Oh I am getting close... yes it feels good. I haven't written anything for awhile. After I finished FenomeDon's section, I took a little break. I am really trying to pace myself and no burn myself out. I still have time to finish....
I am not sure if I mentioned it or not, but my deadline to finish is in August. My goal is to make the Sundance deadline in August. I guess I am officially announcing that today.
Therefore, as I said I am pacing myself. So what I have been doing the last month or so is I ended-up shooting a music video for Conflikto Armado. The song featured my boy Santos and another up-and-coming artist El Graphiko. We shot the whole video in the city, mostly by the Mission District. We recruited some lovely ladies for Videos. I have to say they are very lovely! Everything came out cool. As we speak, it is posted on youtube - just check out Amore video from Conflikto Armado. The Conflikto is cool, he is on the move and has something good going. The man gots some skills! They plan to do big things with video... Hopefully!
After that I got back on track with my edit. It was a good breather. Now I am in the process of going through the professor's footage. Last week I also locked down with a sound designer for my flick. My boy Justin is a wiz for sound. I call him "Dr. J" sometimes because he just does surgery on his sound work. Its amazing! We spoke for awhile and met. And next thing you know we just clicked.
Even though I took a little break, I am always thinking about my project. Now I am in the process of possibly getting some artwork for my doc. I am still working out details and playing with the idea. So I am holding off for now as far as explaining my idea. But once I know, you will know.
Well that's it for now. I wanted to check-in and say wassup!
Junior
The Filmmaker
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Coming Closer To The End
Its been a crazy couple of months. I haven't had a chance to write too much, only because life has taken its course. And what I mean by that is, I have been working a lot of hours, paying bills and trying not to be broke. But in between now and the last time I wrote, I have completed my NY section and I am now coming close to finishing my DC section. I squeezed in some time for my Doc so I can be ahead of schedule.
It was rough, but I was motivated enough to continue on with my doc. It is hard working long hours or full-time while trying to make a project. I can see how people can easily loose focus and delay their own projects because of work. I try my best to not get off track. Sometimes I get too tired to do anything because work can get a good hold of you when "you are working for the man." I understand how that feels, but I do not let that be an excuse for not succeeding in life. Nothing is ever easy... well, for me it is, I only can speak for myself.
I was talking to a co-worker one day and sometimes we'll ask each other if we are working on any projects... I would usually not say too much only because I hate to talk about things that are not complete. That's how I am! But getting back to the story, he mentioned that it was difficult for him to do anything because he works full-time. I can respect that. I guess it is hard... but it always comes down to how much you want it, in my opinion. In turn, it feels good that I have not delayed my project for any reason and I am glad that I am still pushing myself.
As far as my DC part, for whatever reason, the DC section took me a little longer to put together. I guess the main reason is that I have been very cautious about not making my DC section similar to my other sections. I am realizing that when you have a compilation of different characters, you still want to keep everyone different and make it their own thing. So for awhile I was stuck and trying to figure out the best way to show this part of the doc. I guess that is another reason why I haven't wrote. I had an "Artist Block," - something similar to "writer's block."
Sometimes when I get in those situations, I sit in a quiet room and I THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK, and THINK . Sometimes that takes hours, days, or weeks. But at the end of the day I put one-and-one together. I do a little math, but in a film kind of way. I do some takeaways, I add, divide, and multiply. In film talk, that means I add a scene, take out a scene, and I combine scenes to have different options to present a storyline.
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
It was rough, but I was motivated enough to continue on with my doc. It is hard working long hours or full-time while trying to make a project. I can see how people can easily loose focus and delay their own projects because of work. I try my best to not get off track. Sometimes I get too tired to do anything because work can get a good hold of you when "you are working for the man." I understand how that feels, but I do not let that be an excuse for not succeeding in life. Nothing is ever easy... well, for me it is, I only can speak for myself.
I was talking to a co-worker one day and sometimes we'll ask each other if we are working on any projects... I would usually not say too much only because I hate to talk about things that are not complete. That's how I am! But getting back to the story, he mentioned that it was difficult for him to do anything because he works full-time. I can respect that. I guess it is hard... but it always comes down to how much you want it, in my opinion. In turn, it feels good that I have not delayed my project for any reason and I am glad that I am still pushing myself.
As far as my DC part, for whatever reason, the DC section took me a little longer to put together. I guess the main reason is that I have been very cautious about not making my DC section similar to my other sections. I am realizing that when you have a compilation of different characters, you still want to keep everyone different and make it their own thing. So for awhile I was stuck and trying to figure out the best way to show this part of the doc. I guess that is another reason why I haven't wrote. I had an "Artist Block," - something similar to "writer's block."
