I’ve Hardly Proven Myself: Or Why Haven’t I?

“I’ve Hardly Proven Myself: or Why Haven’t I?”

And it’s all in who you know. And I don’t want to be a negative Neanderthal. I wish to inspire. I wish to dream. I wish, I wish, on this night, upon the star, so very tight, so very far …

And after the wishing, it’s still all about who you know. So to what is “all” referring, exactly; and who are the “who” I should be meeting? Take the meeting, make the call, jot down the number, go for a risk, reach out and inspire someone. Nope, nothing’s happened yet.

And I don’t want to crush with negativity. Wish, inspire, dream. Success is there, because we’ve seen it. We’ve experienced it. My children; God love them, because I do. They are a success, mine, and they have the capability to be their own little successes.

And do I need to be loved? Nah. I am loved, and I know I am, and I ams what I ams, and that’s all can’t stands.

And I’m not a madman, either. No, sir. Not at all, dear. I’m just doing my weekly night write. Midnighting writing. Moonlighting striving. A late reference word with “ing” followed by the work word of “ing.” At least, that’s where I am right now. Fitting it in the tight night schedule.

And my proofreaders (friends and family) have not read this. Possibly our web designer has; but it’s gotten by the ones that would have stopped me. I don’t like to put myself out there, and I don’t like to talk about not putting myself out there. But I’ve had an imploding epiphany which is basically a relapse that spews hope. The bad news: hope can only carry one, me, so far when it’s in the middle of the night and my wife and kids are sleeping.

And I’m in my boxers. (Too much information.)

And we live in Michigan to boot. No complaints there. Because I don’t have any.

And possibly, Michigan’s the new movie house. A good seventeen years ago, I planned on bringing Hollywood here. I wasn’t going to wait, but surprise them – those Hollywood tycoons. Entice them to bring the cameras. Well, they’ve done it without my calling card. I never sent the memo. But no complaints, just feeling intimidation. Who am I now? Who have I been … waiting for?

And yes, this, here, is my memo! My “Jerry Maguire” career-ending memo. The Fed Ex copy man tells Jerry (Oscar nominated Tom Cruise performance), “That’s how you become great, man. Hang your balls out there.” I’m not wanting to be great, but would like to have a reason to write the memo in the first place. Unlike the has-it-all Jerry Maguire agent, I have no one to get angry with me for saying what should be said. I won’t be fired (I don’t think). The movies I want to make can be made, but for whom? Me? I’d much rather entertain, teach, surprise. I don’t need the success, but I’d like to be writing for an audience. (A sincere thanks to my fans here. It’s nice to spread … whatever it is I’m spreading.)

And “Dan Jones’ Career is Over” was my first movie. The ironic title, the gimmick, the idea, the budget, the finished film, the local premiere, the rejection, but the success. I really don’t have anything else to say about that first film. I just felt like bringing up the title, as opposed to selling the movie idea (or the movie on DVD – not presently available).

And this article is already over. But I’d like to keep you smiling, guessing, and believing in the wild souls out there, howling at the moon and yelling for a bite at the creative world.

And I may be waiting to make the bigger and better movies, and I may have written the book that stands above the rest, and I may sometimes feel there’s no getting there or no end to the search (not with my schedule and distance from New York and Los Angeles); but YOU can make it happen. Opportunities come and go, but you can still get the job done. To start off. To begin. To begin training. Whatever the endeavor.

And so I’ll say, according to my bias opinion, that I’ve proven myself, here, in the reviews, at www.michiganmovietalent.com. Twenty articles*. Twenty weeks. And that’s just the beginning.

And now I’d like for my “fans” to reach out, everywhere, every way possible, and find a connection. A real connection with someone who can help further a career. Be it in your own line of work or in mine (the filmmaker/author); find a connection to further a career, a dream.

And if you have nothing to offer yourself, or are content, pass a connection along. Hell, pass one on to me. Give them my email, a printed article, a copy of my work (if you have one). Hint to someone you know who could help, even in the smallest way. And, no, I’m not being shy on this one. Give the reference, and I will do the rest. I’ll set the meetings, sell myself. Just for you, I’ll be sharp, experienced, knowledgeable, open-minded, ready, and prove how I can cut costs with quality results.

And I’ll make the studios and audiences happy and change the world through cinema while changing the cinematic world. And it will be thanks to you.
Or dismiss this article and pretend it was written by a computer hacker. I’ll still love ya.

8-12-10 12:30 a.m.

Dan Jones