DoHx12 Day 4

[eggwards]

Well, since I'm a birthday whore, happy birthday to polomex, whom I'm hoping is feeling better after his trip!

Well, yesterday everyone stayed relatively sane, so I can write about something else.

10 years ago I was making a video record of the Univ. of Houston Marching Band. It had a comic tint to it, and was an outgrowth of the scathing "Band Aid" newsletter - that I was in charge of for about 4 years. We picked on people, destroyed others (not really in a mean fashion, but still, the thing could change perceptions like nobody's business). It was like a cheap, photoshop-pagemaker National Lampoon. Lord knows the run-ins I had with Mr. Mayes, the band director, over some of the things we published.

The video was no different. We had a secret bathroom cam (nothing explicit) a scene that was shot up one of the fraternity brother's kilt, and the top ten things to do with a maxi-pad. It was all good fun done in bad taste. We had two episodes, on in 1993, another in 1994. The '95 one was killed when my videocamera died. The premières were on the buses taking us to away games. The charters started having VCR's the year before. We took the opportunity.

I had spent $700 on the now ancient videocamera, that with the features it had, could be purchased for $250 today, and be smaller. Because it with with us on trips, out on the field during shows, on a fraternity trip to Florida and countless hours of rehearsals strapped onto my sousaphone, the thing lasted only 2 years. I still have it, because there's a videotape stuck in it.

I spent hours in the College of Architecture's video editing suite (because my sister could get me in, and the RTV school wouldn't let me use the equipment for personal use. The Archies had better equipment anyway, damn UofH)

I still have hours of footage, on video tape. I want to move it onto DVD, but this means re-editing the whole thing and at the moment, I don't have the equipment. This brings me to two thoughts to mind.

1. Could this be the kicking off point of re-starting my Muse? With work sucking, boredom, and certain people who have entered my life, I find myself lacking for creative endeavors. I feel that when I left college, I killed off my muse. I used to write, act, make music and create. All of that and the dreams I had have been killed with it. I need to find something that will get me going again. I'd love to work in the creative arts - more-so now. Can I take the risk? Can I afford the loss of my current comfort zone? Can I handle rejection?

2. I need a computer upgrade. My wonderful iMac DV can't handle much more than simple iMovie production, plus it can't burn DVD's. I've been looking at the new iMac which has got what I need to get the project going (I already own a video bridge). Still, it's expensive and I'll have to get financing. It will be some $80 a month, for about 2 years, which is about the same price as the phone/DSL bill each month (thanks SBC).

Still, is it worth it? My band buddies would love to see this stuff again and I'd love to get creative. I need the creative outlet.

Here's hoping for continued work sanity.

Comments

[garebear.livejournal.com]

Is it worth $80/month to upgrade your creativity? You're going to be doing more than just doing band DVDs. iMovie 3 is a surprisingly good editing package...next thing you know you'll get a DV video recorder, digital camera...your iTunes collection will grow...you'll start writing.

Rejection? It's better to try and be rejected than do nothing at all. I try to limit my creative projects to things I want to do. I write for myself...and there is something about acting and writing groups that form a bond like no other. Now's the time start...or restart. You have the talent...use it.

You might want to consider a Dual Processor G4...expansion is great and working with dual monitors really helps when working with video...of course, you start small and build to your needs.

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Well, I already have access to a copy of Final Cut Express, so I'd probably use that. My iTunes files are huge. Most of my external 60gig hard drive is full of tunes. The computer is important, and I've been thinking about the upgrade for a while. I'm thinking I wouldn't get the Power Mac just because I'd have to buy the monitor. This would raise the costs substantially. The iMac has the power and the tools I need for now.

[mattycub.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's worth it. I say look at your expenses, and if you can comfortable make room, go for it. Satisfying that creative impulse is important, and it sounds like it's an itch you're really needing to scratch right now. Many more things make up quality of life than stuff.

Hope work continues to not be too insane. *hug*

[eggwards.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it is more than just a computer upgrade, it's an outlet. Besides, my computer has been getting more and more use and attention over the past year. Being able to make the new, improved movie, with DVD extras, of course, will give me something to do at home. There is such a thing as boredom when living alone.

I'm lucky to be finding some catalysts for different aspects in my life right now.

Work has improved a bit for now. But that adds up in the quality of life stuff, too. Still, one week to go, and then I'll probably be back to my old, charming self.

Thanks and *hugs*

[polomex.livejournal.com]

Thanx...

*places another piece of toast on his plate*