I had a very productive weekend... Once again I made another trip to the city of Angelo. I hooked up with my editor and mannnnnn let me tell you that I am so happy and relieved!!
Damnnn, you have no idea how I was feeling the last couple of weeks. I was so burned out with my project! Ever since my editor took over ... he has really opened my eyes and has done major improvements to the film.
We went through all the interviews... we spliced out unnecessary dialogue and the interviews were becoming a lot smoother.
I want to thank my editor because he is a life saver .... I owe you man!!!!! I really mean that!
We just spent a weekend and just talked about the doc.
We both agreed that my editor would be spending another month on the project. He has been doing a good job so and I want to continue that momentum.
I want to give another shout out .... thank you C. She got my paintings done and damnnn they are tight! She surprised the hell out of me. She came out with her A game ... no joke! Her paintings are the very last thing I will be filming. I will not be picking up another camera in a very long time. I definitely saved the best thing for last!
I am very serious about these paintings, they came out great! She is a rising star. I am happy that she was able to be a part of my project ... she added a special touch to the project. - "We fly like birds"
I am getting close ... thank you to the two that I mentioned today ... from all of my heart you have taking my project to another level ... all because of you!
I will be making another trip to LA LA land ... I should just move there again... we'll see .. LOL.
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Bye Bye Spain!
Its coming down to wire now... It looks like my official deadline to be done with my project is August 10. That is when I will be sending it off to Sundance Film Festival.
Just recently I had to purchase some stock footage of the civil war that happened in EL Salvador. I really didn't want to spend money, but I needed to buy some archives to help visually tell my story. I bought a minute of footage and I paid a HEFTY PRICE! Lets just say I had to cancel my trip to Spain. Damnn! My only opportunity to leave the country. I have to finish my movie, its my priority! ... I just hope my investment pays off. I really want to be able to compete and have a chance to enter these festivals. I know it will be difficult to get in, but I can always pray and hope for the best.
I have applied the archives to some of my scenes and I have to say it does make a difference.
But within these moments, I also decided to do another edit of my doc... I just also recently saw the film with another set of eyes... actually my sound guy. I thought I would be ready for a final cut and start working on my sound. This is where I realized the doc needs to be cut down more.
I was getting feedback from my sound guy and I agreed that it wasn't ready as well. I was a CRUSHED because I thought I was close to being done! I'm just getting anxious to finish, I spent so much time on this that I am loosing some energy. Lets say I was crushed that I was a little discouraged. But I know I need to slow down and look at my options. At this point my eyes are tired everything looks the same, I'm not sure what was working is actually working. I'm going on an emotional ride right now because I am finally feeling the fatigue and the stress to getting this project done.
This is probably the first time that I am feeling this way.
To help with the situation I called one of my buddy's that lives in L.A. ... he's a filmmaker too and a talented editor. I just shipped my Hard-Drive to his place in Los Angeles so that he can give me the fresh eyes that I need. I'm burned out!
I trust him and we will work this out together... I will continue to stay confident and be more patient. I am just happy that I have friend that I can count on. But for reals... I am burned out!
I am still also in the process of trying to get Music for my doc. I'll save that for another day. One thing at a time!
Once this is all done ... I hope to make that trip to Spain or somewhere out of the country. I will need a break!
I will keep you posted.
Junior Gonzalez
The filmmaker
Just recently I had to purchase some stock footage of the civil war that happened in EL Salvador. I really didn't want to spend money, but I needed to buy some archives to help visually tell my story. I bought a minute of footage and I paid a HEFTY PRICE! Lets just say I had to cancel my trip to Spain. Damnn! My only opportunity to leave the country. I have to finish my movie, its my priority! ... I just hope my investment pays off. I really want to be able to compete and have a chance to enter these festivals. I know it will be difficult to get in, but I can always pray and hope for the best.
I have applied the archives to some of my scenes and I have to say it does make a difference.
But within these moments, I also decided to do another edit of my doc... I just also recently saw the film with another set of eyes... actually my sound guy. I thought I would be ready for a final cut and start working on my sound. This is where I realized the doc needs to be cut down more.
I was getting feedback from my sound guy and I agreed that it wasn't ready as well. I was a CRUSHED because I thought I was close to being done! I'm just getting anxious to finish, I spent so much time on this that I am loosing some energy. Lets say I was crushed that I was a little discouraged. But I know I need to slow down and look at my options. At this point my eyes are tired everything looks the same, I'm not sure what was working is actually working. I'm going on an emotional ride right now because I am finally feeling the fatigue and the stress to getting this project done.
This is probably the first time that I am feeling this way.
