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 (obensont@gmail.com). 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, actor/writer/director Aron Anazia shares his story:
Greetings Indie Wire!
My name is Aron Anazia. I am a first generation, American born, Nigerian young man. Like a plethora of people around the world, I really really dig your site!
Acting has always been my artistic tool of choice. Over the past 8 years, I have broadened my horizon and have ventured into the world of production. By production, I mean everything, like script-writing, camera operating, editing, lighting, directing and even producing. Although I have ventured into the world of production, my roots are still strong in Acting. Recently I have produced a film, in which I starred in, alongside a great female Actress, Kristin James. While attending the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts, I was inspired to create a full-feature length experimental film based on the idea of enlightenment. I also have the pleasure of having Kristin James as an Art Director on this project as well.Rather than tell you my story here, I’ve made a web video Entitled: “Making It Happen: Aron Anazia” just for you [below].The [second] clip below entitled “Find Your Moment” is a source of Wisdom that fueled the heart of my Debut film “You Changed The World.” –A Journey to Enlightenment. Enjoy!Right before I left India, my professor asked me what was my most inspirational moment while studying abroad. The experience of this video is basically what I told her.While on excursion is Banaras I met a young kid around the age of 9. He was really cool. He and his friends would follow me around the city where ever I went. I would buy the kids ice cream and other food. It was a really cool experience. We were only in Banaras for about two days. Once the excursion was over, our study abroad group headed back to New Delhi. After being in New Delhi for about a month, some friends and I headed back to Banaras for our Independent Study Projects. When I arrived, I couldn’t wait to see all the cool little kids I met before. I saw everyone I met before except for the one little kid I mentioned above. I asked around but nobody knew who I was talking about.One day I decided to swim in the “holy” Ganges river. (That’s a whole other story in itself!!) On the way to the river, some kids came along with me. For a moment, I thought one of the kids was the little kid I met a month prior. But I was wrong. When I was in the water, I pretty much was in my own zone. Then all of sudden the kid showed up out of no where and I was shocked. So I told the kid that I’ve been looking for him and told him and the other kids that I’d get them some ice cream. A good ol’ day in the ganges, I thought!When I got back to my room, I looked over the video my friend Kyle, also known as Moon, shot. It was amazing. From my original perspective, the kid popped up out of no where but the video pointed out otherwise. In fact, the kid saw me from who knows where and started running towards us. I couldn’t believe it. This moment showed me how much of an impact we all have on each others lives without even knowing. I experienced this moment of realization and it was life changing..I hope you find your moment as well!-Live.LRNAron Anazia