For Thousands of Miles - a documentary about leaving everything behind
A Documentary project in Ypsilanti, MI by Mike Ambs ·
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A Documentary project in Ypsilanti, MI by Mike Ambs ·
Don't want to forget? Click the star to add this project to your profile.
There are days, weeks even, where this project can feel stuck in the mud. That no matter how hard I try; I just spin in place - and it goes without much saying that it's a difficult feeling to put up with. Whether it's accurate or not.
And I'm not writing this post to whine or sulk - I'm writing to say that I feel quite the opposite right now. A month ago I was still running over and over the same 4 pages of script and barely making any real progress... I was also starting to worry that I wasn't able to reach out to enough new people for our current Kickstarter campaign.
I felt like I was dragging my feet on both fronts. I know a lot of people find themselves in these situations, that no matter what it is you're working on or busy with, that there are times when you just want to crawl under a rock and sleep.
And, I admit, that I did that for several days... not literally, but I would sit at my typewriter and blank out... I would walk around in circles with the script in hand, reading the same 4 pages out-loud on repeat. I would see that we had a slow day on Kickstarter and instead of pushing harder to get the word out, I wouldn't mention it anywhere.
But last week, something finally shifted and I began to make leaps and bounds with the script. Long lost pages and narration began to fit together and tell a story that felt smooth and progressive. Which, I believe, lead to the burst of confidence and momentum I needed to re-record and re-edit a new intro' video for our Kickstarter campaign.
The morning I uploaded our new intro', we currently had raised 20% of our goal - a handful of RTs, a few dozen diggs, and a wave of status updates later - and by the time I had gone to bed we jumped forward to an amazing 60%!
Which means a few things: a) we might actually be able to pull this funding campaign off after all (which means lots of exciting progress just ahead)! b) that in the next 52 days, I should be able to piece together large and completed sections of the film (writing, editing, voice-over, etc). c) that we are reaching all kinds of new people out there... and that we are very anxious to make a lasting connection with them. d) I felt like I a fourth point... but it is past my bedtime and I'm feeling groggy. So, I don't think it's coming back to me.
Now I'm sitting here on the floor, listening to The Wind, and blanking out in the direction of my typewriter - and I just want to finish this post by saying: Everyone gets into a slump. Everyone. But in my personal opinion, it's important to let it to depress you... to let it eat away at you and your confidence... to let your lack of action get under your skin and leave you feeling anxious.
Because when all that gives way and eventually comes out in full force - you can use it in your favor. You can come out swinging harder... as if you'd been up against the ropes with the timer running out. It might not be the most efficient way of working, but it does feel damn good sometimes.
This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 26, 2009.
You may think a $1 isn't much - but anytime you back a project on KSR, you're helping promote that project across the entire community! Where else can you get so much bang for your buck? Plus you'll get access to our KSR backer-only updates!
Your name listed in the online credits, a snazzy little Project Pedal button, and that warm fuzzy-feeling inside from doing something nice.
** Note: Reward kicks in at $10k ** an Alternative Apparel 100% organic cotton FToM t-shirt! See http://bit.ly/1dp6at for design details.
A handful of awesome (new) FToM stickers! You can keep a few for yourself and have plenty leftover to hand-out to friends.
All the above + a special FToM Documentary Wish Mix CD! Because come on, who doesn't love a mix CD. This will be a collection of our most-wanted songs... which may be different from the final film's actual soundtrack :P
All the above + an autographed 11x17 full-color FToM poster. You can pin-it-up right above your bed.
All the above + A special, limited-run KSR-only DVD of the current 64 Days series! Containing commentary-tracks (w/ Amanda and myself) and bonus features. This will be a high-quality, fully-packaged, fully-designed DVD *high five*
All the above + a special KSR-edition 64 Days production journal. This 7x7 160 page softcover book is full of production stills, twitters, and selected blog post! We've worked really hard on this one... we think it's pretty awesome.
All the above + an autographed copy of FToM's finished script.
All the above + you know that 64 Days production journal we mention above, well you're gonna get that same book but with a full-page "thank you" letter written specifically for you! Seriously, we'll mention you by name! That's kinda' badass.
All the above + an "Executive Producer" credit. Which would make you one sports-convertible shy of being the next Lee Donowitz ;)
Connected as Mike Ambs (655 friends)
i currently live in los angeles. i love to film things and tell stories. and read on the subway. i'm pretty sure blue whales are my power animal.
Thank you for this post - it's good to know that the wheel of fire has brought you up from the ground to the sky again. Hazzah for the shopkeep!
Thanks Amelia! :) For your support and for your comment.