tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35914122631724965262024-03-13T00:14:58.579-07:00Victoria NegriVictoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-4230343423945905112013-02-27T16:57:00.000-08:002013-02-27T16:57:18.296-08:00New Website and BlogTo those of you still reading this blog, I just wanted to inform all of you that I've converted my blog over to my brand new website at <a href="http://victorianegri.com/">victorianegri.com</a>!!!!<br />
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Please enjoy, scroll down to the Blog section and continue reading there! I will no longer be posting here.<br />
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Thanks so much for your reading!Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-21466742380994708672013-01-22T23:14:00.003-08:002013-01-22T23:14:56.788-08:00Sundance Do's and Don'ts<br />
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And I’m done. For me, Sundance 2013 is over. Well, sort of.
I’m sitting in the Yarrow Hotel finally drinking some water (no Sundance bottle
today!) and writing up this blog. I’m trying very hard not to think of food –
it’s been a while since I had a really enjoyable, relaxed sit-down dinner, or
something well balanced and healthy. My brain is quickly descending into a fog
of every movie I saw (which I think is about…</div>
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<br /></div>
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…Okay, so I decided rather than re-doing the beginning of
this blog, I’d just start from where I left off. Right as I was typing that, my
boyfriend walked in, I threw my computer in my bag and finally had a delicious,
full meal of tofu tacos. Delicious is relative, of course, but I loved it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Back to business. I’ve been thinking pretty intensely about how
to sum up my Sundance experience into one blog and leave you with something not
only interesting to read, but informative if you plan on coming to the festival
in the future. So, here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b> Sundance Do’s</b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i>1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Wear
Warm/Comfortable Footwear</i></div>
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I’m not sure why this was the first
thing I chose to write, but you will be on your feet for a lot of the time. The
dress code was lax and everyone at parties seemed comfortable to me. You want
to be on your A game when talking to people, not distracted by blisters. Also
water. Drink lots of water. This has nothing to do with footwear, but it’s a
must.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i>2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Do
Extensive Research/Planning Before Coming </i></div>
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I know I’ve said this in my
previous posts, but it’s essential that you know who made what movie you plan
on seeing, what the movie is about and fully planning out your schedule. It’s
good to know about multiple events going on at the same time so that you always
have options</div>
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<i> 3) Get Involved</i></div>
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When overhearing other people’s
fascinating conversations about a film, give your opinion. While watching a
panel, ask a question. Involve yourself. Don’t be afraid to politely insert yourself
into a conversation and add something to it. An intelligent question to a panel
is memorable!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWHdL6SvMR-m00wT2vlzQRp4g8LUPyE2sPQJ-gynDuvkvNjOXjbyVds058_i5xg8B0V4meVOHGXFgShFUTkqmKVJVfqY2TxZ1xUe8o8iw88N2gpBPMX81zoUtbDhJV2BFqSormoSgotk/s1600/sundancesurvival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWHdL6SvMR-m00wT2vlzQRp4g8LUPyE2sPQJ-gynDuvkvNjOXjbyVds058_i5xg8B0V4meVOHGXFgShFUTkqmKVJVfqY2TxZ1xUe8o8iw88N2gpBPMX81zoUtbDhJV2BFqSormoSgotk/s400/sundancesurvival.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundance "Survival" essentials: tote bag, business cards, water, movie ticket, glasses (don't wear contacts the whole time!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Sundance Don’ts</b></div>
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<i> 1) Don’t Only Go to Screenings</i></div>
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There are so many amazing panels
not to be missed, especially held by the NY Lounge, parties to attend, and
networking events. Sitting in a dark room all day only watching movies causes
you to miss many a networking opportunity. You can learn more about film
through the people you meet than watching the film.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i>2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Don’t
Sleep In</i></div>
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You’re not going to get any sleep.
Just accept it. Know that you’ll be tired, drink some caffeine and tough it
out. You’re only here a short while and you have to make the best of it. A lot
of the panel talks are in the morning yesterday, so don’t hit the snooze.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i>3)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Don’t
Drink A <st1:place w:st="on">Lot (Unless it's Water)</st1:place></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Yes, there are a lot of parties
going on and opportunities for free booze, but don’t be “that girl” or “that
guy” at the party. You want to remember everyone you’re talking to and make a
great impression. Also, similarly to number 2, you don’t want to have a
hangover and miss a great panel or event.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Also, just in general, have fun. It’s not all work – there are
some great movies to see!</div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-36099593497455964812013-01-21T23:42:00.004-08:002013-01-21T23:42:51.759-08:00Planet Sundance<br />
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This afternoon, while eating a quick Thai lunch in between
screenings, I was reminded just how much of an insular world Planet Sundance
seems to be, for me at least. The <st1:placename w:st="on">Wasatch</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountains</st1:placetype> seem like another world,
surrounding <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> in a snowy haze, filled with enthusiastic
out-of-towners invading what would otherwise be a small town. While eating a
quick Thai lunch, the Presidential inauguration was airing. I’m ashamed to say
I forgot it was today until the muted TVs above the bar showed the Presidential
Inauguration. Sundance is all about what’s happening at Sundance, nowhere else.
Now that I’m back in my hotel, I’ll have to read about it before going to bed,
and yes, if I’m being honest, after I finish this blog.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZjTYkedOsiktIr4UAhFgj08-DGSP2Muh0RFpXkv8EpWXJLn3xWwhUM4p27slkClz2pbF1ZcbGjXJi33Un-DxZ-Jd5HEteKVlXD-ZSo-bXRedat_lIG6XzpeHMnda2ecfub_ZdfzLpg0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZjTYkedOsiktIr4UAhFgj08-DGSP2Muh0RFpXkv8EpWXJLn3xWwhUM4p27slkClz2pbF1ZcbGjXJi33Un-DxZ-Jd5HEteKVlXD-ZSo-bXRedat_lIG6XzpeHMnda2ecfub_ZdfzLpg0/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive pianist on Main Street playing in 20 degree weather. Rock on, Park City!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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On the shuttle bus back to my rented car with my boyfriend,
we chatted about my Sundance experience as compared to journalists and even
people who have films in the festival for the first time. My advice to anyone
coming to the festival that is interested in making an indie film of their own is
to come into the festival having done a lot of research. Knowing what films you
like, you should go through the program guide ahead of time and try to target
films that you think you may learn something from. I would say that going to
see the big premiere, celebrity packed films isn’t important for me, just as it
shouldn’t be for indie filmmakers. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Try to meet these filmmakers and find out what they did and
how they did it. What steps did they take to go from idea to the big screen at
Sundance? Now realistically, there are a billion ways to navigate the
complicated steps needed to make a film, but it helps to not only learn from
others successes and trip-ups, but also just to network. Maybe their DP is
someone you’d love to work with, or some other crew member. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not the only one touting this, but indie film has to be
about community. By seeing and supporting Sundance small indie films, you not
only learn from them, but you show that there is a want and need for smaller
films in the film landscape. Why see a film with a well established director,
veteran actors and a larger budget when it will probably be out in theaters or
at least available On Demand in a few months or a year? Go see the things that
may or may not get picked up. Take advantage of the smaller films Sundance has
to offer. I’m strangely proud to say that I haven’t seen many celebrities. I’m
looking for the passionate people out there, the like minded newbies trying to
make it happen.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-42187589265440042162013-01-21T01:12:00.000-08:002013-01-21T23:33:51.966-08:00Sundance Day 2! <div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sitting in my hotel room right now, shoveling Reese’s
Pieces and sorting through business cards, flyers, ads, promotional papers and
lots of other “Sundance papers,” as I’m beginning to call them. Sundance is a
tiny little microcosm in the mountains of film junkies all looking for
something, most of us not exactly knowing what, but the excitement in the
clear, mountain air is inspiring enough for a city dweller like me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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An interesting thing I’m already beginning to learn about
this festival is that anyone can be someone. If you’re here without a film in
the festival, nobody knows the difference. Networking is about presenting
yourself in a professional, open, intelligent, and receptive way. If you listen
to people and let them pitch you their work, I’ve found that people are
extremely generous in giving you their time. They want to know what you’re
working on, after all, it could be the next “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” or
at least a project they can hop onto. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcBTdjwkR2yzO_3aEVhDJPy_o1ekqwB91ivG-bssFSoh5QWzmhmYrsHYEizq0JP4CntWHqdsl_GSLsC6X81W4UTaBcR5EwChVQPzzjqcNliYaR1GorKdA2PS4H-rrzDibXJZnoBA4NNg/s1600/sundance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcBTdjwkR2yzO_3aEVhDJPy_o1ekqwB91ivG-bssFSoh5QWzmhmYrsHYEizq0JP4CntWHqdsl_GSLsC6X81W4UTaBcR5EwChVQPzzjqcNliYaR1GorKdA2PS4H-rrzDibXJZnoBA4NNg/s320/sundance.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park City in the morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My boyfriend, Robert Levin, despite approaching the festival
from a much different, journalistic perspective, warned me that for everyone, Sundance
is about pacing yourself, learning how to make plans, throwing them all away, and
instead finding an event or a film to attend and seeing where it takes you.
