The only way I can describe my first week at BDFI is surreal. Ever get the feeling that you’re living someone else’s life? That’s how I felt all week. I think it could have a little to do with the fact that it was very much an uphill battle to get here or maybe it’s because not enough of my dreams have come true that when something good happens it feels as if it should be happening to someone else. I’m so used to struggle and complication that the reality of actually going to Berkeley just seemed like it wasn’t going to happen but people surprise you and remind you that not everyone sucks. I finally got there and even though my luggage was lost they found it very quickly. It’s my first time actually living on my own away from home, I’ve lived in other countries for months at a time but I’d always had family and knew people but coming to Berkeley was almost like starting over. I choose BDFI because it reminded me of my favorite classes from high school, video production and screenwriting. Those were the classes I never missed and was always excited to go to. Patrick also reminds me of one of my favorite teachers, who actually taught those two classes, Mr. Carmen. Patrick also reminds me of Tim Gunn but I’ll save that for another blog. I was so nervous and stressed out for my first day because I came in a week late and kind of felt like I was crashing the party but everyone was really accommodating especially when I got that group hug  and it help put all those nervous feelings to rest. Producing and Directing reminded me of an extended version of my screenwriting class from high school and that sense familiarity really helped and within minutes of everyone pitching their ideas I had my screenplay idea and just couldn’t wait to go home and start writing. Cinematography is really way more technical than I thought it was going to be. Before I got to school I thought it might be something that I’d want to do because I love photography and movies, why not merge them together? I was wrong. It is too technical for my brain and by the end of class I was so relieved because I was getting a headache. I LOVE SCREENWRITING WITH FREDDY!!! I didn’t want class to end it is hands down my favorite class. Freddy has so much insight and I think he’s just overall really awesome. I pitched my idea to him and I was afraid it might come off a little lifetime-y but he seemed to really like it and he assigned us to come up with our top ten lists, since then it has literally consumed hours of my life. Oy with the editing, I’ve edited before and I don’t mind editing I think skilled editors can do crazy things in post but I’m scared that my editing job is not going to look as cool as I want it. Sharif defiantly gave some good shortcuts that I didn’t know about on final cut and I’m really digging the editing assignment I just hope I can pull it off like I see it in my head. It’s been a little while since I’ve been back to school so Friday I accidently overslept but what I caught of Melissa’s class was very helpful. We went over casting websites and how your posting should sound, scouting locations all the things you really don’t think of. How do I feel about my first week at BDFI, I think I’m going to like it here.