Saturday, July 27, 2013

EARRINGS: One Year Later

One year ago today (or tomorrow, technically) I released my short film, Earrings on this site, and wow, what a year it has been.

I spent one year of my life making Earrings. From development to distribution – one year. I put myself through tremendous physical exhaustion (relating mostly to sleep deprivation), absorbed a chunk of my savings, and on and on. But I had you. My faithful readers who stuck with me throughout. My dear digital family who cared, watched, and lent a kind word. You helped me make it through, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Whether you left a blog comment, sent a tweet, liked a Facebook status, sent me a kind email, or simply clicked ‘Play’ on the movie: thank you. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Now, the question I’ve received most from people in the past year is “What’s next?” In January, I wrote a feature length script based on an idea I’ve had for a while. The script is about love, loss, longing and regret. It’s about teasing yourself with a question of “What if?” It’s also very loosely related to Earrings, which is sort of fun in a self-reflexive kind of way. When I locked the script, I sent it to a few people and didn’t think much of it. My only request was that they read it for themselves and not show it to anyone. They didn’t listen. They sent it to people who sent it to people, and eventually, I got a call. Long story short, some people have decided to make my dream come true by giving me some money to make my next film. I honestly cannot believe I just typed that sentence. This is my life long dream, in motion.
I always told myself that I would let Earrings live organically. I would put it online for free and let it grow or die how the world saw fit. And apparently, a few genuinely amazing people trust my vision and are basing what they like about Earrings on their decision to help fund my next film. So, my next project is underway, but I can’t do it here. I can’t do it where I live, in Virginia, because that isn’t where the action is. So right now, I am making my way across the country and moving to Los Angeles. Moving to L.A. is something I’ve always envisioned for myself, and the fact that it is finally here is nothing short of surreal.

Thank you all again for making this past year one of the most memorable years of my life. I put my heart and soul into Earrings, and your support and gratitude has humbled me tremendously. I’m planning a few fun posts for the next few days, but when I’m finally settled next week, I’ll be on California time.

Thanks again everyone!
Alex


Watch EARRINGS here:


50 comments:

  1. OMG!!!!!! THIS IS SO EXCITING!! Congrats man, I'm happy for you.

    Don't forget us little guys when you make it big. :)

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    1. Ha, thanks man! Really appreciate your support!

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  2. ZOMG ALEX! THIS IS AHMAZING!!!!!
    I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU :D ALL THE BEST!!!

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  3. I'm so happy for you! Seriously, I love it when people get to live their dreams. Good luck!!

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    1. Aww thanks Brittani, that's really kind of you to say.

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  4. Congratulations Alex, that's amazing news! I wish you all the best, and hope L.A. is everything you hoped for and more. Work hard, and good luck!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sofia! I can't wait to be there!

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  5. That is a great news indeed! Congrats, Man!! I am quite sure this film will be as amazing as Earrings. All the Best and keep us updated. :)

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    1. Thanks buddy, very kind of you to say. Really excited for this next one.

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  6. Congrats on getting the chance to make your first feature film. Get it out to some European film festival like Cannes or Venice and build an international following.

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    1. Thanks man. Hey, now THAT'S an idea. One can dream...

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  7. Looking forward to the next film, good luck with that project, and that's awesome you got funding!

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  8. Good luck with this project going forward.

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  9. Wow, man! This is absolutely fantastic to hear. Could not have happened to a more deserving person, either. I'm just rapt to hear you've got funding for your next film, and if it's anywhere near as good as Earrings (which I've no doubt it will be), I cannot WAIT to hear more about your exciting journey to bring this idea to life. Congratulations Alex. What you've achieved so far is more than many of us have ever dreamed of. Apologies for this long-winded, somewhat ass-kissing comment, it's out of pure excitement that I can barely contain. Fuck yeah, man!

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    1. Don't EVER apologize for a comment like that, my friend. Seriously though man, that was really nice of you to say. Your support over the past year+ has literally kept me going. So thank you. Funnily enough, the only word you capitalized in your comment is the title of my next film ;-)

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  10. This is tremendously awesome news, Alex! I'm ecstatic for both your project and career trajectory taking-off. I think that I will in all likely hood will be leaving my town for greater pastures soon too, don't quite know where yet. I have some connections to indie film in upstate NY, I'll see where that goes. But getting back to your recent developments, I cannot be happier for a person who is making their dreams happen. Here's hoping that someone like you should will get a wider recognition and appreciation for their talents. Enjoy basking in the sun and shine of LA, it'll be a ride but you'll come out on top.