This go-with-the-flow nature of the festival has been a bit rough for me to
contend with at times, considering I’m a heavy duty planner, but I feel like
Sundance is accidentally just replicating what filmmaking is all about, happy
accidents.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I began my day with Outfest’s brunch of bagels and
fruit where I met some great filmmakers. I then saw three very different movies:
first, the documentary "Which Way is the Front Line From Here" about photo journalist Tim Hetherington, next the tense
indie drama “A Teacher,” and lastly, the intimate character film “This is
Martin Bonner.” These movies are all vastly different, and I learned something
interesting by seeing each of them. The Q and A’s were fascinating, especially
to hear of Hannah Fidell’s process in using form to change the subject matter
of “A Teacher” from a subject matter which audiences are very familiar with into
something unsettling and unique.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I look forward to more films tomorrow (most people reading
this, it will probably be today 1/21) because I’m posting it so late at night, Kickstarter’s
Party in the evening, and another day in lots of winter gear. Did I mention
that it’s freezing here?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-15386561715577354062013-01-20T08:56:00.000-08:002013-01-20T09:06:09.761-08:00Sundance Recap Day #1<br />
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Yesterday was one of the longest, yet most rewarding days I’ve
had in a long time. My day began at 4 am in NYC followed by a layover in <st1:city w:st="on">Houston</st1:city>, landing in <st1:city w:st="on">Salt Lake City</st1:city>
around noon, renting a car and driving to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>
with my boyfriend.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I immediately went to a Tisch Alumni event at Grub
Steakhouse in <st1:street w:st="on">Prospector Square</st1:street>
(which I’m actually headed back over to for a brunch in a few minutes for
OutFest). The reception was really enjoyable. If you’re showing up to events
alone, you have to look for an empty seat near friendly faces and just kind of
plop down and chat. I met a lot of great people, some writers, filmmakers and
producers, some surprisingly not even from Tisch. I also reconnected with some
old film friends and hopefully will see them again at the festival.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Always have business cards in hand. People swap them like Pokemon
trading cards.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the alumni event, I wandered for a while, hopping on
shuttle buses, exploring <st1:street w:st="on">Main
Street</st1:street> and hanging out in the Filmmaker Lounge
with a few magazines and a chai latte. Then, I met up with my boyfriend for
dinner and ran over up the mountainous Main Street to the Slamdance Festival to
see my producing partner Katie Maguire’s film that she worked on “Hank and
Asha,” <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fairmZL05gk">(here’s the trailer)</a> proceeded by a really great short by Columbia MFA
director Victor Hugo Duran called “Fireworks”. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Adecbrgoc">Trailer here.</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq1IjwIKn3iV6udM7VpXeaQTvZmiNEYatZqaO4XcX2hyZsI-wRZHYPIhPNGfqic0csbR0I2E_l3306yr6YEFmSz0kvfn0ozx7eM5ED9Ab0LjbiSwsuXFEkpiahq9ry12lkr-U5FdB3r0/s1600/sundance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq1IjwIKn3iV6udM7VpXeaQTvZmiNEYatZqaO4XcX2hyZsI-wRZHYPIhPNGfqic0csbR0I2E_l3306yr6YEFmSz0kvfn0ozx7eM5ED9Ab0LjbiSwsuXFEkpiahq9ry12lkr-U5FdB3r0/s320/sundance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Slamdance</b> is an extremely well organized festival, and very
welcoming to new filmmakers. The audience was very receptive and excited about
seeing new innovative works. Both “Fireworks” and “Hank and Asha” were stories
that we’ve seen before—the former about children and the latter about love—yet,
they were told in innovative ways. “Fireworks” was shot in one day, with lots
of improv after the filmmakers trusted their guts and threw away most of the
script, and “H&A” was told through videos sent from the two characters in
different countries. They never acted in a scene together.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Overall, so far, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> is beautiful, the
festival is so worth it to come out here, and I’m tired, but so excited to see
what other films and people I can see and meet. For me, it’s not about the
stars, it’s about innovation, indie and art. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Stay tuned for more updates and hopefully some interviews
with filmmakers! </i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-66651185791447670642013-01-15T09:48:00.000-08:002013-01-15T09:48:44.828-08:00Marathoning and Filming: More in Common Than You Think<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As many of you know, especially if you’ve been following
this blog, marathon running and planning my film have been two major focal points of
my life over the past year. But, what you probably don't know is that marathon training and making a film have more in common than
you’d think.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Planning<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
My marathon training is completely
mapped out ahead of time from day one to the finish line. I know how much I
plan to run every day, when I will run, what I can eat (my stomach is weird), etc. I use this plan to
psych myself up and mentally prepare before a daunting run. Similarly, getting a film off the ground and “running” so to
speak involves an equal amount of planning, if not more. I know when I want to
start shooting (Fall of 2013) and what steps I need to take. You need to make
your hires, get your finances in place and structure your pre-production schedule
with your team on board to make sure you have everything set and ready by the time you
have set to film. Organization is key for both.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Staying Open
to Possibilities<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<st1:place w:st="on">Marathon</st1:place>
training has many unexpected possibilities. Taking advantage of these possibilities is what makes the “work” into fun. An unexpected turn off
a usual course and discovering a new running route, or doing a loop backwards
can really mix things up and reinvigorate you. Similarly, in pre-production, bringing interesting
people on your team that have different backgrounds and experience can shape your film
into something you didn’t realize it could’ve been before. Don’t have tunnel
vision!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Determination<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
You know that phrase, “If anyone
could do it,” blah, blah, blah. Well, it’s true. <st1:place w:st="on">Marathon</st1:place>
training and planning a film are difficult, exhausting, and often times make
you question why you started doing it in the first place. I’ve looked at my
running schedule and thought, “20 miles tomorrow? I’m going to burn out. Someone just break my leg.” I’ve
rewritten my script more times than I can count and had weeks where I felt like
it will never turn out to be good and that I’m not capable of doing it.
Screw it. Make your brain stop hating itself. When this happens, think why you started pursuing your goal. I can’t
tell you how many times I’ve finished that 20 mile run and felt absolutely
great afterward. It’s all about the journey, right?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Seeing the
Finish Line<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Many psychological studies have
been done studying the power of visualizing a goal and its success rate in
reaching your desired destination. Although I didn’t get to physically run the
NYC marathon this past year because of Hurricane Sandy, seeing the finish line in
the park motivated me so much that I’ve had many “marathon dreams” imagining
myself crossing the finish line. I look forward to that moment, knowing it will happen this coming November. When I think of
my film, I see it in my head, I hear sounds from it, scenes, I know how I want it to
look. Yet, in planning a film in today’s market, you have to go further.
