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alexange92 · 8 years ago

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A little of My Story!

Here’s a little bit of the story of how I got to where I am and all the exciting things going on in my life!

I remember back when I was a fourteen-year-old homeschooler how excited I got when flipping through a popular homeschooling ministry magazine and seeing images of a Christian Film Festival put on by them. Christians can make movies too?! That concept wasn’t really something I ever thought about or considered. I had always loved movies and was fascinated by the filmmaking process. But that moment, some spark deep down inside somewhere was lit and remained hidden there.

Time passed. Some really good Christian produced films started coming out. I remember watching one with my family one night. At first, I must admit, I was skeptical because all of the “Christian” movies I’d ever seen were… well, corny and B-rated. And although this one wasn’t without it’s little Christianese quirks, the story was good and truly touched my heart, as well as strengthened my faith! I think it was then that I was truly struck by how powerful a tool film can be and it excited me! And that little spark was kindled again and began to glow brighter.

I pulled out my cheap little video camera and began making “movies” with my brother and friends. I began to understand the concepts of cutting, timing, framing, composition, and different shot angles that help tell a story, and passionately read every book I could find on the subject.

Over the years that followed, since I live in Georgia and they film literally everywhere, sometimes I would see film shoots going on- even just driving by down the street. I felt so drawn to it; it took every ounce of restrain I had not to jump out of our moving vehicle just to see what was going on and be a part of it in some way!

While I worked a little part time job in the children’s section of my town library, my brother and I began video production for people, conferences, and ministries. I loved doing media production and seeing my videos put out there for people to see and enjoy.

Then came a really long and challenging season in my life. I felt stuck. I’m sure you know the feeling! As a young woman passed the age of 20 and having gone through a failed relationship, I felt like I was just spinning my wheels. Getting nowhere and feeling purposeless. To be honest, I tolerated my job. Even though I got to work with the kids and have loads of fun, I felt like I didn’t really belong there- at least not for long. I knew it was just a temporary season in my life and that God would move me on eventually, so I began to pray for Him to lead me!

Working in the kid’s department gave me many opportunities to satisfy my artistic side. I got to really use my imagination and make some really cool projects, decorations, and art work for the different themed Summer Reading Programs. Not bragging, but I made some pretty awesome and fun stuff! The kids would come in and see my giant, green T-Rex and say “Mom, look- a dinosaur!”, or they’d delightedly see my little Olaf snowman (from Frozen) and run right over to it with smiles, which made me smile in turn. I got to talk with and get to know kids, young adults and adults, too.

Being at the library was awesome, too, because I was constantly surrounded by pure inspiration! So many books everywhere. Successful storytellers who followed their dreams and never gave up on the stories their heart needed to tell, as evidenced by the physical proof of their books on the many shelves I had to straighten. I wanted to tell stories too. I wanted to inspire others. Being surrounded by the works of people who felt the same way I did and was brave enough to take that action was more than encouraging. (Besides, I am a total book worm and can get lost for hours in a book store $$$... So being at the library all the time saved me loads of money!!)

While praying for direction during that time, I found some really great books on Graphic Design. I checked the same book out at least 5 times in a row (Lol, sorry to anyone else who was looking for it!). I couldn’t get enough of how cool graphic design was! So, I began looking at a few colleges in the area offering those classes.

I started my first class for a Graphic Design Certification in the Spring of 2015. Going to school was like a breath of fresh air for me! I did really well and my instructor (shout out to you Ms. V!) was fantastic! At the end of the semester I made top of the class and my teacher emailed me saying that if I attended school full-time, she could get me a job there in the design and media production department. I was thrilled! This was the Open Door I had been praying for!

I eventually transitioned from my library job to my new job at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Since I had to choose a major, I chose the thing that called out to me most- Television production (as they didn’t have a Film course. I liked doing Graphic Design, but didn’t feel like it was something I should major in). The school had just hired a new instructor (shout out to you Mr. Jenkins!) who got the program on its feet! I learned a lot there and met a bunch of great people. I got to work on my fellow student’s, Carol, documentary talk show, interviewing several beautiful Atlanta dance community dancers, and actress Trina Parks, who was a pure delight! I got to tour Channel 2 in Atlanta with my class and meet the morning news anchors and the fantastic people behind the scenes. In the summer of 2016 I had the opportunity to work on the late Tommy Ford’s documentary, Through My Lens, and met some wonderful people through that as well. I also got to compete in SkillsUSA for video production with my classmate, Love McNill, and win first in the State of Georgia, and third in the Country!

It was a fun, busy, challenging time to say the least! But something in my spirit was telling me that it was almost time for me to move on again. And although I was learning a lot about television production, I felt like I was lacking in what I truly wanted to focus on and I began to really suspect that my degree from that school might not get me where I needed to go.

Then God opened a new door for me. I learned of another school (a little farther away) with a very reputable film program, and spoke to the adviser (shout out to you Mrs. Ann!!!) there. For some reason, I just felt really positive about this school. The program seemed more focused on what I wanted to learn- real Filmmaking! I mentioned to her that I would totally come to this school if I could, but if I left my current school, since I was a student worker, I would lose my job. Then she did the most incredible, life changing thing anyone has ever done for me. She said, “Oh, we need a work-study. The job is yours!” I was flabbergasted! No interview, no resume or references required.

Fast forward half a year later and here I am! A proud student and employee of Southern Crescent Technical College, as well as a student currently attending the Georgia Film Academy at Pinewood Studios. I am learning so much- everything I’ve ever wanted to learn! I’ve made so many great friends who are just as enthusiastic as I am about filmmaking and learning, and every one of them teaches me something new every day. It feels so natural to be on film sets and I have never felt more at peace to be somewhere at any season in my life. And it is absolutely AMAZING to wake up every morning and think “Yay! I get to go to school today!”.

Did I ever see myself going to film school? Not in my wildest dreams! But here I am, through no act of my own, except that of taking one small prayerful step of faith at a time. I am constantly challenged and growing in many areas of my life, but especially in my faith! To see how God has brought me to where I am now and the people he has brought me in contact with, the mentors He’s put in my life… how can I doubt that He has a purpose for me in the film industry?

I also firmly believe that if He has gifted you with a talent or a desire to do something, then it’s probably meant for you to do it. Sometimes it takes Crazy Faith!

Although I may not know where the road will lead yet, I know I am going to get there as I continue walking in faith and allowing God take me to where He wants me to be. So, I am just gonna keep on going! Keep Pursuing Purpose. Keep Dreaming Big. Keep Believing. Keep Trusting. Keep Learning. Keep Listening. Keep Living for God, Serving His kingdom, and Striving for excellence in everything I set my hand to do!

FADE OUT

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