Embarking on the "Writing Baltimore" project was a remarkable journey that not only stretched my creative boundaries but also tested my resilience and adaptability. This venture was a solo endeavor, compelling me to navigate the complexities of both pre-production and post-production on my own. Such circumstances demanded a high level of decisiveness and innovation, pushing me to make challenging choices that ultimately served the project's overarching vision.
The essence of this project was to cast a spotlight on a unique class offered at the University of Baltimore, aiming to inspire prospective students to enroll. Central to my narrative was the concept of the city itself becoming an expansive classroom, beyond the conventional boundaries of education. My vision was to capture the essence of discovery and the liberating experience of learning in an unconfined space, where the city's landscape offers a backdrop of endless possibilities.
To bring this concept to life, I focused on moments that embodied a sense of freedom and tranquility found in the urban environment. This was vividly depicted through scenes where students interacted spontaneously with the city's inhabitants, such as a serendipitous encounter with a dog and its owner in a park. These moments of connection highlighted not only the joy of unexpected meetings but also the sense of community that the city fosters. Another poignant scene showcased students exploring the heights of a playground structure, symbolizing the project's theme of exploration and the exhilaration of discovering new perspectives.
To enhance the narrative's dynamism, I employed significant camera movement throughout the film. This technique was instrumental in conveying the students' journey through the city, filled with energy, excitement, and a boundless sense of adventure. Through these creative choices, "Writing Baltimore" transcended the conventional classroom experience, offering viewers a glimpse into the transformative power of learning in the vibrant heart of the city.
As a filmmaker, "The Busheler of Baltimore" was a deeply personal project for me, one that I had the privilege to guide from its inception through to the final touches of post-production. This journey involved a hands-on approach to every aspect of the filmmaking process, complemented by the invaluable assistance of a skilled Grip on the day of production.
The narrative at the heart of this project is Aaron's remarkable journey. My goal was to delve into the pivotal moments of his life—discovering his passion for sewing, the decisive moment he embraced this path, and his ambitions for the future. It was important for me to not only tell his story but to immerse the audience in his world, making them feel as though they were a part of Aaron's journey alongside him.
To achieve this immersive experience, I innovatively blended traditional b-roll footage with dynamic clips designed to place the audience directly within the unfolding narrative, offering them a firsthand experience of the moments that defined Aaron's life and career.
This creative approach resonated with audiences and critics alike, culminating in the inclusion of an earlier version of the film in the prestigious "Born in Baltimore" Film Festival 2023. This recognition was a testament to the film's impact, its ability to connect with viewers on a deeply personal level, and the universal appeal of Aaron's story.
Creative Expression Project
The front page video, the only thing that drove this project was love. After getting a new camera, I couldn't wait to try it out. It was late at night and cold. There were strong winds that shook the wind chimes in my neighbor's backyard. As I watched my fiancée sleep soundly on the couch, an idea for a thriller skit came to me. When I went outside, I saw that the wind had blown the chairs over, making the perfect creepy scene. The idea was based on someone breaking into her house while she was sleeping. After that, the story started to take shape into an exciting tale.