You have to see what market your film fits in and imagine it playing in certain
festivals. My favorite visual inspiration is hearing applause after my film at
a festival.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Be Realistic<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Now, I know I’m not going to win
the NYC Marathon. I’m not a professional athlete, I’m not delusional, and it’s
just never going to happen. I also know that my film Gold Star is not going to
make millions and millions of dollars across the country. It’s just not that
kind of film and I’m not that kind of runner. Having realistic expectations
with your end goal in mind is extremely important. In order to succeed in the
long run (pun intended) after you cross the finish line and when you’re done
shooting, you have to know what you’re doing next. What festivals should I
target? How should this film be released? What race should I do next? How can I
get faster? How can I become a better filmmaker? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-63873361279799550452013-01-08T12:07:00.003-08:002013-01-08T13:51:04.530-08:00Don't Be Obsequious<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me more times than I
can even count, <i>“Don’t be an obsequious girl.”</i> He thought I was quiet, a lemming following the others off the cliff, when really I just went with the flow in
school because I knew filling in the right bubbles on a test wasn’t the be-all
end-all. That being said, I was and still am a people pleaser, so I tried to do
that really well. Life is not a test that has answers A-D, it isn’t raising
your hand and politely waiting your turn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t want to die and have my tombstone say, “She sat
behind a desk for 40 years and never made a mistake.” Or, “She was well liked
by everyone,” or anything like that. I want to impact people on an emotional,
visceral level. I want to tell stories. I not only want, but I need to be
remembered. I can never be obsequious. Why? I’m terrified.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m terrified that I’m going to wake up and be 60 or 70 or
even 80 and have nothing to show for it with no work of art I’m proud of that
has touched many people’s lives. As Woody Allen said, “I am not afraid of
death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” I feel as though artists
are immortal. A great work will live on. It’s impossible to kill art and the
voice of an artist. The ones that are different, take risks and don’t take no
for an answer (this includes saying no, as well, when appropriate) are the ones
that last.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>I think as artists, we should never have to apologize for something we want
to do or have already done.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The past few years, I’ve met with countless agents and
managers who look at my resume and say, “Wow, lots of film. Where’s the
theater?” to which I normally replied, “Well, I’ve just been busy with film
recently.” Time for a change. Time for me to stick to my guns and say, “You
know what? Film is my passion. Film is what I really want to do.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People will always try to fit you into a box. In a meeting
for an acting talent agent in <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>,
some are presumptuous in assuming an actor’s resume will be filled with
theater. When meeting in LA, they will be disappointed if they don’t see film.
Don’t let people tell you who you should be. Don’t apologize for your
uniqueness or vision. Stop pussyfooting around where you see yourself going. If
there’s any resolution for me this year it’s to finally listen to my dad and
stop being obsequious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-34891679191014280792012-12-31T08:24:00.001-08:002012-12-31T08:24:22.705-08:00The Film that Summed Up 2012 For Me<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 is a year I will never forget for many reasons, and
luckily some beautiful films this year were extremely impactful this year for
personal reasons. Beasts of the Southern Wild is the one film that caught me
off guard with how deeply it would affect me. My boyfriend, film critic Robert
Levin saw its first screening last year at Sundance and called me afterwards,
immediately telling me how amazing it was and that I had to see it. I agreed
that yes, it sounded interesting, but I wasn’t going to let myself get caught
up in the Sundance excitement for a film I didn’t want to be disappointed by. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Months passed and I continued to hear about the film until
in August while in <st1:city w:st="on">Montreal</st1:city>
traveling with my boyfriend I finally got the chance to see the movie. There are
a few times in my life when I can recall everything surrounding the event and
experience of seeing a movie—where I sat, what the theater was like, if I ate a
snack, what I did that day, etc—and Beasts proved to be one of those powerful
film experiences for me. I went in with as open a mind as possible, trying to
combat the buzz with a healthy amount of skepticism. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few minutes into the film, I knew it was something
different. The voiceovers are powerful and undetectable, the characters are
different but relatable, the storytelling was beautiful but unique. And
especially of all, the young actress, or actually untrained actress, Quvenzhane
Wallis, was absolutely captivating. This is a film not only about people living
trapped in “The Bathtub,” but one that I could relate to, or really anyone with
a father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the time I saw Beasts, my father was home from his six
month hospital stay and obviously unbeknownst to me, three months later he
would be gone. The relationship between Hushpuppy and her father is not one
that exactly mirrored my relationship with my dad, but there are obvious
similarities that hit deep within me, awakening childhood fears of my father
passing away when I was younger. The truth is, no matter when you lose a parent
it’ll always be too early. You’re never ready. I hate when people say, “At
least he’s not suffering and at peace.” He didn’t want to leave. He enjoyed
every minute with his family no matter what.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first memory is in the hospital with my father after he
suffered a heart attack. The bed was taller than I was and I remember being
told that daddy was going to be okay, but being extremely unsure what was going
on. Growing up, I had nightmares of sacrificing myself to save my father,
catching him when he fell (which literally would happen years later) and other
such traumas. Hushpuppy may appear on the outside to be very different from
everything about my childhood, but watching her was like watching myself as a
young girl—afraid to let go, but trying to be the hero for her father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My immediate family made huge sacrifices to care for my dad
in his last year, but we would’ve done it forever. We hoped for that just as
Hushpuppy would’ve stayed wherever her father was, in the Bathtub or out of it.
My favorite quote from Hushpuppy in film, and one that sums up my life over the
past year, is: “Everybody loses the thing that made them. The brave men stay
and watch it happen. They don’t run.” It’s not easy to care for someone who
can’t care for themselves, it’s painful to see someone wilt away. The image of
Hushpuppy facing the beasts and not backing down is so powerful and moving.
She’s looking death in the eye in her own way and saying, I understand, and I’m
not afraid. I’d like to think my family did that this past year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beasts is beautiful because it is simultaneously simple and
complex, easily relatable and precise, dirty and gorgeous. Beasts is the one
film of 2012 I will never forget because my year was the exact same thing—every
moment with my father was not only sublime because I knew to treasure it, but
it was sad to know meant one less interaction, one less memory with him. I
normally like to make a personal top 10 film list of the year, but felt this
year should be more personal. I wish I got to watch Beasts with my father, but
ironically, I’m not sure he would’ve fully appreciated it. He was more of a
cowboys and Indians kinda guy.</div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-52618471988658676012012-12-19T10:39:00.000-08:002012-12-19T10:39:03.602-08:00Why You Shouldn't be Comfortable<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m living the broke artist life in <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>. It has it’s ups and downs, is
definitely not as glamorous as it sounds, but I think all in all, it’s
extremely supportive in keeping my creative juices flowing. I remember a few
years ago sitting in my doctor’s office waiting room reading a magazine about
the most successful people in our country (I think in the entertainment
industry) and reading about Oprah. Say what you will about the woman, but she
is extremely successful and a brand all by herself. The article basically gave
examples of a few successful celebrities, notably Oprah, saying that in theory
these people achieved so much because they weren’t comfortable growing up, but
also weren’t so uncomfortable (financially and mentally speaking) that they got
so depressed or overwhelmed they gave up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My advice to anyone pursuing a career in filmmaking, writing
or acting is don’t let yourself get comfortable. Don’t fall into a routine.
Don’t take your backup job because you feel the pressure of needing a “career.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m lucky to say that I don’t have to bartend, waitress or
cater, not that those are bad jobs—you do what you have to—but I have a lot of
freedom. I don’t do any of the clichéd actor day/night jobs. I get to work from
home and make my own schedule to some extent, yet, I am not comfortable. I
can’t afford expensive things and I don’t want to be working this job for
another decade. This level of discomfort puts a healthy amount of pressure on
me and also motivates me to continue pursuing getting my film off the ground.
What I mean by healthy pressure is, I’m not so exhausted after my “put food on
the table” job that I can’t write, audition or go to meetings. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last week of my senior year at NYU I was offered a
salaried job with an advertising company in Midtown. It would be great pay,
benefits and working with what seemed to be like an interesting group of
people. I asked them if the schedule was flexible at all and if I could take
some time off if I landed a film. When they said no, I immediately turned them
down, thanking them for the offer, but also emphasizing that my film career is
important to me and something I’m not willing to give up. I truly believe that
if I took that job, I would’ve worked my way up within the company and been
full time there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I said no thanks and I’m learning to say no even more now.
If you have a vision of how you want your life to turn out, follow that path
and don’t take on something that seems like it would be detouring your journey.
I’m steadfast in my career goals to the point where I’d rather make sacrifices
in my life to achieve what I want. I shouldn’t even say sacrifices because
that’s not how I view them. I enjoy working on my screenplays and acting work
so much that I don’t think of it as having to give something up. I’m gaining a
lot by having freedom to create and feel very lucky to be able to have this
gift. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share with me in the comments how you make sure to stay
motivated and have the freedom to pursue your craft! </div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-85147222463682787142012-12-12T10:11:00.002-08:002012-12-12T10:11:14.937-08:00Big Decisions...and Why I "Get" Spalding Gray<div class="MsoNormal">
The fact that I put this blog off last week and my
procrastination actually turned into a full week sans blogging is no accident.
