenplays.

Why am I doing this?

I think I have a unique perspective. I’ve learned how to make films with little or no budget. And I think I have some valuable insight if you’re just getting started.

When I was first interested in writing and telling stories, I didn’t think there was a way for me to get into filmmaking. Now, if you have a smartphone and an idea, you can start making films but there are some risks.