I can’t say I’m really comfortable creating and sharing a journal with the world.
First of all it’s simply not something I usually do. Second, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would be interested in reading the musings of someone older than dirt. Oh well, here goes.
Preparing for this little adventure has really taken me on a journey down memory lane. You know back to the old production days (before I became a teacher) where 40 hour weekends were a fact of life, caffeine was your best friend, and you could sleep standing up on breaks and between bites. Trying to plan for a week away from home without knowing what is expected or your shooting schedule is a bit disconcerting. I mean after all should I take the “Film Phoenix” baseball cap or the one that says “Rocket Rentals.” Then, there is the ongoing debate of whether to wear shorts or cargo pants, carry a butt pack or backpack, and heaven forbid don’t forget the “Amazing Leatherman.” Bottom line, back in the day I knew what to pack because it all depended on me and I knew exactly what my job was going to be.
Of course there’s also that thing about who am I going to work with? What is their skill level? Will I be able to pass muster again at the professional level? Through it all I am reminded of some of the things I have taught and learned from my students. Our philosophy comes in three parts. 1) Nobody really cares about what you did yesterday. 2) You are only as good as what you do for me today. 3) In order to keep working, what you do tomorrow has to be better than what you did today.
That’s the really tough part of this business. You are always on display and your work is always how you are judged, and there is truly no second chance or room for a mental or emotional let down. Bottom line....it’s all in the attitude, and no matter how good you think you are, there is always something to learn, and always something that can be improved. The resulting mantra that my students adopted goes like this:
Excellence is NOT an option....It’s a way of life.
Enough is enough. I’d better get back to re-packing. I’m already taking more than I’ve ever taken anywhere for anything lasting only a week. (That includes the STN convention and competitions.)
See you later,
Dave Cornelius
STN Executive Board
Apple Certified Trainer
Arcadia High School
Phoenix, AZ