Sometimes when I get in those situations, I sit in a quiet room and I THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK, THINK, and THINK . Sometimes that takes hours, days, or weeks. But at the end of the day I put one-and-one together. I do a little math, but in a film kind of way. I do some takeaways, I add, divide, and multiply. In film talk, that means I add a scene, take out a scene, and I combine scenes to have different options to present a storyline.
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Monday, August 8, 2011
Dia Del Salvadoreno 2011
So much has been going on!!!! I almost forgot to mention that I filmed my "ending" for my doc this past weekend. I've been so stuck and focused with my film that I've been on a "one track mind." But, I am glad to say, I HAVE AN ENDING for my film!
Fenomedon, Reyes Del Bajo Mundo, and Santos were all in Los Angeles to perform at the Salvadoran Day Festival. It was a Saturday and Sunday event where all three artists performed both days in the heart of South Central where a large number of Salvadorans exist. When you're in these types of areas sometimes you'll feel like you're in Central America or Mexico because these both cultures are heavenly present in these types of area.
This past weekend every food cart and truck was out last weekend. It was hot and a good day to be out. I love it! Its a good weekend to be a Salvi. We've come a long way!
It took some time to plan for all three artist to come out for this festival. To be honest I wasn't sure if it was going to happen (due to everyone had different schedules and mainly everyone lived in different parts of the states), but it all worked out. For me, the fact that these guys were able to get together and make it to this event showd the importance of what they want to accomplish and what this movement means for them. It was a very symbolic moment for me to see all this happen.
I know each artist feel the same way as I do, as far as improving the future of our salvi communities in the states. I feel like it's in our hands to seek improvement. And because we're all salvi's in the US, we know it will transmit to the motherland, since there is still a connection between the two countries.
There words and presents were definitely heard at the festival. Hopefully, it's a spark for the community to move forward and begin new chapter in our history. People were actually digging the music, I could see how people were tuning into their words and rhymes. Since the music has been growing over the years, finally people are hearing the noise. For salvadoran folks, they are use to hearing traditional music like cumbias. Now its a different generation, now its a different movement.
It was definitely a good weekend for me. I was happy, proud, and surrounded with good energy around me. I was more happy that is was a good turnout and people were out supporting the festival. People were out with their family, eating pupusas, dancing, and laughing.
This was a very important event for my film because everyone came together to rock a show. For me it brought a better conclusion to my film - No matter how far apart everyone is ... the community and movement will always grow. I have to thank one of the coordinators from the festival, "Mr. Sanchez," he made all this possible for me.
Thank you!
Thank you my gentes!
Thank you all for being part of this!
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Fenomedon, Reyes Del Bajo Mundo, and Santos were all in Los Angeles to perform at the Salvadoran Day Festival. It was a Saturday and Sunday event where all three artists performed both days in the heart of South Central where a large number of Salvadorans exist. When you're in these types of areas sometimes you'll feel like you're in Central America or Mexico because these both cultures are heavenly present in these types of area.
This past weekend every food cart and truck was out last weekend. It was hot and a good day to be out. I love it! Its a good weekend to be a Salvi. We've come a long way!
It took some time to plan for all three artist to come out for this festival. To be honest I wasn't sure if it was going to happen (due to everyone had different schedules and mainly everyone lived in different parts of the states), but it all worked out. For me, the fact that these guys were able to get together and make it to this event showd the importance of what they want to accomplish and what this movement means for them. It was a very symbolic moment for me to see all this happen.
I know each artist feel the same way as I do, as far as improving the future of our salvi communities in the states. I feel like it's in our hands to seek improvement. And because we're all salvi's in the US, we know it will transmit to the motherland, since there is still a connection between the two countries.
There words and presents were definitely heard at the festival. Hopefully, it's a spark for the community to move forward and begin new chapter in our history. People were actually digging the music, I could see how people were tuning into their words and rhymes. Since the music has been growing over the years, finally people are hearing the noise. For salvadoran folks, they are use to hearing traditional music like cumbias. Now its a different generation, now its a different movement.
It was definitely a good weekend for me. I was happy, proud, and surrounded with good energy around me. I was more happy that is was a good turnout and people were out supporting the festival. People were out with their family, eating pupusas, dancing, and laughing.
This was a very important event for my film because everyone came together to rock a show. For me it brought a better conclusion to my film - No matter how far apart everyone is ... the community and movement will always grow. I have to thank one of the coordinators from the festival, "Mr. Sanchez," he made all this possible for me.
Thank you!
Thank you my gentes!
Thank you all for being part of this!
