Q1. Tell us about a side project that has meant a lot to you. 

While in quarantine, I have been trying to complete a side project that I began 9 years ago back in 2011. It's a photo book of my street photography -- the personal work I used to make before I began directing and shooting commercially. It's a project I've chipped away at very slowly, and like a true artist, I will love the work for a moment, and then immediately hate it the next. This year marks the last time I am starting this side project anew. However it comes together this year is exactly the way it’s meant to be. 

Q2. Why is it important to have ownership of, and to pursue your own ideas?

For me this reason is simple. If you aren't pursuing your own ideas, while you may be self-employed and operate under the guise of an independent schedule, you are still only working for other people. At the end of the day, you are really just making content to sell things. I know I didn't get into filmmaking saying, "One day, I wanna sell things." (I doubt anyone has!) I got into filmmaking because I had a passion for storytelling and bringing scenes to life. I love every nook and cranny of the process, I am legitimately excited by production and love getting my hands on every step of post. All of this passion and drive can get so murky when the majority of your days are devoted to simply making a check. Personal meaningful work is really what anchors the artist. 

Q3. What would you say to individuals trying and struggling to move their own side projects forward? 

Start by sharing your ideas with close friends, mentor figures and/or trusted colleagues in your industry. I have found that sharing ideas with friends can make taking action far less daunting. Mostly because I've legitimized my idea by sharing it...it's no longer just a concept lingering in my brain, it's been given a life by letting someone else acknowledge it. Start simply by talking and affirming your ideas. Action follows quite naturally when you do so.

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