Baggage Diary #1 (May 16,2013)

Baggage Diary #1 (May 16,2013)

Hey guys, just like my last film I wanted share my experience with those who wanted an inside look. As you know, I'm always honest and never hold anything back. So you will be my co-pilot along with this flight.

Saturday starts our shoot and it's a relatively easy shoot day. Most of the real aggressive acting is the weekend after, but I still feel pressure. Whenever you create, at least for me, there is always a sense of hope and anxiety. I hope I don't let anyone down and my goal is to do my best. With "No Clowning Around", my mind was a mess and I really didn't care if people liked it...I did it for me. This time around with "baggage", I desire appreciation. I wrote this short with the intention to make something horrific, yet beautiful. I chalk this up as Growth and Discovery.

"baggage" follows a day in the life of Benjamin. Benjamin tries hard to fit in...he wants to impress you and look for your acceptance. I have a backstory I've thought of for Benjamin, so I have an idea of what he feels like and how heavy his heart is. As the days approach, I can't help but feel this black cloud over me...sorrow, sadness and some underlying rage. I feel what Benjamin feels..I feel like the puzzle piece that regardless how hard you try, it just won't fit in. I am, in essence, carrying his baggage. Benjamin in Normal is something he has been told, but obviously...he isn't.

Pre-production has gone great. Thank you to everyone that helped make this film a reality. A lot of the supporters, you will actually see IN the film! We shoot with all the extras this weekend, next weekend is very intimate and will help with the darker mood of the film. I have shopped and gathered wardrobe, small set dressings and tried to think of everything to help bring his world to real life. Having a fantastic crew has made this process great. We have shared notes, thoughts and put a lot of time and effort into this 12-15 minute film. You really learn who you can put faith in.

I think the scariest thing is Benjamin's story could be happening...next door to your house and you would never know until it was too late. You can follow along as we film right here or at www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com. I will also try to tweet (or Kim will from my phone) photos and thoughts as we film, on my twitter @RobDimension

Thanks for reading!

Small Business Marketing found in weird spot!

Small Business Marketing found in weird spot!

Let's face it, I am a small business. I am a film maker, writer and actor. I host several podcasts, host events and take a lot of shit.... so I need a way to let people know what I'm are up too. The biggest question is - how do I do that?

I always claim to be the "Social Media Whore" or some sort of social media expert, but just like you, I am always trying to find the best way to get the message out. Social Media is the tip of the iceberg and like I've said so many times before, it's not the only way. 

Several months ago, I took a chance on a new podcast to listen too (honestly, I listen to a lot to up my game and see what's out there). Being a comedy fan, I was aimed in the direction of "Connected Comedy". Quite frankly, I really want to be a stand up comedian and I figured this show might give me insight to get out of the shadows and do something...but upon listening...I found out more than I could ever hope for. (btw..I'm still lurking in the shadow's)

The "Connected Comedy Podcast" is really a tool for comedians that are looking for ways to promote themselves and they discuss countless avenues to take to reach what path you're looking for. From email marketing to having exactly what you should have on a business card. Better way to design a website and things to add, that really help push what you want pushed. Help with bookings, dealing with promoters and how to host your own event. Online marketing..the list goes on and on.

For instance, I'm using one of their recommendations now, taking a minute and writing more. Sure, it doesn't seem like much but if it drives one new person to follow me on twitter, possible listen to my podcasts or even buy my movie, then how great of a chance it that? Like I've said, the podcast is aimed at comedians but it's so much more than that. Each week I listen, I learn something else...seriously. Josh Spector, Jordan Cooper, Chelsie Rice and Josh Homer plus the rest of the crew often debate and question each other's methods, often bringing up more good ideas to try. 

So, for all you that ask me the best way to promote yourself...here is a FREE podcast to listen too & take advantage of. It's well worth the listen, seriously, regardless of what you do. This caters to all forms of entertainment and small business and is a valuable listen. Can't recommend enough.

www.ConnectedComedy.com

Check out there Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConnectedComedians

Their podcast is the same name on iTunes 

Read My Script?

Read My Script?

First, let me say this "I'm just a depressed nerd, who watches a lot of movies". With that being said, I hope that takes my credibility away from people asking me to read their scripts, treatments or ideas. As of late, a lot of people have been asking me to read or give my impressions about their ideas, but, I just can't...let me explain.