After a productive and eye opening phone call with my career coach, <a href="http://emilygrace.tv/">Emily Grace</a>, I admitted to myself that I <b><i>want </i></b>to direct and <b><i>should
</i></b>direct my own project, my feature film, Gold Star. But for some reason, I still feared actually announcing it. Emily even encouraged me to blog about it, saying it would make for great material, so here I am, finally getting to it and owning it fully.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
November 2012, and 2012 in general, has been a year of
growing, learning and creating for me. Sometimes you just gotta roll with the
punches, but if you kept letting yourself get punched in the face, you learn
nothing and come away with a bloody face. Not so fun. When I had to take tai
chi at the Lee Strasberg Institute way back when at NYU, I learned that when
attacked, the best form of self defense is to use the attacker’s body weight
against them, use their own force to bring them down. I believe this not only
applies to fighting, but also to life and less physical things thrown your way.
When bad things happen, use them, and that’s what this film’s been for me, a
form of self defense against horrible things. By writing about my difficult
year, I think I’ve changed it in a way, and my thinking of it. But I can’t go
halfway with it. I can’t just write it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After my father passed away last month, my view of the film
changed. It became even more personal than I could have imagined. I was so
afraid to admit that I wanted to direct the project, not only because of my
fear of failing in some way, but also because I thought it would make me look
like some kind of a control freak/megalomaniac, neither of which I am. I love
collaboration. Discovering new ideas through partnership is exciting, and I plan on
involving a great team to bring this film to the screen. I recently realized,
though, that directing this is something I <i>have</i> to do. I go to sleep at
night seeing scenes play out in my head, imagining the look of the film, the
tone, everything. Gold Star is not only something I wrote and many things I experienced. It is real to me.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNVjL9YBNpf8R_Qfe4jLuzYoEE56IXeIjA1NyCERyGnDA1xQo9-VgcGVkvBcp31f0YC2WXuUumqdePuGq6hISNJTDSy9gxa0c9jFJQzRQyxeeGmSLLw9ryzhtiDXy319-EfI3Mi3md3s/s1600/HIRES_MG_0417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNVjL9YBNpf8R_Qfe4jLuzYoEE56IXeIjA1NyCERyGnDA1xQo9-VgcGVkvBcp31f0YC2WXuUumqdePuGq6hISNJTDSy9gxa0c9jFJQzRQyxeeGmSLLw9ryzhtiDXy319-EfI3Mi3md3s/s400/HIRES_MG_0417.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only a photo to promote my film, Gold Star, but a reminder that my father is everywhere. Photo by Ben Jarosch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel completely different as a person, like I came out of
a battle scarred, yet with a new perspective on life.
Everyone’s parents die. It’s something we all face, but in actually experiencing it I've had somewhat of a paradigm shift, maybe because I’m a bit young to
lose a parent, I don’t know. Yesterday I was sitting in a workshop with a
casting director, and I felt isolated as everyone was asking questions, like I
didn’t really feel like a full-on actor per se. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me attempt to explain what I mean. The multitalented performer, monologuist and all-around
favorite of mine, Spalding Gray once said something to the effect of (and I
couldn’t find the quote anywhere but remember it striking a chord with me)…I
couldn’t act because I kept judging the writing, the words and it all came out
as judgments and I couldn't say it. Sometimes I feel this way—actually, a lot of the time. Ever since
I started writing seriously and learning what my voice is, everyone else’s seems fake or
like I’m going against myself by reading someone else’s
words. I always connected strongly to Spalding’s work while at NYU. I’d spend
hours in the library watching his archived, difficult to find videos while
eating snacks by myself, laughing and writing down favorite quotes. I’m just
starting to realize why I love him so much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As artists, I think the greatest challenge is being brave
and doing something different. Don’t be afraid to do something because you
might fail. If you’re a smart, hard working person, you can figure it out. Yes,
I will be taking on many roles in getting this film made, but it is my film, my
voice and my story. I really have to be the one that tells it. </div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-66843400468846356942012-11-28T14:10:00.002-08:002012-11-28T14:10:55.956-08:00Monkey See, Monkey Do<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days ago, I was at a complete loss as to what to write
for my weekly blog. It’s my first week back in the city, and I would be lying
if I said it was easy. It seems like the last time I was here, everything was
different. I still had my dad and was hopeful for his recovery. I’ve been
fighting this empty feeling inside, like everything I knew and loved was ripped
from me. But I know that’s a lie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe in not only performing, creating, writing,
auditioning and even the real world, there is a truth and a promise in the
ability to visualize. The power in this ability is changing your visualization
from something negative to a tangible positive. Rather than remembering my
father wheelchair bound, I am trying to choose to remember him as he was -- smiling,
laughing and playing the piano. Yes, in my head I see his struggles the past year, but that is not <i>who</i> he was. As with the visualization of my father, we also choose how
to <b>visualize our goals</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before going into an audition, do you imagine your best
possible work or do you think of the worst case scenario?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Various psychological
studies have been explored to study this phenomenon. While in high
school, for an AP Psych project my sister asked our soccer team to shoot a soccer ball and
then shoot it again while first imagining scoring a goal. A lot of us scored the second time. Maybe we just tried harder, I don't know. The brain is a
powerful thing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wouldn’t say I’m an optimistic person overall. I have many
fears and struggle to understand concepts and ideas broader than myself and beyond my reach, but I can say that my
imagination is powerful. If I can remember the feel of my father’s hand when I
was a child, or if I can imagine a casting director’s face after I absolutely
nail an audition for say, a dream role in an indie feature, then I am going to
<b><i>choose to visualize those things</i></b> – because if I can visualize them, then they
were real, <b><i>are real,</i></b> and can even happen.</div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-63611679561391198992012-11-21T10:02:00.000-08:002012-11-21T10:02:06.265-08:00Be Thankful<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays
despite the fact I don’t eat turkey, meat-filled stuffing, or gravy with a meat
base. Hey, yams are good too! Veggie stuffing as well! This year, Thanksgiving
will be strange. If you’ve been reading this blog, my father passed away just
11 days ago, and I feel like this holiday is happening too quickly and without
welcome. I remember last year, my father had just come home from the hospital
for Thanksgiving. We were all thrilled to have him after months of fighting in
ICU and rehab. A few days later, he sang me (sort of) happy birthday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year will be different, but I am thankful. I think in
general, in life, it is important to take a moment and reflect on everything
that you have and have had. Don’t think about your life with judgments or negativity,
but just acknowledgment. This is definitely one practice I have carried with me
from all those semesters taking tai chi at the Lee Strasberg Institute - thanks
Ron! I had an awesome father, and the fact that he’s gone doesn’t change the
fact that he was absolutely kick-ass. My memories will never be erased and the
person I am today is because of him. I am thankful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now because this blog should really be about filmmaking and
acting and making things happen for yourself, I think this thankful attitude
should be carried into one’s artistic career. I’ve gotten caught up in the trap
of thinking of other people’s careers and wishing for things I don’t have, upset
I didn’t get a part, or hoping for certain auditions, but this is a wasteful
way of thinking. Be thankful for what you have. Everyone’s career is different.
If I landed a huge film role right out of school, I wouldn’t have had the drive
to want to make my own film and really take charge.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Your career can only start to take shape when you sit back,
relax and focus on what you have, what you are thankful for and why.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So maybe tomorrow in between helpings of Grandma’s pie, sit
back and look around you at the people at your table. You wouldn’t be acting
and filmmaking and creating art if it weren’t for those people and your upbringing.