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Monday, August 1, 2011
New York, New York
I am amazed how smoothly I am going through the NY section. After going through two interviews already, I am establishing a nice rhythm and structure. Because of the structure, my edits are happening easy and naturally. And when I say naturally, I mainly mean that I am not forcing the conversations when I am editing everything together. I already know what I am looking for when I am putting the interviews together. The way I am shaping the conversation is very simple ... I am just laying everything down on the timeline of Final Cut Pro. I pretty much listen to all of the conversation from beginning to end without taking notes. There is no trick to it, but I think by listening to everything first before making notes, helps. Its probably a longer process, but it has helped me concentrate more on the interviews. I feel you are going to hear the interview more than once. If that's the case, make sure remember what is being said.
I let the talking influence my thoughts and how I approach my edits. Its obvious that I cannot use every conversation for my movie, but at least I can decide what conversation seems to be stronger than other conversations. To me... deciding what conversation is stronger then the other all depends on the theme of the film and how in-depth the conversation is, in which usually the in-depth conversation will help the theme of the film. Since I have various conversations on different topics, I pay attention how one leads to another and then I eliminate, add, and test. If it flows, then I just go with it.
At this point, I figured out a structure that best suits my project. Since NY is my third interview, it has been getting a lot easier to edit. What worked for me in the other two previous interviews is working out for my NY section. I am aware things are going to change when I piece every interview together and make it a feature length film, but the style and structure of the film will not change. And that structure has been already established.
At the rate I am going, I should be done with my NY section in a few weeks or so. I sure miss New York. I really like that city.
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
On To The Next One
That's right! On to the next one. I just wrapped up with the SF section. I will now be approaching the NY section.
I'm getting in a groove. I am not thinking about anything when I'm assembling the scenes! Im like Edward Scissor Hands, cutting away! I am just following the conversation and going with the flow. I know what I have, everyone's conversation is trapped and replayed in my mind all the time! To be honest, since I started this project, that's all I have been thinking about. I can't help it! I know down the line, I will be dealing with taking out edits or shaping the edits to smooth-out the cuts... but at this point, I'm putting pieces together to see what I have. From there "I take a picture" and go with it.
It feels good to move forward. I feel so so so close to the finish line.
Once I finished the SF section, I immediately looked over the video and I got a weird feeling because I was revisit that moment of time. I don't know why I get so tripped-out about it. When I say tripped out, I mean it in a good way.
I guess that's why I love making films... not only do i like the creation part of it, but to remember in time what happened in that period of time. In my case, its my life being recorded while I am documenting someone else's life. Hopefully, that makes sense, but it makes sense to me. In this particular project, it has been very cool that I can say I was in all these cities to make this.
NY Baby - You next!
That's it for now.
Junior
The Filmmaker
I'm getting in a groove. I am not thinking about anything when I'm assembling the scenes! Im like Edward Scissor Hands, cutting away! I am just following the conversation and going with the flow. I know what I have, everyone's conversation is trapped and replayed in my mind all the time! To be honest, since I started this project, that's all I have been thinking about. I can't help it! I know down the line, I will be dealing with taking out edits or shaping the edits to smooth-out the cuts... but at this point, I'm putting pieces together to see what I have. From there "I take a picture" and go with it.
It feels good to move forward. I feel so so so close to the finish line.
Once I finished the SF section, I immediately looked over the video and I got a weird feeling because I was revisit that moment of time. I don't know why I get so tripped-out about it. When I say tripped out, I mean it in a good way.
I guess that's why I love making films... not only do i like the creation part of it, but to remember in time what happened in that period of time. In my case, its my life being recorded while I am documenting someone else's life. Hopefully, that makes sense, but it makes sense to me. In this particular project, it has been very cool that I can say I was in all these cities to make this.
NY Baby - You next!
That's it for now.
Junior
The Filmmaker
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Process Continues
It was a hot 4th of July and a good weekend. I can't believe we're towards the second half of this year. What a roller coaster ride kind of year! My SF section is coming along. I'm really really really happy with the progress. The process is going so fast that I might get the SF section done this month. I have been really into it. That is always a good sign... well for me of course.
It just interesting how I am moving from one interview to another. I have realized how each conversation so far has been on point and interesting. So far they are all unique in its own way, but still the conversation are focusing on the theme of the doc.
On that note, I am doing my best to put together the SF section. Santos has said and pointed out a lot of good points. I just want to be clear to the public that, everything you will here will be coming out of there voices and real thoughts. I wanted to stay away from scripted stuff, I don't feel like that's a real documentary, instead scripted stuff comes out like a "TV reality show." And that is not my doc. I am getting real reactions, real talk, and real thoughts. all the thoughts and conversation is making it easy for me to edit because there is a nice flow from the beginning to end.
