Christa Avampato's Blog, page 55
August 11, 2019
Joy today: Fear of writing
I’ve learned that being afraid to write something is a very healthy thing. It shows that you’re going to have to risk something to tell that story. This raises the stakes. It puts energy and excitement into the language. Feel the fear, and write anyway.
August 8, 2019
Joy today: How making a movie teaches life lessons
Yesterday I had my first meeting to be considered as a director of photography on a small film. Still many more meetings to have and it’s by no means a done deal, but just the fact that this meeting happened at all so early on in my Double or Nothing Media venture is thrilling!
In my camera class we talked about the concepts of critical focus and framing each shot with the subject of greatest significance. Parallels between filmmaking and life aren’t lost on me. I’m grateful for the reminder and encouragement as I make massive changes in my life and career right now. It takes a village to start and run a business.
August 6, 2019
Joy today: On the passing of Toni Morrison
She gave me 2 priceless lessons: we all have time to write and never give up. As a single mom with 2 kids, Morrison wrote her first novel, The Bluest Eye, in 15-minute increments each day because that’s all the free time she had. It took her 5 years to write it.
She kept writing despite her novel’s low sales. 3 years later, her next novel, Sula, was nominated for the National Book Award. Her following novels received mixed reviews, but she remained determined.
In 1987, 17 years after publishing her 1st novel, she won the Pulitzer. If you have a dream project, work on it bit by bit. Don’t let critics sap the joy you get from your work. Toni Morrison lived her life with passion and unending grace. She taught me to keep writing.
You were the GOAT, Ms. Morrison. How lucky we are to forever inhabit your multitude of worlds through your gorgeous books. Rest in Power, because that is what you gave all of us—the power of our own language, our own stories. What a life. What a gift.
August 5, 2019
Joy today: Starting film classes at Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Today I start my film classes at Manhattan Neighborhood Network and I’m so excited! Check out all of the great resources they have to help New York City filmmakers thrive. http://Https://mnn.org
August 1, 2019
Joy today: My biomimicry career goal
My goal for my Master of Science in biomimicry and starting a biomimicry-based product development studio: turn New York City into the model that shows how a city can give back to the planet more than it takes.
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July 25, 2019
Joy today: The creative projects I’ll be writing, filming, and recording this Fall
This Fall, I’ll be working on a few different creative projects that are now in pre-production:
Emerson Page
I’m going to finish my second Emerson Page novel by December 31, 2019. This sequel has taken longer than I hoped it would, but that’s mostly because I want it to be even better than the first book. I don’t know when the book will be released, but as soon as I have a date I’ll let you know!
While I work on writing the second book, I will also be recording the audiobook for book one of the series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, and launching it on Audible later this year. I’m so pleased to share that actress Alexandra Taylor will be recording the audio book. I’ll be producing, directing, and editing it. The audiobook will have cut scenes that were not included in the book, and it will have some other Easter eggs as well for listeners to hear. I’m really excited to make the beginning of Emerson’s journey accessible in this format.
Additionally, I’m going to work on filming a couple of short scenes from the book—enough to put together a short trailer for a limited run TV series or feature film.
New York City’s Secrets and Lies
I’ll be writing and filming the pilot episode of New York City’s Secrets and Lies. Originally staged as a live game show of two truths and a lie with New York City secret history, I’ve got ideas of how to take this concept to a wider audience via TV and streaming services.
#JoyProject
I’ll be filming and editing a series of short films showcasing joy. A set of talented, hilarious, and passionate people will be showing me and telling about one thing that brings them a supreme amount of joy. From ballroom dance to stage fighting to the teaching history to bullet journals, get ready to smile wider than you ever thought possible.
In Whiskey We Trust
I finally figured out the right threads to tell New York City’s whiskey story in an immersive, location-based tour. I’m working on stitching it all together now and will run a beta this Fall.
Looking forward to sharing all of the progress with you in the coming months! If you’re interested in being involved in any of these projects, please let me know.
July 24, 2019
Joy project: My Emerson Page book is becoming an audio book
[image error]Excited to share that this Fall I’ll be recording the audiobook for Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, and launching it on Audible later this year. Actress Alexandra Taylor will be narrating and I’ll be producing, directing, and editing it. The audiobook will have cut scenes that were not included in the book, and it will have some other Easter eggs as well for listeners to hear. I’m really excited to make the beginning of Emerson’s journey accessible in this format. It’s been on my list for quite a while and Alex’s interest in voicing it gave me the push I needed to make it happen. Thanks, Alex!
July 23, 2019
Joy today: Introducing my new venture, Double or Nothing Media
[image error]I’m really excited to share with you that this week I started my second full-time entrepreneurial venture—Double or Nothing Media. Hence the name, double or nothing! In short, I’m placing big bets on stories about people, places, and products that inspire us. Rolling up all of my business and creative skills sets into one business, I’m offering the following services either as a package or individually depending upon whatever my clients need or want:
product development
the storytelling and marketing of that product in many different mediums as well as the people and places it impacts
the business strategy and implementation that goes into making that product financially sustainable
Broadly defined, I think of products as anything that is the result of an action or process. That could be a tangible good like a t-shirt or bottle of shampoo, a system like the New York City water system, or a digital product like the online learning program I’m working on with Carnegie Hall.
I’ll also be working on my own products related to my biomimicry work as well as my own film, TV, web series, audio, and book projects. More on those in my next post!
For now, I’d love for you to check out Double or Nothing Media and let me know what you think! Also, if you’d like to work with me, or know someone who would, I’d love to chat. Let’s tell some stories together!
July 22, 2019
Joy today: This is my wish for all of us
My friend, Colleen, posted this and I just had to share it. These are all the things I wish for all of us.
“May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.”
~ John O’Donohue
Joy today: Taking another big career leap
The start of a new chapter today calls for a new notebook. This beautiful one from Brian Andreas fits my mood and MO perfectly. Thanks to my wonderful friend, Colleen, for sending it to me. Here we go!
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