Yesterday, my producer and I went to Washington D.C to lobby for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal. I will admit, that is not at all why we went. We went to interview the lobbyist and get their opinions on DADT, ask why they were lobbying and get some personal stories about their struggle under DADT. I got personal stories alright, stories that made me for once put down my camera and fight in the traditional way.
There we were in our jeans and t-shirts, sitting across from aids and advisors to Senator Gillibrand and Schumer of NY. What an experience! So amazing to sit across from those people and let our voices be heard. To know that they're going to their bosses and telling them that we support their vote. NY Senators are not like Mccain, they're smart and good. They all plan to fight for repeal and for the equality of homosexual soldiers.
I also met discharged soldiers and learned that not only is the story I'm telling accurate, but that it is soo much worse! These people have lived through nightmares, that we as Americans have ignored. I say no more! Standing there listening to stories of abuse, of rape, of mental and physical hurt, I was so ashamed of our government and citizens for treating other people like that, just because their gay.
After hearing those stories we had to lobby. Had to sit across from the politicians and tell them that we hold them responsible. That they must fight for the rights of the people in this country, no matter their sex, religion or gender. So, that's what we did. I also got a rush from it. From knowing that this bill is going to pass and I'm going to tell my grandchildren that I lobbied for change and got it. What are you going to tell your grandchildren that you did for equality?
It's been a pretty productive week in terms of pre-production. First of all, I finally have a version of the script that I love. Second, the producer (Flor) and I finally had a meeting and came up with The Plan. Third, the web will be mine or...DADT's....
The script:
This is probably the 3rd version of the script I've had so far. And my 8th draft. How did I spend my summer vacation? Working on my script, obviously. It's been, ok, but never quite where I needed it. It never exactly did what I wanted it to. I repeatedly came up short of my mission as the filmmaker. Then finally, this week after my meeting with Flor, I went home and rewrote the script. Now, I love it. It's not perfect, but luckily I have the next few months of feedback and workshops with my classmates and professor. By the time I set on set this script will be the closest to perfect a film can get.
The Plan:
Not going to share it in detail, but basically it's a plan of action. The steps we're going to take and the aims we hope to achieve. Not hope. The aims we will achieve. It's pretty well thought out and smart strategy. DADT will be made and it'll be made the way I want.
Domination of the Web:
Well more like web marketing plan. Starting with a website made completely and entirely by me. From scratch. I'm really proud of it. It's not finished, but I'm excited to see what comes of it.
Film Advice of the week:
Watch Cool Hand Luke starring Paul Newman.
Why? Paul Newman.
What else? Paul Newman shirtless for 50% of the film.
And? One of the best performances in Paul Newman's impressive resume.
Check it Out:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061512/