Mom may call too often at times, Dad may harass you to “get certain things
done,” but remember that those people not only physically made you, they shaped
you like a little piece of clay into the person you are now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are your favorite Thanksgiving memories at home with
family?</div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-17451480473987694532012-11-16T09:09:00.003-08:002012-11-16T09:09:34.480-08:00For Dad<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Mayans feared that the world would end in 2012. For me,
it has felt that way, and for my father, it is true. I know this sounds extremely
dramatic, but on Saturday November 10<sup>th</sup>, a piece of my childhood died along
with my father. What began as a quiet, relaxing date night (the first in a
while because of the craziness of the hurricane) ended with a text message from
my brother and phone call from my mom telling me the words I’ve feared since my father first
had a heart attack when I was three, “Vick, he’s gone.” My heart has physically
been hurting for days, today is the first day I don’t feel ill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To anyone reading this, if you lost a parent, I completely
understand how you feel. It’s surreal, a dream, you think you’re going to turn
the corner and see them. Right now, I’m writing this from my dining room table,
where I often worked from home and watched my dad sit in his wheelchair while my mom was at work. I’d
jump in the room when ‘The Price is Right’ came on, to laugh at the overly
hyper contestants with him and guess on prices together. I still see the back
of his bald head out of the corner of my eyes, then I look up and it’s gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve gone into my mother’s room to smell his pillow, I wonder
what his last thoughts were. I wish I could’ve gone home to see him sooner, hugged him when he passed. I’m glad that his last vision of me was after I finished my personal marathon
and thanked him via video. I made my mom put me on the phone with him after he watched it, and he couldn't make a sound. He was apparently crying. I now have his 1987 marathon medal, he asked my mom
to give it to me as a gift when I came home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQmP-8dyEhewS-nMlmnjjJxUhxApxj-knZTsjV-LIGYhVsuF4MKqC2m_7pQLTfvRAt17SVWD7HEmb0IZJhh99hY4RhdEW0hyphenhyphenYeKNmWVV-2uTCZ2t0MFebrnPfif3suf3yJzMiKxwWl_8/s1600/HIRES_MG_0542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQmP-8dyEhewS-nMlmnjjJxUhxApxj-knZTsjV-LIGYhVsuF4MKqC2m_7pQLTfvRAt17SVWD7HEmb0IZJhh99hY4RhdEW0hyphenhyphenYeKNmWVV-2uTCZ2t0MFebrnPfif3suf3yJzMiKxwWl_8/s320/HIRES_MG_0542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last year, partially to cope with my father’s illness and
partially to take charge of my own career, I began writing a film about my
relationship with my father. It’s an extremely personal film and addresses what
it’s like to grow up with a father that’s older than most people’s
grandparents. Above is a photo taken by my friend Ben Jarosch a month before my dad's passing. It will be used in promotional materials for my film, but it also shows how much my father and I loved each other.</div>
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I’ve always feared death, always. It isn’t something I can
understand, and I’m so, so afraid that when you die, that’s it. In the past few
days, I’ve felt like I'm going crazy talking to pictures of my father, hoping
they’ll speak back, asking him to move things in a room to show me he’s there,
and then half-waking up in the middle of the night with sleep paralysis as if
he’s hugging me too tightly.</div>
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The film I wrote, “Gold Star” means much more now than it
ever has. Although my initial intention was to have my father play the father
role in it (most of his scenes would involve no lines), my father will be in it
in every other way. Memories we had and still have are in there, the film will
be shot in my house, I plan on somehow including actual video footage and
photos of him (maybe in the credits). </div>
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I miss my dad so much. 25 is too young to lose a father. I
find comfort in knowing that the rest of my family, and myself, have zero
regrets. We worshiped him over the past year. He fought to give us a year. I stood in front
of him for hours before and after and even during my work week, helping him
with rehab, physically moving him room to room, bringing him outside to get
light, hugging him nonstop, making him laugh, learning how to suction him,
inventing a way of communication, and just being with him as much as possible.
Lately, I’ve been questioning why I do anything and I feel like sometimes it’s
more for him than me. Making “Gold Star” is going to be emotionally exhausting
at times, but I<b><i> have</i></b> to make it. We all create for different reasons. My reason
is therapy, love and memory. My dad used to tell stories all the time, it’s my
turn to take the torch and be a storyteller for him. Love you dad. </div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-28752157552897186122012-11-08T10:09:00.005-08:002012-11-08T10:09:56.589-08:00Script Reading<br />
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Last night was the first time I heard any of my screenplay writing
read aloud. I was incredibly nervous all day, secretly hoping that the
unwelcome nor’easter would cause a cancellation of the Tisch Alumni Script
Critique Group. Alas, no cancellation, and the dull stomach ache all day raged
onward as 6:30 came closer.</div>
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I’ve been working on my screenplay Gold Star for months now,
and am just starting to share it with friends and colleagues, reaching out to
trusted individuals to collaborate as my team grows. The feedback
has been generous and positive. Yet, hearing the first 15 pages of my
screenplay read aloud in front of a group of my peers proved to be an entirely
different thing, a terrifying thing.</div>
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If you don’t know who Ted Hope is and you’re into film, god help you. The man is a indie film powerhouse, blogging
constantly, producing, and a fountain of knowledge about the ever changing
film industry. Yesterday, I found his <a href="http://trulyfreefilm.hopeforfilm.com/2012/11/dont-hide-declare-you-are-here-plan-to-fck-sht-up.html">blog</a> particularly close to home. In it he encourages filmmakers to get help, but not wait for it to get a project done.
People won’t always help, and sometimes they will take more than they give.
It’s a delicate balancing act. He ends the post by stating:</div>
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<b>“</b><b><span style="background: #F2EDF1; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt;">Being true to your heart and ideas
is a revolutionary act. I think the world is ready for you to get it
done.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Lucky enough to read this post before I traveled through the
snowstorm last night, I felt empowered. Don’t wait for someone to help,
just do it no matter what. I can do this - I kept thinking to myself. You got this, girl!</div>
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While hearing my screenplay read aloud, I grew more relaxed.
I realized that yes, something I worked tirelessly on is actually good, and
yay, people are laughing at the right moments, the actors’ instincts are dead
on. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences ever. It gave me something
more than acting has given me to this point -- writing allows you to not only
create a character, but an entire world.</div>
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After the actors finished and handed me my script, I sat at
a long table, awaiting comments and criticisms. Everyone’s feedback was
extremely kind, and people were excited to hear that it was based on a true
story. People asked me to bring in the rest of the script, curious to see how
it turns out and what happens to the characters. I learned a lot about not only screenwriting, but my own process last night. I felt a little surge of power inside as well. I want to keep doing this.</div>
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The screenplay presentation reinvigorated me after weeks of
meetings and email correspondences and “busy work” for my film. Gold Star
is loosely based my life, but entirely from my heart. I can’t wait to share it with the
world.</div>
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Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-5575931446591352242012-11-02T09:41:00.002-07:002012-11-02T09:56:22.055-07:00Running for a ReasonThe marathon is 26.2 miles, but it's a much longer journey than that. It's months of preparation, hours upon hours of running alone in the heat, thirsty, fighting injury, waking up exhausted, questioning yourself why you're even out there. It's not an easy thing to do. Bodies don't naturally want to run that far. People don't just do marathons to do them. Most marathoners have a deeper reason for running. Mary Elizabeth Williams' <a href="http://www.salon.com/2012/11/01/the_new_york_city_marathon_must_go_on/">article</a> at Salon.com is a powerful example of someone running for a personal reason.<br />
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I've blogged about this before, but I am running for my father. 13 months ago he had a stroke and simultaneously battled pneumonia. He was in ICU and rehab from September until February. He's now back at home, but things aren't easy. He can't speak, eat or move really at all and is battling Parkinson's while trying to do rehab. It's been a battle to be an optimist. My father was a runner my entire life. When I was a baby, he ran the NYC marathon at 65 years old. I always knew I wanted to do the NYC marathon because he inspired me, but I decided I needed to do it this year because I wanted my dad to see me do it.<br />
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Running has brought me closer to my dad. He's spelled out running routes in CT on a magnet board very slowly, telling me 20 mile routes he used to do decades ago. I bought him a marathon winter beanie and he wears it proudly. I get back from a 4 hour jog back home and lifts his arm up to proudly hug me, his eyes wide that I did it. He then immediately starts doing physical therapy, and I stand in front of him to help. We motivate each other. Every step I run, I imagine myself at 13, chasing after my dad, embarrassed that my 70 year old father could smoke me that badly. We are a competitive family. I've watched videos of my dad jogging, teary eyed, remembering his athleticism, his wave, his smile, hearing his voice, which I feel I'm starting to forget each day that passes. For his birthday, my family and I framed huge poster sized photos of him finishing the NYC marathon with inspirational quotes painted onto the glass. I don't think a gift has touched him more.<br />
