Motivation

What does it take?  What does it take for one to get moving? I started a documentary project just about a year ago now and it has been slow going.  Sure, things like summer and kids and romance and waves and all sorts of things beckon me at every turn, and those are things I cherish so they are always a welcome addition to my life. But I love storytelling, and I love creating and I love putting the pieces together. So why has it been so hard to just delve into this project and, well, put the pieces together?

Recently my lovely partner and I sat at a lovely lunch in the lovely Portland Public market and talked all about it. Investment and genesis and approaches and additions and all sorts of inspiration flowed in that hour (she is an amazingly inspiring human, to say the least). Yet I was still having trouble just making the leap, just opening up the files and doing the work.

That night I lay in bed and thought about everything.  About how this could be great.  About all the things we talked about at lunch. About how this stage in the process for me is the one I always have the hardest time with. It doesn't quite light me up like other parts, and that, despite all of the lights at the ends of different tunnels and doors waiting to be opened,  was dragging me down.  And why? I guess because at this stage I feel the least creative with the piece.  It's the part that doesn't always flow naturally for me and I struggle.

So how to ignite that spark in this moment? How to get the tinder of the mind hot enough to maybe start a little flame, and how to fan that into fire? What can I do that I find creative and useful and fun and a reminder and an inspiration?  I am sure it's different for every person, and probably for every project I will do should I find myself in a similar space. But right here right now it was obvious.  T-shirts! I would create fun little nothing t shirts every Monday that would be a creative little reminder and inspiration then wear it every morning while I plug away at the piece. It doesn't have to be arty or over the top or spend hours creating.  Just a fun message to myself.

I know it sounds silly but the creative part of making a tee that is a reminder, is a drive and an ignition in itself for me. I have been moving on the project with more vigor than in a long while and am starting to see possibilities here for a larger, better piece than originally envisioned. So for now, I will continue with my t-shirts, and shape and create what is going to be a fantastic doc.

Starting.

One of the most exciting times in a project for us is the beginning.  The beginning, not the genesis, not the concept or idea, (though those are exciting and motivating as well) but the actual digging in and starting.  The work.  The getting out and doing what needs to be done.  The figuring out of the processes and paths that you need to successfully begin a new project.  The placing of the camera in the hand, and the walking out the door.

 That is precisely what happened over the last couple of days.  While there are numerous projects happening at once, there is a new full length project that we have embarked on. But this is a multi-year project.  So we are going after it slowly and steadily.

We headed north to shoot out on the waters surrounding Mount Desert Island. Our first day was glorious and long.  Sunny and filled with wildlife, wind and swell.

It's precisely these days that are so invigorating to us!  The beginning of a new project! Out on the water! Shooting!  Sussing out the complexities of the processes and paths!

We were extremely lucky to have our first day go so well.  Off to a great start.  The next day, not so much.  Socked in with fog, big swell, downpours and a number of other factors that highlighted safety as a concern. We decided to postpone our second day. 

But that didn't drain the enthusiasm for the beginning of this new project. Our first day, of what promises to be many many days over a handful of years, was an incredible kickoff. A perfect first step.

Starting.  Here we go.

Get thee outside!

It's days like the past couple of days that remind me I love to shoot.  Why?  Because I love to shoot outside.  And luckily that is where a majority of my shooting occurs.  I am beyond lucky.  Yes, I like it as much in winter as I do in summer.  Though admittedly my staying power diminishes with every degree below 32.

But the last few days, wow.  I don't think I could have asked for better conditions.  Sunny, warm, little wind, just perfect to be outside and on the water. We were brought on to shoot the Windjammer Angelique in her first trip up the coast from Camden to Belfast for her every other year haul out.


My gosh, it was beautiful.  Incredible deep blue clear skies, early morning spring light, and really, what can compare with the majesty of a 135 foot ketch.  Really.

The boat was brought up to Front Street Shipyard in Belfast and hauled out in a massive sling. Which is nothing short of a miracle of modern technology. Needless to say, the location, the conditions, the beautiful boat and the incredible feat of technology made this one incredible shoot.

The boatyard itself provided an amazing backdrop for these operations.  We flew the drone, looked for interesting and different angles and perspectives and got what we believe to be some pretty impressive and beautiful imagery.

Captain Dennis Gallant called this a 'shave and a haircut', followed by a 'splash and dash' . Angelique was out of the water for less than 24 hours. But in those 24 hours we got enough to put together a sweet little pre-season piece about prepping for the upcoming season.

Both the Angelique and Front Street Shipyard were hugely accommodating and made this shoot very easy.  We are really excited to put together this piece.  Watch for it soon!