charging inspiration

it could be that i will not be able to wait on the possible funding i’ve requested for my film, i’m like . . . professional. i may need to resort to the indie staple, the personal credit card. obviously, i’d rather not make that move, but my opportunities for filming are approaching, and i still haven’t heard back on the *abstract* for my grant proposal (so much for following protocol).

so, i’m thinking that i need to send out more proposals (argh). but maybe instead, i need to go back to the method i used to make my first documentary, proposition 1984. briefly, this is the method: bypass all formal channels (possible title for my memoir). write to any and every Head of Some Program or Funded Project on our campus and simply ask for whatever pittance they can afford to throw my way (i don’t  need much, maybe $3000.00 – $7000.00). i have a lot of fabulous colleagues, many of whom believe in what i do with mylittlefilms. some of them have more $ than they can imagine spending (imagine). i need also to apply for the Utah Arts grant. and then there’s the goofy online begfest; i had gestured in this direction a few months ago but got no response. maybe i need to be more creative (always the goal, so duh).

did i mention that i am not fond of this aspect of creative life? i’m not, but sometimes the desperation it generates also (re)activates inspiration.

photo backstory: in a NYC department store that will remain nameless, during a 5th Ave. touring break during the CCCC’s 2007 trip. i had to beg the saleslady to let me take this picture after she told me, “no pictures!” (just as they had at Louis Vuitton; they must have imagined i would exit the store and head immediately to my sweatshop to create knockoffs). but so she wasnt’ having it. so i told her that i was creating an “academic photo-essay,” which i was. and it was delightful to see her demeanor shift as she agreed to let me do it, “but … okay, but quickly!”