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I completely understand why people think the NYC marathon should be postponed. The hurricane devastated NYC and surrounding areas, and it depresses me deeply to think about how much life was lost and how many people are suffering. I've already donated money and plan on doing much more to help. At the starting line, I'm wearing many layers of winter clothing that I will throw off and will be donated on Staten Island.<br />
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I am still running the marathon despite all the pain and suffering. I am angered and sad that people are taking it out on runners. My Facebook page and newsfeed yesterday were full of negativity towards runners. This race means so much to me. It's one of those days I will never forget. When I got the email saying I got into the Marathon through the lottery system I sobbed for about 20 minutes (maybe even longer) and called my dad. I told him over the phone. Despite hearing no verbal response, I knew he was thrilled.<br />
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If people want to come out and protest and boo and wave angry signs I can't stop them, but I do hope that they also spend as much energy volunteering and helping people in need rather than being negative. I had trouble sleeping last night and gave myself a really bad stomach ache because of the guilt people are putting on runners that are still participating. I started to question why I was still doing the marathon. I woke up with a headache and have finally decided to defend myself. I <b><i>will be</i></b> running 26.2 miles on Sunday like it or not. I will smile for the photos and hug my dad and family proudly when I see them. This past year has been impossible for me for so many reasons and I've had to fight negativity in my own head.<br />
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My father's life is pretty much like that movie "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." People like to complain about the marathon ignoring or moving past suffering as if we don't feel bad or have no empathy, but runners are the most empathetic people I know. The marathon is about overcoming. The last thing I want is people throwing pessimism my way as well. I know I'll be surrounded by thousands of other runners out there with personal reasons for running, but Sunday is a day for me and my father and I am beyond thrilled. He won't be able to cheer, but I'll imagine him screaming my name and saying, "Run like the wind," like he used to when he cheered on my soccer team.Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-76400129561748294142012-10-30T09:21:00.003-07:002012-10-30T09:22:52.512-07:00A Serious Storm<br />
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It would feel strange to blog about anything other than the
hurricane this week. Yesterday started off like an adventure. I went outside to
a few grocery stores with my boyfriend and sister (who was supposed to move
into her <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">East</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Village</st1:placetype></st1:place> apartment yesterday and obviously
didn’t), and we bought brownies and some food essentials. We went home and
begrudgingly filled some water bottles in the fridge, not really thinking we’d
need it. I didn’t even bother to look for batteries or a flashlight. Luckily,
my sister came prepared with a lantern. She's the older, more prepared one anyway. I can be stubborn and stupidly
optimistic sometimes. It can’t be that bad, right?</div>
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As the hours passed and we spent minutes upon minutes
watching the lone tree in my “yard” bash against my building, wondering when it
would snap, I became slightly nervous. Friends began to lose power across
the NYC area and CT. My family lost half of a pine tree that’s Rockefeller Christmas tree sized in my backyard, crushing a maple tree and sparing our house. Then, they lost
power. </div>
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The photos online are crazy. It’s surreal
to think that this is my city. I never thought anything this bad would happen.
Subways and tunnels completely flooding? Nah, this is NYC. Nothing that crazy
could happen. A tree or two might fall, but that’s about it. What? You say the side of a building peeled off? Jesus.</div>
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Everyone I know and care for is safe, but some are stranded
and may be without power for a while. I kept saying last night, “It’s like we
live in <st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state>.
It’s like we live in <st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state>.”
Growing up, I can’t remember <i><b>ANY </b></i>hurricanes hitting. An occasional tropical
storm would pass through, a hurricane would come close, but then get degraded to a
lesser storm.</div>
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I keep thinking of the end of that Coen Brothers’ movie, “A
Serious Man.” I wasn’t a big fan of the movie initially, maybe because I fully
couldn’t grasp it, maybe I just wasn’t in a good movie watching mood then. Maybe I didn't want to like it because it was my boyfriend's favorite movie of the year and I like to tease him and be a dissenter. I
don’t remember a lot of the movie, but the ending stuck with me. It seemed to come out of nowhere and bothered me. The school children
running into a building, trying to escape a tornado that seemed to come out of
nowhere, the iPod earbud dangling from the boy's ear with the storm quickly approaching, and then black out to credits. Do they live? Does any of what we just
saw in the film matter? Well, yes, but it's over now.</div>
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I keep thinking of this film because throughout the day
yesterday, I kept worrying about different things—I should’ve gone running
today, I’m bored, I should be doing something for my career, I should do this,
I want to do that. I was stuck in my head rather than preparing or thinking of
what the news was telling me. The human instinct to survive, I think, distracts
us with our lives, lulls us into comfort and convinces us everything will be
fine. FDR's classic quote, “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself” is
certainly true. </div>
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My area of NYC is fine. I have power and everything is
okay here, but people have died. It could’ve been much worse for me or a loved one. A tree could’ve
landed on my head when I went to get those oh so essential brownies. The last movie I
could’ve watched might have been a crappy chick flick while worrying about
whether or not the marathon will still happen. I’m not saying I should’ve run
around panicked. What I am saying is that events sneak up on us and we can
never stop being human.</div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-1359488104651820862012-10-23T07:54:00.003-07:002012-10-23T07:54:32.108-07:00Following the Leader<br />
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Taking on your own project can be extremely daunting. Over
the past few months, I’ve gone from auditioning and hoping other people will
give me parts to diving in on my own project. I am the leader and it’s been strange
adjusting and being in charge of a vision. I was always the one in school that
would take charge in a group project, and get the ball rolling so to speak, but
when you’re in charge of a creative project with no expectations other than the
ones you set for yourself, it can be tricky to make decisions and be clear
about your expectations.</div>
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If you want to go from being in front of the camera to being
behind it (and in front of it still!) you need to be a <b><i>good communicator.</i> </b>I
really do believe actors can make great creative leaders. We have skills that
are necessary for this including:</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Listening</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Ability
to think on feet</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Passion</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Team
Player</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Instinctual</div>
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As actors, we are trained to embody a character, to explore
the world of a play or screenplay and then forget all of our “homework” and
make it our own. Our instincts and ability to listen are our most important
assets. You started a project for a specific reason. You know what you want to
do and why you want to do it. Trust this need to create and let it springboard
you into making it happen. </div>
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Last week I started reaching out to collaborators to join my
team for my feature “Gold Star.” It’s been strange to interview people and find
out if they’d be a good fit for my production. I know it’s important for me to
keep reminding myself to use my instincts and not rush to any decisions. I’ve
always been a people pleaser, but I have to make the right decisions for my
film. My goal is to have a core team in place by Thanksgiving and to start planning
for pre-production. I’m excited by the people I’ve met with so far and have a
great feeling about the team I’ll be able to get together.</div>
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Stay tuned over the coming weeks as people come on board!</div>
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What projects did you start on your own? What skills do you
think are important in being a leader on either a creative project or in
general?</div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-73988030618345898672012-10-16T10:53:00.004-07:002012-10-16T10:57:15.831-07:00Blush of Fire<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday, my sister let me borrow an amazing graphic memoir
to read by Alison Bechdel called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fun-Home-Tragicomic-Alison-Bechdel/dp/0618871713">“Fun Home.” </a>She recommended it because Bechdel
is not only a brilliant writer, but an “archivist of her life,” having kept a
diary since the age of 10. Growing up, I wrote in diaries on and off. I haven’t
been completely active and aware of my past in a constant reflexivity, but I am
a believer in the power of memoir and the “self” as art, whatever that means.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bechdel’s writing is powerful, touching and unflinchingly
honest. She often draws herself naked, engaged in sexual activities, even
revealing the most painful hidden family secrets to reflect upon her own
journey. “Fun House” is a memoir about family and how family shapes someone.
