I spent last night hanging out with some fine Ottawa artists for the 2018 instalment of Resolution, a showcase of work by SAW Members from the previous year. It was a great mix of experimental, music videos, docs, and non-traditional narrative.

Happy to see death isn’t the same anymore screen again in Ottawa to a new crowd. I also received some positive feedback on the short. Seeing the work definitely inspired me to want to do more this year. Now I just have to find some time. Oh, time!

My first short sci-fi fiction, Deep Valley, set in Ottawa, is part of the anthology Constellations.

This book is the result of writing workshops over the summer, led by David Hamilton. The writing is a lot different than screenwriting, and it’s good to shake things up.

Should you feel so inclined… Click here to purchase your very own copy.

I remember owning and driving a car. There’s freedom in being able to pickup and go when and where you want without having to wait for a schedule.

I had an accident in 2015 with my SUV and gave up wheels of my own since it was getting expensive to maintain….  The life of a minimalist, self-imposed, more or less. Taking the bus is fine, but with the bus strike happening right now in Gatineau, it’s a tad unreliable, especially when you really need to get around town…

It took a while to adjust, and then I got back into the groove of a bus take. But, I was driving a 2017 JEEP Compass High Altitude this past weekend that reminded me how much I miss having a reliable car to zip around in. It was a dream to drive.

I’m putting out to the universe that if JEEP wants me to be a spokesperson, I’d gladly drive around a Compass for them. I’ll even pay for the gas.

Mysterious, right?

I’ve been working on my short film these past few weeks. It’s now in post-production with the screening date coming up fast — May 11th at Arts Court. Thanks to SAW Video, and their staff, for helping me bring this all together.

Here’s a few more shots to intrigue you.

Cinematography by Caelan Benn.

On screen presence is Victoria Luloff.

On set continuity by Emily Ramsay.

Location provided by Valerie Mulligan. Beds provided by me, and Jennifer Sicard.

Additional help along the way by Nate Estabrooks, and Amanda Earl.

Mentorship assistance by Laura Taler.

Equipment, training and guidance by SAW Video staff.

I set out a few goals on a Facebook screenwriting group I’m a part of…  This is a partial list of things to accomplish this year:

1. JumpStart video prep-shoot-post-screening. (in progress — had a chat with the actress for it tonight, she’s stoked, and may even have a location I can scoop!)

2. Two scripts in competition (Nicholl and Austin at least; 2nd Round in Austin — already got my pass for 2017!) and a few more pitches and projects in the mix. (in progress — I’ve got at least one killer idea for a brutally funny script that’s been boring a hole through my desk, as well as a high concept horror, and a high concept sci-fi feature (maybe limited TV series!) brewing.)

3. Two screenwriting workshops — one through SAW, one at Heritage College in ContEd.

4. Pitching and representation. (Writing pitch type docs is fun, and I want to work on getting down to LA again.)

5. Screenwriting work. (I’ve been lucky to work with some fine folks in town, writing their projects and polishing them along the way).

6. There’s also a house move on the near-far horizon. That means big changes living wise. More time outdoors, is the hopes. Less time slaving on a computer. More life. Less work.

7. The house move will also allow me to move forward on my web series…  it’s been a long road, but in order to do things the way I want, I need to pay people. Hard to do that with no money. Hoping that changes so I can at least start that process this year.

LOTS of things to do, including working full-time and trying to have a life. Still not sure how it will all get done.

2017 is going to be a wild ride.

My JumpStart Mentorship project is rolling along. Over the past few weeks, I’ve done a number of course at SAW Media Art Centre. Notably, Camera on the Move, Cinematography, and Intro to Colour Grading. I’m also signed up for Lighting at the very end of January 2017. I’ve learned just enough in all of these to be dangerous. I’m entrusting my faith in the process, and seeing where it goes.

I met with my mentor Laura Taler today. She’s already provided a ton of insight and she’s going to become extremely valuable next year during production and post. Also, since I have a poetry component, I met with a trusted poetry advisor, Amanda Earl, on visual poetry and playing with words.

Last night, some of the Vixens attended the Holiday Party at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. A fun time to network with the folks that we raise money for during out Fall events.

December will be busy busy, with Digi60, a grant application, a couple of writing and creative assignments, my day work (back at the RCMP for a short contract and loving it!) and all the prep that was delayed *slightly* due to availabilities. I feel confident that I can get it all done. I’m going to need to be extra diligent and focussed over the typical winter holidays. It helps that it’s generally a few days of quiet while others are off doing their things. I hang out with my family on Boxing Day, and this year it’s at my niece’s place.

Next year, I have a big life/house move on the radar. That’s always on my mind as well. More on that as it develops, as I want to make sure not to get too far ahead of myself. All in good time!