To help with the situation I called one of my buddy's that lives in L.A. ... he's a filmmaker too and a talented editor. I just shipped my Hard-Drive to his place in Los Angeles so that he can give me the fresh eyes that I need. I'm burned out!
I trust him and we will work this out together... I will continue to stay confident and be more patient. I am just happy that I have friend that I can count on. But for reals... I am burned out!
I am still also in the process of trying to get Music for my doc. I'll save that for another day. One thing at a time!
Once this is all done ... I hope to make that trip to Spain or somewhere out of the country. I will need a break!
I will keep you posted.
Junior Gonzalez
The filmmaker
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Pick-ups for The Doc
This past weekend I took another trip to L.A. - My mom says I should just move back! I probably should, but I'll save that for another conversation.
Well, I went to a Salvadoran Student conference that was held in Cal State Los Angeles. It was very educational and very informal on my part. I don't think I ever participated in an event that centers around Central American issues. For my community that is very very important!
This committee that I have been in touch with has been very helpful and has allowed me to film this event. This event consisted of workshops, lectures, special guests, and a art show from Central American folks. It was just a well rounded event. I was really glad to be part of this conference. Being a Salvadoran, its really good to see the community come together and work towards a better future.
As far as how this event works for my documentary... well one of my interviewee talks about different organizations or educational organization coming together. I thought this event would fit perfectly with his conversation. This conference would actually show images of that being true. Even though the event will not be entirely focused-on, but it will be a demonstration of slavi organizations making a difference.
I'm proud of that and glad I was a witness to something positive and inspiring.
I like to thank my homie in NOHO, he came through with the equipment for me to film the event. Much love! It was good to be back for a little bit to see some friends and also a new friend ... wassup brea!
Thats it for now!
Junior Gonzalez
The filmmaker
Well, I went to a Salvadoran Student conference that was held in Cal State Los Angeles. It was very educational and very informal on my part. I don't think I ever participated in an event that centers around Central American issues. For my community that is very very important!
This committee that I have been in touch with has been very helpful and has allowed me to film this event. This event consisted of workshops, lectures, special guests, and a art show from Central American folks. It was just a well rounded event. I was really glad to be part of this conference. Being a Salvadoran, its really good to see the community come together and work towards a better future.
As far as how this event works for my documentary... well one of my interviewee talks about different organizations or educational organization coming together. I thought this event would fit perfectly with his conversation. This conference would actually show images of that being true. Even though the event will not be entirely focused-on, but it will be a demonstration of slavi organizations making a difference.
I'm proud of that and glad I was a witness to something positive and inspiring.
I like to thank my homie in NOHO, he came through with the equipment for me to film the event. Much love! It was good to be back for a little bit to see some friends and also a new friend ... wassup brea!
Thats it for now!
Junior Gonzalez
The filmmaker
Monday, April 16, 2012
Stamping the Project!
Before I start, I like to wish me a belated birthday. It was this past weekend. I am happy to live another year... God Bless!
While celebrating, I also worked on my project... of course! I am really coming close to a final cut. I am in the process of deciding to keep certain scenes or adding different ones. This part is not so hard ... its just making the decision what I want. So I am trying to keep it simple. I'm looking over some scenes to see if it is moving the story forward or transitioning properly within scenes. So I am at that point right now.
What is great for me being at this stage as well... is that I started working on credits and making titles. I am really happy about that. Personally, when one is starting to work on titles, then that means you are almost done. But more importantly, you are "stamping" the project. The project is official when adding credits. So I am really happy about that.
I am making titles through Motion. I was about to use after effects, but decided to use motion since the program is linked to Final Cut. I rather keep the programs linked to help with my workflow. So far I am creating some cool titles. Its my first time working with motion... or I should say its my first time making titles. I figured I had to learn at some point. Plus, its best for me to do it this way. That way I don't have to depend on anyone.
I am coming real close to finishing... I can smell it! It will be a big weight off my shoulder when I am done. I don't want to get too ahead of myself, but its definitely feels good!
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
While celebrating, I also worked on my project... of course! I am really coming close to a final cut. I am in the process of deciding to keep certain scenes or adding different ones. This part is not so hard ... its just making the decision what I want. So I am trying to keep it simple. I'm looking over some scenes to see if it is moving the story forward or transitioning properly within scenes. So I am at that point right now.
What is great for me being at this stage as well... is that I started working on credits and making titles. I am really happy about that. Personally, when one is starting to work on titles, then that means you are almost done. But more importantly, you are "stamping" the project. The project is official when adding credits. So I am really happy about that.
I am making titles through Motion. I was about to use after effects, but decided to use motion since the program is linked to Final Cut. I rather keep the programs linked to help with my workflow. So far I am creating some cool titles. Its my first time working with motion... or I should say its my first time making titles. I figured I had to learn at some point. Plus, its best for me to do it this way. That way I don't have to depend on anyone.
