a daily practice

hmm, i never would have ever thought that filming practically anything can be considered practice well at least to Jonas Menkas that is. I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and i cant just start a project without, i don't know-making it real big by involving some crazy deep thoughts, politics and this, that and the other. I've always found value in little things or ideas that to most people could care less about for in their all so busy lives. I mean, why would anyone want to watch a short about trying to fall asleep or daydreaming of a beautiful girl i have a crush on or even more simply (or perhaps a bit more complicated for some) just enjoying nothing .. . and everything?

But it isn't for them or you or anyone, now is it? Now i know-its for me, only me. It's my video journal. I've just been so intimidated by all the thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands or even more amateur filmmakers out there, everywhere. How can i ever reach their level, their skill and creativity? How can i set myself apart? Everyday i truly do learn something new and grow slightly more confident in calling myself a filmmaker because all that i am now is a student, an apprentice, an observer of my future. I have learned that endlessly questioning myself on how to do this or why i am not that, will not achieve anything. I am sure that several if not all of these artists have placed their ability into question, but have surely reached my conclusion, at some point, some just sooner than others.

You get better through practice. You practice through creating, it makes sense. Unlike a musician who can perfect a musical composition and his talent by playing the tune over and over and over again, we as film-artists perfect our skill through experience, yet never the same one. If we had to be compared to a musical artist it should be a jazz musician, for alike one we improvise vision as they sound. Through the years of "practice" they learn what sounds right as we learn what appears right. but in any case it all boils down to self criticism and taste because isn't it not so much creating as it is simply recording or expressing one's emotions, thoughts, and ultimately vision?

I commend Menkas. I respect him for his commitment, style and originality. I have really been inspired by his "365 films" project and hope as a promise to myself, continue this simple form of practice for my own artistic growth and experience.

Hopefully, not already being off topic i would like to say a few words on the short "A Letter to Jonas." I'm not sure if it should be referred to as a short film or more appropriately a video letter, but in any case i loved it.

Peaceful, beautiful, innocent, refreshing, are only some of the words that come to mind as i recall this piece. The best line, hands down was "Monday morning, everythings waking up and shouting." It was like he couldn't sleep because if he had he would had miss this once in a lifetime zen-ful event that may have very well moved him, Jonas, any one of us, and definitely myself. Another quick point to mention was how on occasion the lens would unfocus, almost as if the viewer, sharing this very moment had too just been awakened.

an enlightenment, if you will.
david