First Post - Jeff

After extensive discussions, we have decided to create a blog for our film project. It (The Project) has taken over our lives, at this point in time. I am sad to say, we should have had one up much earier, in order to document the extensive changes going on within and around us. Suffice to say, I have a fair amount of explaining to do in this post. I'll give my account of the humble beginnings behind Social Insecurities, and let Steve expound upon them.

About a year or so ago, both of us, Steve, (in Colorado), and I (in New York), each had the idea to make a media related project about the homeless people who live in the tunnels under neath New York City. Steve wanted to do a Television show, and I wanted to do a feature length script, which I would attempt to sell (the thought of it makes me laugh now). Anyways, we met up during a boarding school reunion sorta shindig, and committed to making something of this subject.

We eventually realized both of our plans were not too realistic. We decided to make a short film instead. I rearranged my entire class schedule at school in order to assist us, while Steve moved to New York City. All the while, we conducted extremely large amounts of research.

We eventually started Social Insecurities LLC, and got fiscal sponsorship for the short film through Fractured Atlas, a non profit arts service organization, where all donations to the project can be made online, and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

(Nice plug, right? Check it out)

https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/contribute/donate/1328

We have raised a fair amount of money, but still need a small amount more to reach our budget goal of $25,000 by the start of filming on February 1st. We have hired a Director of Photography, named Jonathan Wolff, and you can find him at:

http://www.jwolffdp.com

He's great. We are currently doing casting, while scouting locations. We woke up in Rochester today after a night of pure insanity, and went to scout an amazing location, which we will be using in the short film. Aside from having written the script, we will be directing. We have decided to involve many people we know and love in this project, due to their excitement over it, and their little to no monetary demands.

No, on to how this film has affected our lives so far. the juicy, juicy parts of the story. As for me, the project has ruined yet enriched my life at the same time. I wasn't able to focus on the things or people I truly cared about, and have lost someone I love because of it. I've heard stories of similar situations due to film production, and now realize the truth to them, as well as how preventable they are.

At the same time, I have finally become who I have always wanted to become. This project has made me more responsible, driven, and passionate about what I want to do, and I am grateful for it. it is 3:30 AM after we woke up in Rochester, went location scouting, sent checks to people, drove 6 hours back to New York City (and Steve went to Philly after), and I am still doing things for the film. It never ends, but then again, I always ask myself if I want it to.

Sometimes imagination can be more satisfying than real life. Unfortunately for me, this film has taken a life of it's own. So that's like, two real life dissatisfactions squared.... or multiplied by each other... Well, that would just be an dissatisfying real life situation squared. Yeah. that's what it is. I'm going to sleep, to wake up and work more on the website, which can be found at:

http://www.socialinsecurities.com

I've never had a blog before. It's kind of like a journal, that other people can read, which is the opposite sort of purpose of a journal. In that sense, it feels kinda naughty.

I pass the torch to you, Steve.

Night.