I am coming real close to finishing... I can smell it! It will be a big weight off my shoulder when I am done. I don't want to get too ahead of myself, but its definitely feels good!
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Thursday, March 29, 2012
B-Roll for the Professor
I had a very quick trip to Los Angeles. I basically drove up late tuesday night and came back on thursday.
I had to do it!
Its been almost a year where I have been trying to get with the professor to film some additional footage of him. What made it difficult is that basically he lives down south and I live up north. We completely had two opposite schedules.
I didn't really really push for the additional shoot until I was done with my rough cut. It was crystal clear with my rough cut that I needed the extra footage. Luckily, I was able to schedule something that last week of March. Otherwise, I would of had to wait till fall because after the last week of March is spring break and a few weeks after that school is out! And fall was not in my schedule to get my project complete. Plus, I wasn't sure if I can get another day off in the middle of the week from work , since my job was getting busy.
All in All... it happened. I shot the footage of the professor giving a lecture to the students. At the moment I am already testing the footage.
Thank god that everything worked out!
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Chopping Away!
I've been on a "Edward Sissorhand" tear. Since my last trip to L.A. all I have been doing is cutting away with my doc. Right now I shaved off about 20 minutes or so. There was fat in my film that needed to be taken out so that my story can flow. After hearing my peers and soaking in all their thoughts about my doc... made me realize what I needed to do to enhance my story. The feedback has helped me understand a lot about my film... and has open my eyes to see what my my film is really about. Like I mentioned before, I was the only one looking at my cuts (edits). It was good to hear what people thought.
Yes, my film revolves around music, but its a lot more about music. Its about a culture, its about a history, its about having a voice. The music plays a major role in my film because its a metaphor of people expressing their thoughts and its vehicle to drive and send the message. For me .... getting on the mic, podium, TV, or news means (most of the time) you are always trying to say something about a cause, a problem, and in this case is the importance of representing a culture in a positive light... a culture that has been oppress for so long.
At this moment I am getting really emotional about my project because I don't think I have ever done something at this level and never felt so close to an issue or a film. I have done many films in the past, but their was never a emotional connection to them. Don't get me wrong their are some films that I feel proud about, but I have never experienced something emotional to a film. I guess I am now understanding what a filmmaker is about and not just someone who makes films. Their was a term that I always heard in the past. The term was "give your film a heartbeat." I'm understanding it now... it just doesn't meant to make it come alive. Its a little more than that.
I'm really digging deep into my film. Editing at this point is become a lot more fun than the earlier process. I am mostly shuffling around scenes and testing what works within the doc. I really feel like I am coming close to a picture lock. Once I get to a picture lock .... I am pretty much done with the editing process.
I'm getting there ... being patient and working efficiently.
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The filmmaker
Yes, my film revolves around music, but its a lot more about music. Its about a culture, its about a history, its about having a voice. The music plays a major role in my film because its a metaphor of people expressing their thoughts and its vehicle to drive and send the message. For me .... getting on the mic, podium, TV, or news means (most of the time) you are always trying to say something about a cause, a problem, and in this case is the importance of representing a culture in a positive light... a culture that has been oppress for so long.
At this moment I am getting really emotional about my project because I don't think I have ever done something at this level and never felt so close to an issue or a film. I have done many films in the past, but their was never a emotional connection to them. Don't get me wrong their are some films that I feel proud about, but I have never experienced something emotional to a film. I guess I am now understanding what a filmmaker is about and not just someone who makes films. Their was a term that I always heard in the past. The term was "give your film a heartbeat." I'm understanding it now... it just doesn't meant to make it come alive. Its a little more than that.
I'm really digging deep into my film. Editing at this point is become a lot more fun than the earlier process. I am mostly shuffling around scenes and testing what works within the doc. I really feel like I am coming close to a picture lock. Once I get to a picture lock .... I am pretty much done with the editing process.
I'm getting there ... being patient and working efficiently.
That's it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The filmmaker
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Rough-Cut and Artwork in La La Land
Its tuesday morning here in North Hollywood. I'm at a coffee shop killing time while I wait for the greyhound bus to come, so that I can go back home to the Bay! I figured I would take some time and write a little. I came to Los Angeles Saturday night. I was trying to get here on Friday, but I was stuck at work and didn't get out till midnight. Uuuuugh!
I came to L.A. this weekend because I finally put a rough-cut of my doc together. I worked my ass off this past month to put all the pieces together, so i can finally showcase my story. Plus, I was very anxious to see how people would react as well. I have been editing for a whole year and pretty much I have been the only person that knows what I have. It was definitely time to get some feedback!
