Wow! Over 2 years since I've posted an update. So...what have I been working on since 2022? A lot!
I put projects on indefinite hold and refocused my priorities.
2022 was an interesting year.
After completing the pre-production process, including casting and setting production dates, something about 'Storage' didn't feel right. I was in the mode of feeling like I had to create something, and that something felt forced. I still think it's a good story, but I was trying to slam it in and it didn't feel special.
That summer I reconnected with Vanessa Padla, who worked on my first film, 'Abduction'. She portrayed Catherine in the film. We decided to collaborate on a new short and, over weekly video chats, we outlined, wrote, and pre-produced 'The Way Out'.
I co-created, co-wrote and produced a new short film.
We shot 'The Way Out' over four days in Pensacola, FL and Alabama, with an amazing group of people. Post-production was finished in Fall of 2023 and it is just now finishing the film festival circuit with several awards under our belt. I'm working on the distribution process and expect it to be available for streaming in the first quarter of 2025.
I couldn't be more proud of how the film turned out and I'm exicted to get it out there in the world.
I've been doing some meaningful commercial work.
Part of my refocus was to reduce my commercial workload on real estate photography/videograpy (I still do this for Steve) and shift to work that holds meaning for me.
Over the last year, I've been working with UP RVA. They are a non-profit that helps low-income students in Richmond become successful by providing them with the tools, resources and support to succed in independant schools, college and beyond.
If you have the opportunity, you can check out my video and photography work on their newly revamped website: uprva.com . If you have the resources, they do accept donations to continue their mission.
I took a Data Science and AI bootcamp course.
So... this might not be what you were expecting to see here, but here's the thing - much of my past experience and work has been really analytical in nature. Filmmaking feeds my creativity, but I miss doing analytical work on a daily basis. I'm someone who likes to work and, with filmmaking, there is a lot of stops and starts when you're independent and working to carve a creative place in the world. I miss the daily interactions and need to feed both sides of my brain.
In addition to the bootcamp, I'm currently working on Cloud Computing certifications through AWS and trying to secure work with a company that I feel has been at the forefront of technology and innovation. It's somewhere I hope I have the opportunity to use my past skills, along with the new skills I'm learning to make a difference for companies that are moving to and structuring their business in the cloud. You can check out my site and portfolio 'here'.
I'm still creating.
I've been slowly creating a new series and working to really make this one special. It started from a pilot that I wrote several years ago and recieved quarterfinalist recognition for the script. It's loosely based on exsisting folklore and the story is centered here in Richmond, VA.
There will be updates for this coming soon (I promise) in the way of social media, website and things to start the gears turning, so stay tuned...
Thanks for staying up to date with my progress and supporting my creative journey!
-Jason
Comments