I can only speak from my own personal journey - From writing out story-lines in pro wrestling, to working as a writer on my own TV show to, most recently, writing my own film...I sat and wrote and shared with no one until I was ready. I often have no rhyme or reason in writing, nor am I a professional in any way. As I write, I might run a few jokes or ideas past my wife but she typically will just listen, nod and go with the flow. We've been together long enough, she knows how I just bounce ideas around and sometimes hearing them out-loud, helps me decide if it's good or not. Most often, I write about things that are on my mind, or might even entertain myself. I'm way to low on the ladder to worry about entertaining others. Maybe that is my lack of self esteem talking, but I just don't have enough reach to worry about an imaginary mass of followers that I don't have..haha. I truly appreciate every word of advice, every compliment and even the negatives that people have to say, but you have to create for you!

When someone asks me for advice, I say the same thing I will say here : Stop procrastinating and start doing. Believe in yourself and work towards getting something done. If you're relying on someone else, you will not make it. Don't let things get in your way, don't take No for an answer and help make your own luck.


The biggest part of of me not reading anyone's work is simply this - The last thing I want is to be influenced by your work or ideas or even worse, dismiss your hopes or dreams. Believe it or not, even if nothing happens, I'm working on scripts, treatments and ideas all the time. You must be careful who you share your ideas with...while I sit here and tell you the truth, so many others will lie to you. This just protects me and you. Don't take it as "being too big" or "unwilling to help" because that's far from the truth. I will offer advice about film crews, maybe point you in the direction of someone else that can help your dream become a reality but it's YOUR dream and your project,  it's YOUR idea...make sure you remember that.The satisfaction you will feel once you've reached your goal will be that much better.


Self Check Time - So, before you send off your ideas to someone else...are you just looking for someone to do all the work so you can have the easy way out? It's a legit question and requires you to be honest with yourself. There is no easy way to accomplish anything. It will require your attention, your love and a lot of times a lot of money. The options are out there, from self publishing to making your own movie to anything you want. Indiegogo and Kickstarter exist for a reason, LuLu is out there...so many options but it just isn't easy and it's a long, lonely road sometimes...but when you succeed, it's great.


Remember, my opinion matters no more than yours. Who am I too tell you if your idea is "dumb" or "won't work"? Do for you...it's a new year, maybe it's YOUR year! If anything, I hope you have an idea, read this and decide that you're ready to create.

Accomplishments comes in many forms.

Accomplishment comes in many forms.

I ended that title with a period because I believe it's a statement, not necessarily a title. Each day in each of our lives, we each make our own accomplishments. Regardless of how small or even, how big, we can see a positive in ourselves.  

What a difference a year makes. The other day I had a moment of clarity, I sent my pal, Steve Corino, a text message "Hey, just wanted to thank you for helping me through the shittiest time of my life." It was random, out of the blue and his response "You're welcome". I have exposed my personal life online and on our Podcast "XOC Podcast" with the hopes that maybe it would help someone else who was struggling. My struggle came from within. I hit 40 and was a depressed mess. My family was almost lost, my life was almost lost...I had no direction.

A change needed to be made; I sat down on my laptop and wrote No Clowning Around. It was a short horror/drama film that is full of personal metaphors. Its an inner battle, a battle that I decided to stand up against. I am, in no way, any spokesperson for depression, I just realized if I wanted my life better, I needed to make it happen...no one else would do it.

The saying "What a difference a year makes" has never rang so true for me. Yesterday, I went to pick up the final edit of No Clowning Around; a movie that everyone involved, believed in, worked hard on and gave their heart too. It was a lonely hour and a half ride home as the Dvd sat on my passenger seat. It stared at me; it made me doubt myself, it made me anxious, nervous and made me feel exposed. 

I pulled up to my house and sat out front, just thinking. Thinking of the journey, I can only assume it would be like seeing the finish line of a marathon, but since I'm a lazy turd, I can only assume. I unlocked my door, walked in and of course, I had too pee, since I suffer from Old Man Bladder, but quickly gave it a shake and headed to my Dvd player. As the menu appeared, I could only feel excitement build.

