I applied for PA on a short film shoot.  I called the director and told her all the experience I had at BDFI in the past 16 weeks.  The next day she promoted me to Assistant Director.

The director said she had more confidence in me as an AD than the original person she hired.

My horoscope has never been so right on!

“You’re crackling with good energy and can’t wait to take on the day! It’s a good time to focus on projects that involve big change or require big ideas to carry out — you’ve got them all day long!”

Ever since I started at BDFI I feel like a world of knowledge and opportunity has opened before me. I wake up everyday excited and go to bed early to keep my energy up.

I ran into Jules on the street this evening. She was thrilled about Emmanuel’s shoot and how beautiful the images seemed on set. She spoke about reflections on a glass boardroom table. I look for ward to returning and seeing it.

I have learned so much in the last 30 weeks, and appreciate tremendously the amount of talent and love that pervades this industry. I look at films now with fresh eyes and ears, appreciating the fine art of what has gone into every visual effect, each layer of sound, the scriptwriting, and the art of every edit.
Highlights: Mark Berger’s excellent classes on sound magic. What I hear will never be the same. Also, the life lessons Mark Berger taught correspond so nicely to sound application. The possibilities are tremendous; could it be that few of us even notice the power of influence that sound has in our lives?
Another highlight: Fred Ritzenberg’s classes on scriptwriting for film and the art of storytelling on screen. How do we create a story that lures our readers and viewers in, that first piques their curiousity, and then speaks to their intelligence and heart? Or, taking the other route, gives them one hell of a wild ride, taking them out of their present lives and into a satisfying world of adventure and adrenaline? I have seen my scripts go through many changes, and I appreciate the quality of Fred’s comments and insights. I really had no idea how to even begin to write scripts, and now after these 2 semesters at BDFI, I have finally begun to tell my story, one I have waited to tell for about 30 years.
Patrick, you have been there to encourage and inspire, educate and organize this awesome program. I would not be here if it weren’t for you; you are most generous and supportive. Thank you Patrick!! By the way, how do you do it all?
Sharif, I love your world, and am so grateful for all you have taught me about editing on Final Cut; you deliver with energy, clarity and mastery. The world you have shared with me feels so comforable and inviting; I am looking forward to spending many creative moments in the Final Cut driver’s seat!
Another highlight: My shoots! I love to film! The Mallorcan disco scene in 1976 with the Creepy man went fabulous. It was like catching one of those waves you hope is coming, and you know has got to be out there somewhere, and then you’re on it and flying. That’s how that disco scene was for me. Thanks to my friends Sarah and Chris for their most amazing home disco that I think they built just for me! Thanks also to Shy and Nick for assisting with sound and DP!
Brian, you sure know how to bring in the actresses. What a talented group you teach!
And last but so very extremely and completely important, thank you Eric and Jon for speaking so sweetly the language that only computers can understand. In computer language my accent is strong, and computers seem to scoff at my attempts worse than the French at my French.
Whatever you two do, and however you do it, you are priceless!!! Thanks a trillion. Most sincerely, Tasha