After nearly 6 months of job searching, I've finally managed to find gainful employment. Bridging the gap between my last check and this one has only been possible thanks to the tremendous support of Los Angeles Social Services - which I recommend to anyone who's having trouble meeting basic necessities. This week, I began a minimum-wage job at Barnes & Noble and began the process of getting myself off welfare. Clearly, this isn't a job that's going to meet all my financial needs, and I'm still scrambling to find supplementary sources of income. At the same time, all my previous work in LA has been as an independent contractor. This will be the first time in nearly a decade that I have medical insurance.
Finding time to do all this, along with the work of maintaining all my projects - from the financing of Sam Bailey to development on projects like Stormcrow, is the only way to achieve success. When people talk about the need to make a total commitment, when they talk about the need to put all other priorities behind one's career, this is a pretty classic example of how far that commitment can take someone. As examples go, it's not even that extreme.
At the same time, my success will be determined by how effectively I find opportunities to address more than one of my needs with each individual tool. What got me here in the first place was the mistake of trying to force that process. Observation, patience, and the careful maintenance of an open mind is every bit as important as a strong will and a relentless and sustained effort.
With the response my scripts are getting and the fantastic people helping me realize these projects, it seems it won't be long before I have the financial security I'm craving. At the same time, the reason these people are attracted to me in the first place is the sustainability of my work. My films are grounded in a solid business plan, not because I think it's what investors need to see, but because I'd like my films to financially fulfill my life.
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