Just because there is a plethora of information available online, it doesn't make it good!

I've found most of my information on good ol' books!

It's amazing to me how many people overlook the gold that can be found at your local bookstore.

I've learned everything from cinematography, to writing, to editing, web design, financing, inspiration and all sorts of very useful stuff just by hanging out at the barnes and noble. (clean restrooms help too ;)

Go to your bookstore and ask for the film section, you won't regret it!

Back in the day, I use to subscribe to the idea that I "needed" an expensive camera case.
It's a great idea, however I didn't want to spend more than $200 on a "case".
Besides my cheap-ness, I was also scared that my camera could be stolen.
When a thief sees an expensive camera case, the obvious deduction is that there must be an expensive camera inside.
I just cannot afford to let my Panasonic HVX-200 be stolen!
It is what puts food on my family's table, and the occasional beer in my belly.
That being said, when I bought my HVX, I decided to make a case with the following:

• Traveling case (I got mine at wal-mart for $10)
• Foam (I got it from a delivery package)
• Soft/thick cloth (also from wal-mart)

The cool thing is that it doesn't look like you're carrying anything important and it doesn't look bad either.
I can go freelancing, still look professional AND nobody will want to steal a regular-looking bag.

Note: I put one foam on the bottom, and two foams on the sides.

Headphones are a hassle when they tangle, that's why I keep mine tied with velcro.
However, now I keep them in this handy-dandy "Altoids Smalls"

You can find these powerful mints at any major retailer and at 99¢, it doesn't get any better!

So you want to make a movie?
You have it in your head, but you think that writing the script is too damn difficult?
Well, it ain't easy, but if it were, EVERYONE would be doing it!

The quick trick I use to write a screenplay is Outlining:

• Write an outline (just make a simple list of the scenes in your movie, similar to the "selection scene" menu on a DVD)
• Use index cards if necessary
• It'll probably be one or two pages long

Some writers hate outlining, but I love it...
Think of it as a "map" for your script.

Here's something I learned from Eli Roth (whom he learned from David Lynch):
"Keep your eye on the donut, not the hole"
 Here's the direct quote:

"David told me that my job as director was to tune out all the behind the scenes drama and make sure that I'm getting the footage I need to make the scene work."

To me, the most important element is the story. The whole team's mission is the story; to get it right. The rest is bullshit.

Also on a similar note, too many people (especially beginner's) are so wrapped up in the technical aspects (digital or film, 16:9 or 4:3, red one or panasonic, bogen or velbon...) of filmmaking that they forget the important part: the story.

I'm not saying that the technical stuff is not important, it is, but let's look at it from a different perspective:

In books you don't really care if Stephen King used a word processor or a typewriter, or if The Beatles used pro tools or an analog recording system... All I care about is the music and the story in the book. I care about the donut, not the hole. 

hmmm donuts...

I use dropbox.com to store my script online and here's why it's a good idea:

• Files are stored on your computer AND online in your dropbox folder
• This enables you to work from several computers (I work on my desktop and laptop); and the file updates on all your computers with the dropbox software.
• It's free and free is good!

There are also several alternatives like google docs or Adobe Story (currently in beta), both very good as well.
Happy writing!

Photo: My son absorbed by the exhibit.

The real trick to writing is not how well you write, but what you write about.

Just like anything else, the more passion and fire a work of art has, the more powerful it is.

If you feel, you have what it takes to write, but don't really know what to write about. Then disconnect your computer, and get out there and have an adventure OR find someone that has had an adventure. Even if you don't end up writing that person's particular experience, it will burn a fire in your heart and inspire you to write something powerful.

Today, I went to the Witte museum in San Antonio; to my surprise there was an incredible exhibit called: Stories of hunger and resilience.

Each picture had headphones on the bottom with each persons story about hunger, home, love and about life. Each was different; some were scary, some were sad, some had happy endings, but they were all beautiful and very inspiring.

My point is: inspiration is everywhere, sometimes we just got to stop and listen to the world.