stareablefest 2019 wrap-up

so.

it was a Bit Of A Weekend.

i’m just now getting around to writing about the fantastic time i had at the 2nd annual stareablefest! and what a time it was.

first off, i got the surprise chance to moderate a panel about directing for episodic content where i got to chat with some cool dudes about how their process differs when approaching an episodic script versus more long-form content. we also talked about collaboration and how getting varied experience in other roles before becoming a director will only help you in the long run. it was a super productive conversation, and i had a lot of fun! i look forward to the opportunity to moderate a panel again.

and then, later that night the Big Event: the 90 second Pitch Competition.

i spent most of my free time that day making sure my script was memorized so i would stay calm and collected on stage. i was towards the end of the lineup, and i gotta say, there were some really great pitches and ideas that i was lucky enough to share the stage with. eventually it came time for the judges to deliberate and, well…

I WON!

i honestly still can’t believe it. i told myself that even if i didn’t win, i’d at least probably make some new friends (check), learn some stuff (check) and make some valuable, career-move level connections (MEGA check). but more important than all that, i can’t tell you how many people came up to me after the competition to share their experience with invisible illness and what it meant to them that i was developing something that would tell their story.

it’s all a waiting game right now, but it’s all steps in the right direction, which is more than i can ask for to remind myself that i’m on the right path.

…well, the trophy helps too.