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    1. Wow Jeff, thanks for this comment. So kind of you. That's great news that you have a lead on an indie film in NY. Obviously, I'm all about chasing that dream, and it's great to hear that you may be doing the same soon.

      Thanks again for all the great comments over this past year!

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  11. Wow Congrats man!!! You totally deserved it, I'm still sitting with Earrings at this moment but it's definitely very haunting. I loved how the simplicity of the story really allowed you to have so much freedom with your shots which I think resulted in some really atmospheric shots that have definitely stayed with me even days after I've watched it! I'll have to give it another go soon, but it's very impressive good sir! Can't wait to see what this feature is gonna be like.
    Like the guy at the top said, don't forget us little people when you go up on that stage and accept your Oscar.

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    1. Thanks man! And thanks for those kind words about Earrings. The fact that it stayed with you at all after you watched it is really humbling. And thanks for the well wishes about LA. I'm so pumped!

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  12. I don't think I can add to anything else that has already been said, but really extremely happy for you. Totally deserved, especially for someone as passionate as you! I hope your move and the making of this film will be such a great experience and open many more doors.

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    1. Hey man, thanks for the comment and lending your support. Very cool of you. I really appreciate it!

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  13. Dude, that is awesome! Best of luck to you!

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  14. Congrats, man. L.A. & funding. I mean, that's the dream, right? You clearly have talent, drive and a serious passion for film. You will rock California's world.

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    1. Thanks buddy. This is definitely the dream. Always has been. Really excited for the future.

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  15. Congratulations man! That is awesome! Good luck with the move. Hope you have a great time making your dream come true, and I can't wait to check out your feature debut! :)

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    1. Thanks so much for your support man. I sincerely appreciate it!

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  16. Holy shit, this is amazing! So awesome that you got the money and support and L.A. sounds exciting! Keeping my fingers crossed so that things go even better!

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    1. Thanks Lady Sati! And really, thanks for your support of Earrings over this past year. The two posts you did on it were really quite amazing.

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  17. OH MY GOD, Alex that is incredible and amazing!!!! You deserve it! I hope it all goes terrifically, I can't wait to hear the updates! Best of luck always!! x

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    1. Thanks Ruth! I'm so excited to see what happens!

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  18. Good for you, man. If your film is half as good and insightful as your blog...well, you'll be on your way.

    The ultimate Yay. Fantastic.

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    1. The ultimate Yay, indeed. That made me smile.

      Thanks for the kind words man!

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  19. Wow, man, this is AWESOME news! I knew all your hard work would pay off, and I can't wait to see what you come up with in LA! I also hope you keep us up to date about the filming process and all that good stuff. Loved your updates on Earrings as it was being made.

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    1. Thanks so much, Eric. Once the new project gets well underway, I do think I'll blog about it. I was stunned how many people enjoyed those Earrings post. Never expected that!

      Anyway, thanks for all of your support man.

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  20. Congratulations! I am way beyond excited for you, bit I'm not surprised. I knew it was just a matter of time.

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    1. Thanks Steph :) That's really kind of you to say!

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    2. Absolutely. As soon as I saw Earrings last summer, I knew you'd be at this place soon. It was just a question of when. :-)

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  21. Finally watched and posted a comment on the Earrings link. I loved it. Hats off!

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  22. AAAAAA....Congrats Alex, I am so happy for you, I'm literally very excited to hear the news! You deserve it and I can't wait to hear more about the whole process! Good luck with everything!

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    1. Thanks D!! Your support really does mean the world to me. Hope you're doing well!

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  23. Can't believe it! You deserve this more than anyone Alex. Congrats on achieving a lifelong dream. Few people do. I can't wait to see the next film and i hope you will always continue writing here.

    (I myself am trying to get back into the blogging. Got some posts coming finally. Regardless, I have never stopped reading yours.)

    You're the man and congrats once again.

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    1. Thanks so much, Gregory! Really means a lot that you stopped by and left such kind words. I look forward to your new posts, I've always been a fan of your writing.

      Thanks again man!

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