The final days of the academy came to a close today. After many hours of expert instruction and guidance, Mr. Doug Phillips and Mr. Geoff Botkin gave us a send off that was encouraging and appropriate. Through hours of discussions and training sessions, their dedication was evident; first to God and His commandments, and second, toward the budding and seasoned filmmakers that stood before them.

The training was powerful and eye opening. Not only did we grow in our skill of film making, but we also learned where our primary focus should be, in service to God.

While I always enjoy learning, I am glad to get some rest after all of these classes. Our session on Tuesday ran until 11:15pm! Of course, followed by an early morning on Wednesday. But, that's the way it goes sometimes... definitely a LOT easier than a day's worth of filming!

David Cook

While working with Cheryl Wicker as her impromptu photographer, I was pleased to get a chance to meet David Cook, the producer behind the upcoming movie "Seven Days in Utopia".

He is a very articulate and powerful speaker and gave us an insightful talk about unplanted seed. In the lecture he spoke about a farming machine that had been abandoned 75 years earlier on the side of a field. Upon investigation he discovered that the hoppers were still loaded with seed, seeds that had never been planted and lay wasted. This topic hit home with me as I have been experiencing this very issue with my talents being untapped for the kingdom of God. It was definitely a motivator for me to get back on track with my film making.

As I listened to the interview, I was impressed by Mr. Cook's down to earth personality as he graciously shared about his project. But this was no minor project, it was a $10 million dollar film! The testimony he shared about its completion were an example in faith as he trusted in God to change the distribution system for the book the movie is based upon as well as the provision of funds to make the film.

I look forward to this film and will gladly support it in my local theater, I hope you do the same. While I am not sure just when it will be released, I will try to keep you up to date.

Networking

Yes, I am a Network Administrator at the moment, but I didn't realize that I would be doing so much networking in the film industry. But, that's OK. The people I met over the last three days are a mix of seasoned filmmakers and beginners, but all delightfully polite and motivated to dive into film making.

I feel I can offer the experienced group some of my skills in their upcoming movies. As for those who are just getting started, perhaps I can offer some mentoring and training as they learn the basics, the kinds of information I learned from books and personal experience. I believe that a personal touch makes learning more comfortable, quicker, and not only has a lasting impact, but keeps you fresh in people's minds. That's always good for self promotion and networking.

And now, The Festival!

Now it's time for the festival, an opportunity to see what other filmmakers are up to and where I measure up with my skills.

I am interested in seeing where I would fit into any upcoming film projects and what I may have to offer with the experience I've gained.

Off to the festival!