So here I am. And here's student films. I've put a couple pieces up over the past month. And they look to all be failures in entertaining the viewers of this site. My portfolio here has grown to 14 and will soon be shrinking over time after I don't renew them for another year. I mean, my last film Steve/Off looks to be a real stinker with no reviews whatsoever. Even the trailer as well as "Eight O'Clock" didn't fair so well.

I guess this site has gotten pretty good. More people, better films, and a better sense of community. I just want to say, it was never about the films for me. It was about the experiences. Never the ending product, but the process it took. The excitement and hardship you endure with your fellow peers while making a piece of art. I've gone through my fair share of stresses while making films, as I'm sure many of us have.

5 years ago I put a video camera in my hand. First VHS and an analog editor. Then I went to a mini-DV camera with an iMac, then was lucky enough to get my hands on an XL-1 and a G4. And I've changed into someone, into something more then I ever could have imagined. And I thank the freedom and enjoyment that the hobby of filmmaking has given me through the tough times of being a teenager. Now, at 17, finishing up high school and ready to take anything. I find myself unconstrained and wholer as a human being. I've grown and learned. And through the last few years this amazing change has happened. One thing has been consistent. Love and Inspiration. And I'll tell you right now. When you've got those. You're unstoppable.

So you may be asking yourself why does it mention Montel in the subject area. Well...

2 weeks ago I received a phone call from the Montel William's show. They said they were doing an upcoming show about young people making a difference. They saw my website and thought I'd be great for the show. Next thing I know, I'm flown to New York and shaking hands with Montel himself. I just flew back last night. To the same damn place, with the same damn things and the same damn people. But the thing I've realized is that it's not about those things, those places or those people. It's about what I bring to them. What I mean to them and what I can do for them that really keeps me going. I never asked to be the person I am, but I sure am learning to understand why.

The episode I'm on will appear within the next weeks and I'll be sure to update my website with the dates when I find out. Thanks for your time and wish you all the best of luck in filmmaking and life.

the best stories and ideas come from the outside and their experiences

www.jps-productions.com

...want a cookie?

That's good to hear, JP. Best of luck in the future.

_________________________
http://www.jswfilms.com/

I've seen your movies, and in most of them, gradually areas get better, some stay the same but you're learning and we're all learning and that's the important thing. Keep makin' movies buddy.

1clue3

"so do you...

...want a cookie?"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

No, he wants people to watch the show and visit his website.

saying that, i've been to the site and will watch the show.

J.P. Youre on your way. I've also gone through depressing moments and stress. Specially when I get rejections from films festivals. But it only makes you stronger and when your work does get accepted to festivals it feels even better. I saw your work showcased at MOCA in L.A. It was nice to see people sit in front of the screen to appreciate your work. I remember this one girl say, "wow this is beautiful". I wish I were you at that moment. Do it for those who love art and for those moments worth remembering.

Moses Venegas

I've seen all the films you've submitted here.
And I must say I like most of them. Sure, I like one more than the other, but that's inevitable. The fact you'll be featured on a show says enough about your qualities.

I hope you'll find a way to renew your submissions or host them elsewhere for people to see.

I'll hope to review some more films soon.
When do they need to be renewed?

"Any mystery devised by mortal minds can be solved therewith." -- Sherlock Holmes