Recapping… I did this in February of last year (2012), and got a few response, so I figured, a year-and-a-half later, with the site’s audience now larger than it was back then, that I’d try it again.

I know that a significant chunk of S&A’s audience comprises of actors, actresses, directors, DPs, editors, etc, etc, etc. Some are able to earn a paycheck utilizing their artistic and/or technical skills; others – and I’d say the majority – are what we’ve labeled the proverbial *starving artists*, working diligently, relentlessly, struggling to climb this incredibly steep hill, trying to reach some pinnacle of success – whether personal or professional. And still others exist somewhere between the former and the latter.

Where do you fall? And, as the title of this post states, what’s YOUR story, and would you like to share it with the rest of the world?

Think of it as an extension of the successful S&A Filmmaker Diary series we launched almost 2 years ago. I’m looking for your individual stories of struggle and/or success, regardless of what rung on the ladder you are currently on, after all, not only is S&A just a source for news, its goal is also to become a community of cinema lovers where we can all share/debate/discuss/learn/teach/commiserate/etc.

Here’s your chance. You might learn something; you might teach someone something.

What’s YOUR story? You can email me ([email protected]). You can submit your story in any format – written, or even documented on video. I’ll post as many of them as I can. Substance and presentation are key for consideration. 

And be sure to attach a photo (large size) for me to include, and if you have samples of your work, include them as well.

It could be a story about a current situation you find yourself in; or it could cover several days, weeks, months, or years of your career. It could be that you just want to vent your frustrations; aspects of, or people in this business that piss you off; aspects of, or people in the industry that encourage you. It doesn’t have to be all negative, nor all positive. We’re complex people, and so I assume our stories are as well.

In today’s post, writer/director Tyrone Breaux shares his story:

I knew I wanted to be in the Movie Industry back when I was nine years old. I wanted to be an actor. 

It wasn’t until I entered the military, that I started gearing more towards behind the camera. I taught myself how to write scripts (at least format). 

After I got out of the military. I took a year off, got rid of all my belongings to try and make it on my own via networking. I failed miserably, but learned real quick how Hollywood, and Hollywood “wannabes” are like. 

After running out of money, I enrolled in the New York Film Academy school of Filmmaking via the Post 9-11 GI Bill. The Post 9-11 GI Bill allows Military Veterans to attend a Yellow Ribbon school, with tuition paid for, as well as a Living Stipend every month.

I never knew I wanted to direct. Film School changed that. 

Since being in school I have written directed, and produced nine different projects, including a short film.

I am still enrolled in film school and Thank God. Film School has taught me things that I don’t think I would’ve ever learned. At first I was cocky, but I was kicked off my high horse real fast, and learned that you will never know everything, and you need to keep your mind open to learning everything.

I am super stoked for my final year of film school. I am gearing up to write, produce and direct my thesis film in 2014, and I graduate that Dec. 

I don’t know what’s going to happen I just know that whatever I do 110% is what I will give.