I sat and watched for the next 30 minutes, enjoying something I had helped create. For many, the metaphors will go unseen, but I created this for me. It was me taking my life back. It was me taking a stand against the demons that try to poison our mind, it was that moment in my life that I will never forget.  Even as I type this, I'm teary eyed. The feeling was similar to seeing my children for the first time, it was a overwhelming mix of emotions.

As the movie progressed, I began to have tears stream down my cheeks, but for once, it wasn't because of disappointment or self doubt, it was because I was proud. It was an accomplishment. I reached a goal and no one will ever take that away from me. Sure, the movie will go unseen by many, some will think its shitty, but there will be a few that will enjoy it. I look back at this as a monumental moment in my life. People make movies everyday, people accomplish goals everyday but, it's up to YOU to recognize that moment. You have to work for it.

I am no motivational speaker, I'm only someone who stood on the edge and didn't jump. As the weekend approaches, let me encourage you - take a minute for yourself and make yourself better. Let the negativity go...work hard, if for nothing else, for just YOU. You control your outlook on life, everyone gets in a rut, take your life back. Be the best you can be...accomplish YOUR goal today. Don't worry about the haters...they hate because they are scared to risk being successful. Success is in your heart.

Thank you to those who believed in me, you made this possible. 

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! Part 1

Facebook; Do's and Do Not's! 

Part 1

A lot of people have commented to me about the "Key's to Being Successful in Social Media" article, I figured I would try to shed more light on some "Do's and Do Not's" from Facebook. Starting to wonder if I need to write a book on Social Media.

If anyone remembers Myspace; the carefree basic introduction for many to the crazy online connection service, it almost seemed like an easier place to "play". Connecting with friends, meeting new people online that share the same interests and of course, being spammed by 3rd rate bands that want you to "listen to our demo". It was a simpler world. In walks Facebook and the social media explodes!

As Facebook grew...and grew...and grew into the publicly traded failure, free social media leader that people continually complain about, things have changed, and with change..comes rules. Well, at least I think there should be rules. 

Add as Friend - Oh yes, the ole' "Add as Friend" button that is the gateway to possible new friendships or rekindling of old flames. I just made it sound much more tempting and dramatic than it really is. 

Everyone wants to make friends, but when clicking "Add as Friend" button, comes responsibility. New friends can be eager, but just how "relaxed" of a friend connection is too relaxed...or how eager are you? That's why I'm here people.

It's always polite to post, after making a friendship connection, "Great to meet you" on your new found buddy's wall, yet it almost seems a little too anxious and overzealous too me. If we meet in person, a possible hand shake might occur with a "Nice too meet you" in a casual discussion, so I still feel this is acceptable. Now, after having said that, please refrain from posting some "Nice to meet you" photo that comes off as generic or is, possibly sending some "I like what you like" message. Remember, you want to be liked, not being a regret on an acceptance. 

Sending Messages -  Oh man, where do I start with this one....how about Politeness!

Let's say we have never met in person and maybe occasionally share a "like" on a photo; it's safe to say, being polite needs to be at the top of your list. 

Let me say this, before continuing; I'm not really even a fan of the private message. Connecting is always good, maybe start off the message with "I hate to bother you". With starting off that way, you're already admitting to being a bother...that scores points with me.

Being blunt is always a turn off, seriously. "Like my page. (link)". Yes, I have received those messages. My reaction is to click on that person's profile and delete them. Trying to bully someone into "liking" something is rude plus, we have all heard Pee Wee Herman give a PSA about Peer Pressure....well, and crack. 

Anyways, Who would I send a private message too? My rule of thumb is this: If we have never met in person, I don't see the reason to send a message. I will post on that person's wall instead; maybe a compliment, a casual remark or even a light-hearted pun (usually more like a smart ass comment...but you see it your way, I see it mine). Remember, the key to being successful is too be cool, not a nuisance.

I would say "Use your better judgement" but after opening my inbox, daily, I see that might not be the best option. If you have life altering news, by all means, inbox me...if you're plan is to say "Like my page"...pass and click "unfriend". 

That's part 1 for Facebook Do's and Do Not's, I hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you online!

Obviously, I don't take any of the serious or consider myself any kind of professional.