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Out of context: Reply #75131

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  • shellie16

    I usually don’t get excited about things until after their over. But I’ve never been so satisfied with my work than before now and it feels so good. But, i’ve been tirelessly working to transition into content making that has more to offer than merely shilling products. It’s a fine enough job in advertising, but at my big age, I want something more.

    I denied myself fine art exploration in favor of something that would make me immediately employable with design, coding, animation at the beginning but eventually a cog of an agency producer. My career choices, looking back, were fear based and influenced by my Black, immigrant raised mother. Having her definition of a “good job” defined my choices. I’ve always thought very practically about my career, which only kept me close, but not in the midst of the cool stuff. Or, if in the mix, playing a role I didn’t particularly care for. I think I missed a lot of experiences an artist should have.

    Last week I was pulled in to consult with a light touch on an hour long documentary about an issue I care about that ”might” be green lit for production. I’m over here just happy to be in the room being an agency drop out finally working in entertainment as a creative full time. But, things are escalating quickly and more intensive planning has begun. Other collaborators liked my point of view, and my role is now a producer on the project. Producer is a much different role in agency life versus entertainment, and the title now feels like it fits. If green lit, the project well have secured distribution as well. I could make a documentary that people actually see. Even if this falls apart and is never made, I’m now in a place where another opportunity will come along whether offered to me or pitched by me. It’s a new level achieved, life is short, so I’m celebrating the small stuff.

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    • i wouldn't necessarily call it small stuff... sounds pretty big and awesome/life changing to me...
      Super proud of you! I love hearing stuff like this..      exador1
    • This sounds awesome, shellie!
      Also, were you/are you at all affected by the writers' strike? Are you unionised, too?      Continuity
    • Sweet. I can relate to the immigrant-family career expectations :)Gnash
    • @Continuity yes. I do not belong to any unions from where I sit inside the studio. But, all of my scripted shows are dark until labor issues are resolved.shellie
    • So that means I cant work with certain talent and IP until all parties agree with a resolution. But reality, docs, I’m still busy.shellie
    • I may join a union or two at some point as a producer, writer or director at some point, so all of these issues are of interest.shellie
    • From a corporate POV, it’s also good to understand. Should I stay on the studio side, I’ll see another strike in my career.shellie
    • I was not affected by, but adjacent to thr strike in 2008, as I was mostly making movie websites back then. But, it didnt last long enough to push many releasesshellie
    • congrats shellie! to thine own self be true. i started writing a screenplay recently. no idea what to do with it! lol.sarahfailin
    • Congrats! While my film career has come to a halt, glad to see you've made that transition.ArmandoEstrada
    • We should reconnect @Armando.

      @Sarahfailin that’s the question everyone has to answer. Theres so many different next steps depending on the writer and story      shellie
    • Congrats!! sounds magickalBeeswax
    • Also, LA drinks, anyone?Beeswax
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