briefly noted

Change is NOW

The last few days have been a whilrwind. Have you ever have been forced to make a choice that will drastically change your life? On Thursday of last week I was shocked by the words one never wants to hear - “we have to eliminate your position.”

PR is an industry dependent on marketing budgets and, as you all know, companies are pulling back. By circumstance, my accounts were the least predictable for ongoing work and as a manager there wasn’t another account to go to. Remarkably, I was offered an opportunity with another department the following day. So, I gathered my unsettled self and interviewed with a little bit of doubt. Not in myself, but with the idea of staying at the same company I’ve been with nearly six years only to do something different, but ultimately the same.

Anyone who reads this tumblelog knows that my true professional interest is in filmmaking yet over the past few years I’ve been holding tightly onto my security blanket. After receiving a call on Friday afternoon I soon found myself with a choice. I could take the job that came along with the obvious perks - great colleagues, security, money, a subway pass and a gym membership. Or, I could forgo it all and take a few months to gain experience in an industry I’ve been fascinated with for as long as I can remember.

Now, I’m not naive. I know it’s going to be one of the most difficult undertakings to breakthrough into the entertainment industry during “one of the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression.” But, I can’t help but recognize the opportunity here. I’m smart, business savvy, creative and most importantly determined. I will find something - even if I have to humble myself and start at the very bottom of the totem pole. I’m tenacious and very persistent.

Last October Malcolm Gladwell wrote a story in The New Yorker on late bloomers. I’m in my twenties and far from a “late bloomer,” but I bring it up because it emphasizes that it’s never too late to pursue your dream. In the article, Gladwell profiles a lawyer who took time off to pursue his passion for writing. He persevered for years and years taking nearly 30 trips to Haiti to produce his masterpiece. Now, in his mid-forties published author Ben Fountain has broken through. I love stories like this and these are just the type of stories I’m going to share with the world on screen.

I suppose you can tell by now what path I’m taking. You may be thinking I am absolutely insane, but I’ve got to tell you I’ve never felt so optimistic, unsettled (in a good way) and bright-eyed about the future. Everything right now feels very destined. Ultimately, it will be up to me to see it through, but I’m ready for the challenge. The last time I was so bold I moved across the country to New York and only good things came from that decision. It’s time for another bold move.

I would love to assist a documentary filmmaker, but my past journalism and project management experience also lend well to a producer’s assistant job, so if you have any leads or suggestions of people I should connect with please email me at brieflynoted@gmail.com. I’m also looking for freelance writing and PR jobs to hold me over, so please let me know if you hear of anything!