I wanted to show my friends my project out this way (LA) because I highly respect their opinion. They all have some creative minds and their filmmakers themselves, so they understand the "process." The rough-cut is what it exactly means... a rough-cut! I needed to know if my structure was working and see what needed to be fix or adjusted before I start fine tuning and really shaping the story.
At this stage of the film, a rough-cut is an IMPORTANT process before you start making your way towards a final-cut stage. And what helps is the FEEDBACK! I was nervous about showing what I have, but it all worked out. Besides learning some mistakes i did with my doc, as far as, needing to clarify some sections, and taking out some edits. For the most part, people were understanding what I was trying to say in my film. On that note, that is really good. That means my story is almost there... not quite there, but slowly progressing and coming together. Hearing what people had to say about my doc has helped me look at my project in a different way. That is exactly what i needed to experience. I took some good notes and some pointers from my peers. I am getting a better idea of how I can improve my story.
My friends were amaze of what I have shown them... I believe one of them said finally! "Its been almost five years that I have been hearing about this doc."
Another reason why I came to LA is because I wanted to discuss some artwork being made and inserting them into my doc. I met up with my Salvi friend and we hooked-up in her art studio. Actually, she is the first person to watch the whole project. She is a cool kat. Very creative, smart, and knows whats up! I'm glad that my life has crossed paths with her. We came together and went over images of what were going to be sketched. I believe we came to a conclusion of having about 18 drawings. The drawings will consist of historic and present time events that has happened in the Salvadoran culture. The drawings will go with the Professor's section as he talks about these events. I think it will be very interesting.
This chick is very talented and I believe you will be hearing more about her in the future. She also exposed me to other organizations that other Salvi folks are involved with. After we were done with our meeting, I went with her to a baby shower. It was a Salvi party! It was actually fun! I had a good time. At the baby shower is where I met other Salvi organization leaders who are doing some great stuff for the community. I believe they are putting together a conference in a few months, in which I will attend. I will be filming the event and including it to my doc. There is a section in my doc where I talk about leaders are forming, and how education is becoming an important factor. These folks are making waves. Much respect and love goes out to them!
This is it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
I came to L.A. this weekend because I finally put a rough-cut of my doc together. I worked my ass off this past month to put all the pieces together, so i can finally showcase my story. Plus, I was very anxious to see how people would react as well. I have been editing for a whole year and pretty much I have been the only person that knows what I have. It was definitely time to get some feedback!
I wanted to show my friends my project out this way (LA) because I highly respect their opinion. They all have some creative minds and their filmmakers themselves, so they understand the "process." The rough-cut is what it exactly means... a rough-cut! I needed to know if my structure was working and see what needed to be fix or adjusted before I start fine tuning and really shaping the story.
At this stage of the film, a rough-cut is an IMPORTANT process before you start making your way towards a final-cut stage. And what helps is the FEEDBACK! I was nervous about showing what I have, but it all worked out. Besides learning some mistakes i did with my doc, as far as, needing to clarify some sections, and taking out some edits. For the most part, people were understanding what I was trying to say in my film. On that note, that is really good. That means my story is almost there... not quite there, but slowly progressing and coming together. Hearing what people had to say about my doc has helped me look at my project in a different way. That is exactly what i needed to experience. I took some good notes and some pointers from my peers. I am getting a better idea of how I can improve my story.
My friends were amaze of what I have shown them... I believe one of them said finally! "Its been almost five years that I have been hearing about this doc."
Another reason why I came to LA is because I wanted to discuss some artwork being made and inserting them into my doc. I met up with my Salvi friend and we hooked-up in her art studio. Actually, she is the first person to watch the whole project. She is a cool kat. Very creative, smart, and knows whats up! I'm glad that my life has crossed paths with her. We came together and went over images of what were going to be sketched. I believe we came to a conclusion of having about 18 drawings. The drawings will consist of historic and present time events that has happened in the Salvadoran culture. The drawings will go with the Professor's section as he talks about these events. I think it will be very interesting.
This chick is very talented and I believe you will be hearing more about her in the future. She also exposed me to other organizations that other Salvi folks are involved with. After we were done with our meeting, I went with her to a baby shower. It was a Salvi party! It was actually fun! I had a good time. At the baby shower is where I met other Salvi organization leaders who are doing some great stuff for the community. I believe they are putting together a conference in a few months, in which I will attend. I will be filming the event and including it to my doc. There is a section in my doc where I talk about leaders are forming, and how education is becoming an important factor. These folks are making waves. Much respect and love goes out to them!
This is it for now.
Junior Gonzalez
The Filmmaker
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