It’s nature versus nurture at its finest. In her memoir, Bechdel describes her
childhood home as an artist colony, each family member engaging in their art in
an OCD obsessive fashion, and completely separate, using their creative
impulses to cope and survive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m not sure <b><i><u>how an artist is born.</u></i></b> Is it nature or is it
nurture? I do think someone needs a creative brain, but without some sort of
spark to ignite it, making art is impossible. It’s like having a baby. Without
sperm, an egg can’t become a baby, just that without inspiration (good or bad
in genesis) one can not create.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As Joyce says, <b><i>“I am tomorrow, or some future
day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some
previous day.” </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The past few years I’ve been extremely frustrated in
auditioning for roles that I didn’t think were interesting or fulfilling. I’ve
always had the drive to create something, but I could never follow through and
finish anything. There was no spark yet. My favorite artists have been people
who have unflinchingly pulled from their own lives to change an audience –
Spalding Gray being one of my absolute favorite performers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last year when my father had a stroke, I spent his entire
time in the ICU and at rehab writing his story and my story, the story of the
father that I know and that I don’t know, a man whose life was ending when mine
started, a man who told the same stories over and over to such an extent that I
now believe those are the only things that happened to him. My father’s
struggle changed me as a person and artist. I now have a vision to share.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few years ago after seeing “Doubt” on Broadway, I noticed
John Patrick Shanley’s email address was listed in the program. In a, why the
hell not moment of inspiration, I sent him an email about how his play inspired
me and made me think. I was going through a particularly rough time at NYU and
faced with taking a semester off to recover from a crippling eating disorder. I
lost my passion for art, acting and most things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Mr. Shanley
generously responded:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Dear Victoria,<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Take as your guides natural things. Cultivate a relationship
with the sun, the stars, the wind, the earth. In one African tribe Carl Jung
visited, every morning each member of the tribe spit into his hands, rubbed
them together, and held them palmwards towards the dawn. When Jung asked a fellow
why, he said he didn't know. They'd always done it. The reason was lost. If you
need affirmation and steadiness from life, then look to certainties for
certainty. What is certain? That you were born. That you will die. That the sun
is life, the wind is life, that breaking is a relationship between your inner
and outer world. Enjoy the momentariness of all things and strive towards the
realization of visions, yours and others. Your letter touched me. You have the
blush of fire in your heart. Be well. Figure out how to enjoy whatever is
happening.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My Very Best, <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>John Patrick Shanley"</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, what is certain is that I was born and that I will die.
I am looking to these certainties in my past and my future, knowing that everything
is cyclical and letting art come from it. I feel like I’m finally letting that
blush of fire within my heart come to life. I am growing and sharing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What artistic spark or blush of fire within impelled you to
create? Who inspires you?</b></span></div>
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Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-75600116143026775352012-10-10T08:20:00.000-07:002012-10-10T08:20:06.490-07:00Who You Know<br />
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<b><i>It’s all about who you know.</i></b> </div>
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I’m sure in whatever industry you work in, you’ve heard that phrase more times than you’d like. I know
when I first started out in acting I thought to myself so many times, “Well, if
Steven Spielberg was my dad, I’d be in movies right now.” Well, maybe that’s
true, but I also think I completely misunderstood what that phrase truly meant (and had a bad attitude).
Rather than seeing it as limiting, as if there was some kind of club I didn’t
belong in, I’ve learned to redefine this formerly toxic phrase as something
positive and useful to myself. Rather than feeling pushed to the side and not
sharing any blood relations with super important people, I've learned it really
means look to your peers as your team.</div>
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What I mean by this is, if you have a project you want to
start up, find a group of people that share your goals and values. Rather than
seeking out people that are not in your immediate circle of peers, friends and
co-workers, begging people to read a script, etc., look to people you have worked with in the past to collaborate. </div>
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It’s important to keep in touch with people, but this
doesn’t only mean you should tell them what you’re doing. Stay interested and ask
people what they've been up to. Be genuinely interested. No artist should or can be selfish. Get inspiration from your friends. Maybe you can even help and get involved? I’ve found that
so many opportunities have come about through interest in others' work, not only by walking into an audition room and nailing it.</div>
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<b><i>Also, meet new people and make your immediate circle bigger!</i></b></div>
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There are so many ways to meet new peers of filmmakers,
actors and other creative people to collaborate. Yes, I did go to NYU for
acting, but so many people I’ve been working with since have been peers I met
at other events.</div>
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Here’s a list of some things you can do to broaden your
network and meet great people:</div>
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<b><i>Go on Twitter.</i></b> Yes, I know, it seems annoying, but you’d be
surprised at how you can really find a community of people on there with common
interests. On Monday, I attended an <a href="http://nyactorstweetup.com/">Actors Tweetup </a>and met
actors, directors, composers and writers. I’ve never felt like I’ve been good
at schmoozing, but this event was effortlessly fun because everyone was there
for a reason. They wanted to meet people. Find meet-ups like this in your city
for filmmakers and writers. Take risks and go up to people. Shake hands and
kiss babies and such.</div>
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<b><i>BLOG! </i></b>Yes, I’m still building this blog up, but I think
blogging not only means writing your own, but reading other blogs as well. A
few blogs I’d recommend and really enjoy reading are Sonora Chase’s blog on
“<a href="http://www.sonorachase.com/blog/">Actor’s Self-Producing.</a>” <st1:state w:st="on">Sonora</st1:state> does
it all and is an inspiration to actors looking to write their own work. I’ve
found lots of great advice and have started a back and forth discussion with
her on getting a team together to film a project. </div>
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Another blog with more a technical bend is <a href="http://nofilmschool.com/">No Film School</a> . This blog technical, but with a collaborative, do it yourself, community attitude. As soon
as you sign up for the blog you get a 100 page extremely informative DSLR
filmmaking guide emailed to you. Even if you only want to be an actor and not a
filmmaker, I think educating yourself on the ins and outs of the technological
aspects to filmmaking is important. The more you know, right? </div>
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Another thing I would recommend is going to fundraisers,
shows and even taking additional classes. I met lots of hilarious friends at
UCB, and have networked a lot at film fundraising events in bars as well. When
you get a Facebook invite from a friend, don’t ignore it, go. </div>
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Also, Kickstarter, IndieGoGo and Vimeo are great places to
meet filmmakers on the “internetz.” If you love film as much as I do, sometimes
it can be fun (and great research) to explore these websites and see what kind
of work is out there. And if you like a project, donate even a little bit of
$$$! Sometimes the incentives on films can be really interesting and beneficial
things like being on set for a day, attending a screening/premiere and even
just further fundraising events to meet with the cast and crew. This could be a
really great way to meet people that are doing work you enjoy.</div>
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Vimeo is the filmmaker’s YouTube and the quality of many of
the shorts up there is high. Post your reel or any other film you have and then
watch and comment. It really becomes a community, and there are also many
instructional videos on camera and equipment tests that you can check out
before making big, expensive purchases for a shoot.</div>
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Any other tips on meeting people to collaborate? Great groups or events in NYC? Stories to share? Comment! </div>
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And make sure to subscribe to my blogs straight to your email on the right! I'll send you a funny thank-you video in return for being so awesome! :)</div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-24878049702638705002012-10-02T08:16:00.003-07:002012-10-04T10:29:40.691-07:00Juggling Career Swords<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So today I have to run 10 miles, work my day job, try to
stay updated on all things social media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, etc.),
get this blog out, eat at some point, work on my film and maybe see a friend or
two. Sometimes I feel like living in the city and pursuing a career in the
entertainment industry is like juggling 10 swords lit on fire. If you blink for
a second, one will stab you in the face and disfigure you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have always been a planner. Despite having a Kindle,
iPhone, DVR, and a little thing called the internet, I still like to write
things down. I have an old school “planner”—yes, remember those? A few years
ago I used to map out every hour of my day. Now I have general things written
down that I know I want to accomplish. A little less OCD.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve never been one for procrastination, if I know I have to
do something, I do it, but first I clean my apartment, eat a snack and take a
nap. Just kidding. I don’t procrastinate much. Why wait to do something? I’d
say my weakness is not letting myself get overwhelmed and letting myself
actually be a human being. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All work and no play makes <st1:place w:st="on">Victoria</st1:place> a dull girl????</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: purple;">I’ve learned to prioritize. What do I need to do
today, right this minute? But also, I think what’s most important is staying healthy and
motivated. If you work too hard and have no fun, what’s the point? You need
some type of a</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="color: magenta;">balance.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I took this past week to think of some tips to stay healthy,
happy and motivated while working on a passion project or just pursuing a
career in what seems like an impossible field, the entertainment industry:</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Be
