“Can’t Hold Us”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNSgSzhBfM&feature=youtu.be

Speechless. Epic. That was the sickest music video done by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis for sure. They pulled together a boss team for this one. I was hoping the duo would use their fame/success from “Thrift Shop” to do real sh*t and they did. Definitely hope they use it to keep making real music.

The craziest part for me was when I saw THE HEIST flag being posted up and the real meaning dawned on me (well, a theory at least). I was thinking “how is Macklemore so driven to keep going, doing real stuff and not selling out?” It’s called “The Heist” because they’re making so much on their own, they’re basically “stealing” from the big labels. All money is theirs and millions of people are hearing their message. Beautiful. It ties in with their “Jimmy Iovine” lyrics: “They ain’t givin’ it, I’m takin it”. Woah.

Major chills when Mack set down the flagpole and rode away in the wagon silently. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

I usually never stay up this late…what’s wrong with me?

Anyways, just thought I’d write in this since it’s been so long. I’ve gone through several changes these past few months…a lot. Let’s just say I made 1 big decision that changed it all…however it didn’t really change the most deep parts of me.

I’m starting to think there’s a part of me that I can really hold close, without thinking I need to be like certain other people so much who hold it close. That’s who I am all along, and as for the people I met before discovering this awesome aspect of me, I’m definitely always down to chill with them. If they’re down to keep in touch with me too, that is…

Well, it’s late, but I want to get this out before I go to bed. I realized what I want in life doesn’t have to do so much with filmmaking, but just being able to express my true opinions on things. FIlmmaking is just the best medium for me to express that, because of its emotional power. It has the ability to have a great effect on people, ultimately altering the way they think. But whether it’s hip-hop, writing in this blog, or making a video, it’s a great way to channel out my thoughts. To have my input on certain issues and challenge people’s beliefs/values. You see, I believe that art/writing are way too powerful tools to just be “entertaining” (a point that student filmmaker Ien Chi made). They definitely have the power to uplift people and motivate them to do great things. So that’s just what I’m going to do, in anything I make. But no matter what, my focus is in film, because I believe great things can come out of it…

Will write in this blog more often, when it’s not so late. Maybe 2-3 times a week…

“Tick Tock” by Ien Chi

Rating: 5/5

Ien Chi’s student entry “Tick Tock” into CMF is recognized by many as one of the best entered ever. Solid camerawork, music is great choice, and the timing for its single shot, actions, and music is impeccable. Acting is done fairly well too, as Chi spent several days searching for the right actors.

Because of its simple set-up with no complex props, limited use of expensive equipment(one Merlin SteadiCam), and no special computer effects, a must-see for beginning filmmakers who want to learn how a great low-budget film can be made. For everyone else, a truly inspirational piece of art.

The “Ching Chong” guy is also into action filmmaking/acting. Pretty cool huh?

Rating: 4/5

Solid sci-fi short film. Grade-A quality visual effects and sound design. Story is different from other sci-fi films, as expected from Corridor Digital. Acting and dialogue is above decent as well. If you’re into sci-fi/action, and could pass up a deep/meaningful storyline, should definitely check this one out.