As a director I made sure the conversation leads to right direction and made sure we don't go off subject. They way I work, I already have a sequence edited in my head while I am conducting the conversation. That's how much I was involved and into my project. I took a lot of time to prepare and give myself an idea how I want to approach the project.
Hence, the project is becoming more easier to edit as I am keeping true to my vision. For me it helps a lot. Like I said when I open my editing sessions on my computer, I already know what to before the computer even turns on. That is all because the time I have taken to prepare.
That's all for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
It just interesting how I am moving from one interview to another. I have realized how each conversation so far has been on point and interesting. So far they are all unique in its own way, but still the conversation are focusing on the theme of the doc.
On that note, I am doing my best to put together the SF section. Santos has said and pointed out a lot of good points. I just want to be clear to the public that, everything you will here will be coming out of there voices and real thoughts. I wanted to stay away from scripted stuff, I don't feel like that's a real documentary, instead scripted stuff comes out like a "TV reality show." And that is not my doc. I am getting real reactions, real talk, and real thoughts. all the thoughts and conversation is making it easy for me to edit because there is a nice flow from the beginning to end.
As a director I made sure the conversation leads to right direction and made sure we don't go off subject. They way I work, I already have a sequence edited in my head while I am conducting the conversation. That's how much I was involved and into my project. I took a lot of time to prepare and give myself an idea how I want to approach the project.
Hence, the project is becoming more easier to edit as I am keeping true to my vision. For me it helps a lot. Like I said when I open my editing sessions on my computer, I already know what to before the computer even turns on. That is all because the time I have taken to prepare.
That's all for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Editing 2nd Interview
Its a hot day in the Bay today. Summer is finally here and so far things are going good. Last week I started editing my SF section. So far I am pleased. Its been a real long process to get through these interviews... So much is said and so much was shot. That's a good thing, though! There is a lot of good conversation and I am hearing things that I need to shape my doc. So far my SF section is structuring-out the way I want it. I am definitely feeling like I am in San Francisco while I edit this section.
The only problem that I am having is deciding what conversation to go with. As mentioned earlier, so much was said. So much was said that I have to take a step back to see where I want to go with the interviews. I can see how the interviews can lead to too many directions. I don't want to open "a big can of worms." And when I say, "a can of worms," I mean that I don't want to go off tangent and loose focus of what the real meaning of what the doc represents. It's interesting because I went through the same thing with LA section. And I have to say, I was really pleased with the turnout, even though it took me a few months to get a good draft.
I am really being patient with my edits. In the past I would always work too fast and try to get through my edits emotionally. But, this time around I have taken a different approach. I am taking my time and making sure I am more detailed than ever. I am being more picky then ever and I am pushing myself to make everything perfect or at least close to perfect. So I am listening more closely to interviews and I am being more creative with the situation that I set myself up with. I guess what I am trying to say is that, I have to be creative in every way to make this story as interesting as possible.
The SF section is another challenge and I am looking forward to another few months on this section! I am having fun and that's what matters most.
Sometimes I feel I am still in shock that my project was made. Lately, I have been going through footages of my SF and LA trip and I catch myself saying, "Did I shoot that?" I didn't have a conscious when I shot this doc. I was going to live and die with whatever was filmed.
That's it for now
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
The only problem that I am having is deciding what conversation to go with. As mentioned earlier, so much was said. So much was said that I have to take a step back to see where I want to go with the interviews. I can see how the interviews can lead to too many directions. I don't want to open "a big can of worms." And when I say, "a can of worms," I mean that I don't want to go off tangent and loose focus of what the real meaning of what the doc represents. It's interesting because I went through the same thing with LA section. And I have to say, I was really pleased with the turnout, even though it took me a few months to get a good draft.
I am really being patient with my edits. In the past I would always work too fast and try to get through my edits emotionally. But, this time around I have taken a different approach. I am taking my time and making sure I am more detailed than ever. I am being more picky then ever and I am pushing myself to make everything perfect or at least close to perfect. So I am listening more closely to interviews and I am being more creative with the situation that I set myself up with. I guess what I am trying to say is that, I have to be creative in every way to make this story as interesting as possible.
The SF section is another challenge and I am looking forward to another few months on this section! I am having fun and that's what matters most.
Sometimes I feel I am still in shock that my project was made. Lately, I have been going through footages of my SF and LA trip and I catch myself saying, "Did I shoot that?" I didn't have a conscious when I shot this doc. I was going to live and die with whatever was filmed.
That's it for now
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
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