I Like Working

Tomorrow, I’ll be heading to a gigantic meeting to help plan out another project 17 West is involved with. It’s a short film called Strings and it’s being produced by (Dir) Mat Cousineau and (Prod) Ian MacDonald.

I can’t wait for this meeting as we’ve been working on this project since June of last year and it’s really beginning to take shape. We had a similar meeting a few weeks ago regarding The Climb and I was extremely happy with the results. I’m a huge fan of the process and pre-production is definitely a fun time for me.

Check out Director Mat Cousineau’s blog here.

After that meeting, I’ve got 4 days off to accomplish a pretty lengthy list of tasks that I’m excited to tackle.

Yesterday, I finally locked the shooting draft of The Climb and sent it out to the cast. Now, it’s time to start the design process. Without spoiling much, one of the main characters has a pretty crazy looking tattoo and I’m super pumped (that’s my way of saying… very excited) to finally work on the look. Beyond that, I’ll be starting my unique storyboarding process.

I say unique because I can’t draw and pretty much describe the shots using complete sentences and stick figures. (Storyboard artists living in the GTA apply within.)

Writing

My main goal is to have at least one full day to write and break some new ground. I spent a lot of time over the last few weeks tweaking the script for The Climb and now that it’s locked, I’m excited to continue with other projects.

I’m hoping to put a big dent in the remaining pages of my new feature script. (Details coming soon.) I’m also considering writing another short film based on a pretty crazy concept that Eric may direct in the fall.

Web Design

Another goal I have over the next week is to finish working on a new graphic look for jaymckinnon.com. I’m happy with the overall look for now but I want to introduce an updated design that fully incorporates The Athletic Nerd. It’s not really a priority yet but I think it’s important to focus on the details while I have time to do so.

I’m also planning a series of new graphics for both 17 West and The Athletic Nerd. None of these projects are a priority but they still represent unfinished projects I’ve been working on lately.

It sounds like a lot to handle but I’m not under the gun as many of these projects are still months away from completion. It certainly helps that I have a blast working on them. I just think it’s important to stay on top of things before the deadlines get closer.

Ironically, when I was in school, I was a massive procrastinator and rarely started a project until the night before it was due. Times change.

The Goal

I have no intentions of completing everything on my list. (I haven’t even named everything I’m working on right now) My main concern is to stay ahead of the game with the films and write my brains out whenever I can find time.

And as always, I’ll be writing about all of it here. Bring it on!