Kind to Yourself </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- If you can’t
finish something when you wanted to get it done by, don’t freak out. You are
human.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2) Take Breaks</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- Sometimes I get
caught up in my hamster wheel sized NYC apartment, but go outside and get some
sunshine. It’s probably what your brain needs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3) Reach Out to Friends</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- If I’m having a
tough day motivation wise or otherwise, I plan something either fun or
productive to do. If there’s a movie I’ve been dying to see, I make definitive
plans to see it with buddies. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4) Reward Yourself</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- So I know it’s
not extremely healthy in any sense to reward yourself with food, but sometimes
I just want a big ‘ole slice of pizza. But rewards can come in other ways,
watch a few episodes of a TV show, plan a fun trip</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5) Step Back From the Computer</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-- My brain gets
fried all the time. I can’t sleep. No, not from caffeine, from being glued to
my precious little glowing screen. Back off and see the world! You’ll get more
ideas that way!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How do you stay organized when it seems like you have a
billion things to do? What are some strategies you use to stay focused and
motivated? What are you juggling? Comments below!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't forget to subscribe and you'll get a funny video emailed to you from yours truly!</span></div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-8741849402798233182012-09-24T15:36:00.002-07:002012-09-25T08:52:38.878-07:00The Road to Creation Begins with Why<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I recently decided to jump in head first and create a film of my own...</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't want to send it out to production companies so they can be like, "Well, this star will give us this kind of a box office draw." Nope, not me. Not this one. I wrote it to be in it!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After finishing my screenplay, Gold Star, it was like I forgot why I started writing it. I was so excited with being done with this first crucial step in creating that I wanted to just rush into it and have someone make it. I've decided I'm going to do it myself--well, with an awesome collaborative team attached, of course. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The most important question you can remind yourself when your goals seem insurmountable or when you get frustrated with the process of creating is - </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u><span style="color: magenta;">WHY</span></u><span style="color: purple;"> </span></i></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">did I begin this project?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>What was my intent from the outset?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why did I start writing this? Why did I want to produce this? Direct this? If you lose your why, your project will have no meaning or importance to you, and then it won't be important or meaningful to anyone else.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwVuMyGhKpS6DFASZjB21IY-S93ggY53SbkkgSmtWqSXSjOPlN1EkH1AA2ib1zvoBDVvzT1DLvKoABFLJfxdbZLJ6kjlp0elrQyoGe8U6S0wwi_PEdGppV2piZSV9T-zWsoYVeWrrK54/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwVuMyGhKpS6DFASZjB21IY-S93ggY53SbkkgSmtWqSXSjOPlN1EkH1AA2ib1zvoBDVvzT1DLvKoABFLJfxdbZLJ6kjlp0elrQyoGe8U6S0wwi_PEdGppV2piZSV9T-zWsoYVeWrrK54/s400/053.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two weeks ago after deciding yes, I want to do this the way I want, I set out to location scout for my film in my own town. First weekend in October, I'll be back home doing promotional photos for the film at some of these locations. I'm so excited to bring my film beyond the page and share it with everyone. I know why I want to, now I have to figure out how. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To the left is a picture that I took of my sister during a beautiful sunset at one of the locations I want to shoot. Gold Star is about the past colliding with the present. It's about home and family. It's about what we thought we knew and how we cope with knowing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay tuned...</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>To all my creative friends, what projects are you working on? What are your reasons for doing them? Comments welcome!</i></b></span></div>
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Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-50817391228101916642012-09-19T21:41:00.004-07:002012-09-19T21:43:07.996-07:00<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was little, I thought I was hot shit. No joke. I'd walk around with my <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle </span>fanny pack and be all like, "Yeah, that's right. I can wear this and a flower hat and I'm still perfect." Then, I got older and self conscious. Somewhere along the line I got so afraid or weird that I wouldn't even call to order a pizza. Feeling like a big loser, I knew that I'd have to do something to get myself out of my shell, so acting seemed like the thing to freak me out just enough to achieve said result. Well, almost 10 years after that shift and a degree in acting from Tisch, I'd say it worked. I'm not the most outgoing person ever, but I also don't let introversion cripple me from making connections and doing things I need to do.</span><div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>This brings me to my broader point.</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past few months when developing my film and taking my career into my own hands I realized that you can never achieve anything from just sitting in your room writing, or walking into an audition room and nailing an audition. Just because you are great doesn't mean you will make it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b><i>There is so much more work than just doing a good job.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to go to events, meet people, shake hands, network, read blogs, tweet. It's all about community. I think I've finally found a little niche that I love and feel at home in. <span style="color: red;"><b>The independent film world is exciting to me.</b></span> I've been meeting filmmakers passionate about storytelling, interested in collaborating with actors and other creative people. I've been trying to create my own work and share it with others, not rewrite and revise and make it perfect because I'm afraid to get it out there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in closing,<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: purple;">find your community and go out there.</span></span> I may not be wearing my Ninja Turtle fanny pack, but I'm starting to walk around with that same confidence. Rock on.</span></div>
Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-10965798160824400282012-09-11T12:20:00.001-07:002012-09-11T12:22:57.621-07:00Reflecting on 9/11I was 14 years old when the Towers hit on September 11, 2001. I was a shy high school student who thought everything in my life would work out perfectly. Now, I'm a New Yorker. As annoyed as I get with the noise, smells and crowded streets, I wouldn't trade this city for anything in the world. I came here in 2004 just there years after the towers fell. I remember walking past the World Trade Center site and watching construction workers deep in that hole in the ground surrounded by rubble. I get chills when I think, "What if I was jogging on the West Side Drive when the Towers fell? What if I was a student at NYU when that happened?" Every time I think of that day, I feel like a 13 year old again, confused, but also proud to be from this country, and better yet, in the best city in the world.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IeLUkT7FlvA?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-57539111513345251642012-09-04T13:34:00.001-07:002012-09-04T13:34:54.750-07:00NYC Marathon Training!My feet hurt so badly that I have to massage them with a tennis ball to ease the pain. Clocking near 40 miles a week, I'm pushing my body to the limits to do the best I can on the November 4th NYC Marathon. Watch my vlog below to find out a little bit more on why I'm doing it, my motivation and if I will do another!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CasT4GGA1U0?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3591412263172496526.post-49369207259197813402012-08-30T08:02:00.001-07:002012-08-30T08:02:12.685-07:00Papa Negri and MeSo here's the deal. Right now I'm sitting in front of the TV next to my father watching some crappy Jean Claude Van Damm movie. I don't know if that's how you spell his name. I'm not Googling it. JCVD - that'll work. Anyway, for most of the month of June and today so far I sit with my dad and help take care of him. As you know, he can't move much, not even enough to answer the phone or change the channel on the TV.<br />
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All this being said, the past year has made me feel like mentally like a middle aged person. I've had intense, emotional conversations with people double my age as we both relate to caring for a deteriorating parent. People my age sometimes get uncomfortable and unsure of how to react when I say that the hospital was trying to force my mom to put my dad in a home.<br />
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I hate when people say that life is unfair. I would use that phrase in this circumstance flippantly, without really thinking about what I was saying because of what my entire family is having to go through, and pecifically for my father's situation. He made sure to exercise every day up until his stroke at 87 years old last September. It's not that life is unfair, it's just that things happen. Sometimes those things that happen suck hugely, but it's not a matter of fair or unfair. I try not to think about things to deeply with my dad because when I do, I get really upset.<br />
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Literally as I'm writing this my dad motioned for water. I'm not allowed to give him any because he could choke or it could go straight into his lungs. I found a root beer lollipop. That should help out. He loves root beer.<br />
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Sometimes I feel like there's a huge weight on my shoulders to take pressure off my family (especially my superhero like mom), help out and just to make my dad happy, to give him motivation to keep fighting and to be happy. It's not pressure from outside people, but pressure from me. Sometimes I feel trapped by the whole situation and I've felt that way my whole life. I see many friends I know living in other countries or spend semesters abroad and really see the world, but I've never felt like I <i>could</i> do that. I always felt almost handcuffed to my family, like if I leave, it could be the last time I see my father. Even when he was healthy, I thought I would regret leaving because I'd have missed out on so many memories with him.<br />
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It's a strange feeling to pretty much know with almost 100 percent certainty that your father will be gone when you're 40 years old. In many ways, I'm living life full out now. I'm doing everything I want as if I have the same debilitating problems he does, afraid I could lose anything and everything at any moment. I'm afraid when I lose him, that's what it'll feel like. I'm a handicapped 90 year old trapped in a 25 year old body. All the physical mechanics of me work, but I've been through a lot at a young age.Victoria Negrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02898252477993868788noreply@blogger.com2