how do i explain it.

This year, I set out to make a short film. To say that it was hard is an understatement. I had no idea what to expect for many reasons. And even if I had an idea, I feel like there's no way to be completely ready for a venture like this if you're looking to make it high quality.

The short is called Homecoming and I know you've seen me talking about it before. If you haven't, it's a short about a young man going to visit the family of his partner who was killed in action. Still interested? Go check it out here and then come back and finish reading.

Welcome back! So, starting out, all I had was a script and a goal. I'd just moved back to Minnesota and I had no artistic contacts. I had planned as much as I could (which wasn't much considering I had no idea what I was doing) and I hit the ground running. It was an amazing experience in the fact that I was meeting an entire cast and crew for the first time and I'd never done a solo project before, but they were all gung ho about. As dedicated to the project as I was. I couldn't believe the magic we'd captured having never worked together before.

Originally the script was 12 minutes, but as you know, a movie is made 3 times. When it's written, when it's filmed, and when it's edited. Overall, it came down to a 6 minute short.

I was happy. Beyond excited. Over the moon about such an accomplishment because it meant that I could do it. Obviously with the help of others, but yeah, I was ready to do this more! And then, I started telling people about it.

Needless to say, my happiness died a little.

Originally, the script read 12 minutes long. Even when we were shooting it, it seemed to be going that way. But in editing, to make the story as strong as possible, it only ended up running for 6 minutes. That doesn't include intro and credits, but that'll add maybe 3 more minutes total. Anyway, I started allowing friends in on the unfinished product, and they seemed less that impressed with my 6 minute accomplishment.

The main response I received was, "That's it?"

That's it? THAT'S IT?!?!?!

Good grief man! It cut me deep to hear such a question. First off, it was always a short. It was never meant to be a feature. Secondly, you asking me if that's it means that the story wasn't strong enough. It didn't hit you. It didn't grab you. That hurts the worst. It's like, you're saying you didn't know what you were watching!!!! 

Ok, it may not say all those things, but who knows. I just know that I was happy, and now the nerves have come back tenfold about how people will perceive it.

I don't know how to explain it to them how it ended up at only 6 minutes, and I don't think I should because all it would be is me defending the work that I think is solid. And it my come off as either arrogant and angry or arrogant and sad. Or just sad and angry. Maybe needy. I'm rambling.

How do you explain to someone wk's not an artist about permits and location scouting and needing certain things and not having the budget and having to change your ideas on the spot because something isn't working, etc. 

I couldn't be more proud of those 6 minutes and what they represent. Those are the first  6 minutes of what I hope are a long and successful career. They are the foundation to what will be a strong house someday. 

Who knows, maybe they'll enjoy the next one more.