Films, Photos & Social Media

I was just interviewed by a young Cal Poly SLO journalism student on all things social media. Upon reflection, I have to admit I found this experience inspiring on a few levels.

The questions that made up the interview were well thought out and plentiful. The eager-to-learn interviewer was quick to amend follow-up questions as they came up. It was obvious the leadership at Cal Poly has not only recognized the potent relevance of social media, but are also educating their future journalists of its value. All of this I find positive, both as an alumnus of Cal Poly and as an active social media professional.

Something else struck me, though much less relevant. Sidney Pollack once said in his film, “Sketches of Frank Gehry,” that he felt for some time like he was pretending to be a director. The catalyst of the conversation had Pollack asking Gehry when he started to feel comfortable as a practicing architect. Pollack’s thoughtful metaphor to his experience as a young filmmaker is one I’ve always found inspiring and endearing.

I have been fortunate to be the recipient of multiple awards this last year as a filmmaker and social media marketer, but it was sitting in this very simple interview today I felt, in a sense, that I wasn’t “pretending” anymore. I’d entrenched myself within the worlds of content creation and social media to the extent that it’d been sometime since I’d taken inventory of how far I, and the technology, have come the last five years.

I love social media because it is dynamic. As a filmmaker, I dream of a time my commercials, videos and films can hold the same interactive qualities social media possess. I also feel fortunate to be a part of a generation when technology and creativity are colliding in such a dramatic fashion.

Watching my students complete their high school careers and preparing for my own cross-country move has I suppose, added to my heightened sense of nostalgia.

Regardless, I think the world is in a good place. Technology has put those with intelligence, creativity, and confidence in a position of power like never before. I’m inspired by my relatively small position in this digital marketing paradigm shift and hope I may be able to inspire those looking to join the movement.

Till later… Cheers, all.