Snippets

USC ACCEPTED ME!

So at this point in the MFA game I am in between two stages. The Wait and The Application. I have successfully submitted to University of Southern California, American University, and University of Miami. I am still applying to NYFA and SCAD.

What to do during this time...find people to commiserate with online via forums. I found a great thread on StudentFilms. It's oddly comforting to find people that are on the same boat and know that I am still sort of sane. Also, another Fulbrighter introduced me to GradCafe. Here I found a plethora of threads, other Fulbrighters, other MFA Film candidates, and even posts about who's getting accepted (or rejected). All I know is that I have been clicking refresh way too many times today.

As for NYFA, honestly, I'm getting a bad vibe, well weird vibe. Oddly, my vibes about everything are almost always right. Anyway, I heard from them almost daily right after I applied and now, after I forwarded the information to my Placement Officer it's been crickets. They are on rolling admissions and my last choice, so... I can wait to hear from them on the next step.

SCAD, ohhh SCAD. I have read mixed reviews about the school online but the reception I have gotten from them has been positive. It's my second choice, provided there's enough funding. Anyway this week I am working on my demo. I have to fill in approximately ten minutes. My only set back is that my Premiere files won't open on CS6 because of a codec issue. So, I have to start all over or re-install Premiere Pro, which won't happen.

I am excited...nervous...anxious...so many emotions. But, I am sending positive messages out to the universe in hopes that they are received and sent back with the same love.

Wait! There's More!
The title, though true to the moment, is also the soundtrack to the first storyboard and montage I made back during Sophomore year in High School. I remember everything about the project, even the classroom and how long I stayed up drawing.

I've been feeling sort of down and distant with my surroundings. Oddly, I am very in tune with myself. I understand that it isn't healthy to keep things bottled up but  on the other hand it's hard when you can't find anyone to talk to or don't want to aggravate someone with your issues.

Yesterday, I encountered this:

AHIMSA 
A Sanskrit word which encompasses compassion, awareness, self-care, and peace in the spirit of non-violence. This means, non-violence towards yourself and others. 

It takes me back to the "Golden Rule" of my elementary school: treat others the way you want to be treated. In reading about this, I did find peace.

So, I'd like to share this bit of knowledge with those of you who stumble across my blog. 

1. Do no harm.
2. Stop using the words: I can't, Fat, Stupid, and Brutal Honesty. 
3. Conscious action.

These steps can be taken to many lengths, some I can adapt to my lifestyle, others seem more difficult. Like, not eating meat. Ok, fine, I admit I am not eating much meat now but that is totally because cooking meat for one person is not that fun. However, a nice New York Strip...grilled...with steamed veggies.  I can though look for free range meat whenever possible. 

I know that this may be difficult but I really do want to live in a better way. I noticed that my isolation has taken some tolls in my personal life that I had not encountered before but I also know that I am strong enough to work through my issues. With a little guidance, I CAN! 

Like...last night. Did my first handstand EVER! I sought out some guidance from yogis and step by step I got on my hands and was able to lift one leg off the wall. 

I leave you with those three steps. Try and find the inner peace, guidance, and possitivity within you. I will. I need it. 


For further reading: 
http://www.doyouyoga.com/4-phrases-actions-promote-self-care/
http://www.doyouyoga.com/how-about-you-try-a-little-ahimsa/

So last weekend I spent it trying to figure out Lena Dunham, Liz Meriwether, and Mindy Kaling. Conclusion: I have work to do. 

By figure out I mean I watched their work to get a sense of what the industry is looking for and how I can add to it. I tried to look at things objectively to see what I can learn from them, also, see what works. I am of course taking this with a grain of salt but it will be helpful for my MFA. 

Tiny Furniture: Written by and Directed by Lena Dunham. The movie felt long and repetitive. Like Girls, there were some moments where I felt like I had to look away (i.e. awkward sex in metal tube in an empty lot). Aura- the main character-came across as way to needy and in need of approval while navigating in a post-college era. That said, the emotions were real. The situations were relatable. Sometimes too relatable. 

No Strings Attached: If I am not mistaken its Liz's first industry screenplay. Who doesn't love a good romantic comedy? I was actually very surprised by this movie. I thought it would be sort of cookie cutter B type movie. But, no! I loved Natalie Portman's character. She is driven, focused, and is a doctor. Right off the bat I think that that should be point for women in film. However, the character's arc does center around her relationship with Ashton Kutcher's character. Still, the movie was entertaining, and well shot. 

New Girl: LOVE! I'm very happy with the show. The lead is a woman with a job and an independent mind. It's super funny and I am always impresed with the ability to write and perform comedy. Mainly because its something that I can never get right. I feel like you just have to have a knack for it. Can't really learn int. This leads me to...

The Mindy Project: LOVE! Yes, Mindy Lahiri is girly. Yes, Mindy  is a cliché. Yes, Mindy's world revolves around her need to have a boyfriend. Ok, ok, I get it. I know. Yet...She's the second woman who is a minority who is the lead of a show, plus she created it. Also, it's super funny and based on her instagram feed and twitter Mindy Kaling works hard for what we see on TV. I am personally inspired by her work ethic.  

What I learned: 
1. Don't overthink. 
2. Tweak. 
3. Be authentic and true to yourself and your experiences. 

Sometimes I feel like I want to portray too many things and situations in a 5 minute film. Instead, I should own who I am and realize that my life experiences are unique but that they all stem from universal values. That as a TCK I have a lot of stories and points of view to offer. That not because the people around me don't relate, that as long as I am true and work hard to put the pieces together, my work will shine. 

Also, at a more personal level, I should stop making excuses for the moment I am in right now and stop trying to define myself as the person I want to be and not the person I am. These women, though not perfect role models or humans, work hard and don't apologize for themselves or their work. I will definitely take this to heart and work from there. 


Feel free to comment and keep this discussion about Women in Film going!


p.s. Ellen Page is awesome! I have always admired her work and the projects she chooses. Now, I adore her even more. Her speech at the Time to Thrive Conference was incredibly eloquent and inspiring. 

It's basically February and while other places still have snow, I can barely keep it together with this Queretaro heat. My answer is to make a refreshing drink.

So I'm not a huge oat fan but with this fabulous blend I have become an occasional fan. Mostly because you can add so many different toppings.