Top Posts of 2009

In 2009 I was busy trying to balance two very different editing jobs as I felt I was prepping for big changes in 2010.  I was becoming more stable as I let go of a lot of my former student stress and began focusing on ways to set myself apart and further prove myself at work.    

By this time I was feeling more confident and self assured.  After several years of feeling like I was behind the curve, in 2009 I felt like things were moving quickly and I was gaining a lot of ground.  My change in tone and desire to connect with film students became even more apparent and my blog evolved to reflect that.  Here are some of my most popular posts from that year.

1. I Need Your Vote for the Gizmo Tree
Originally posted April 12, 2009
With my success in the Sasktel film competition in late 2007 and early 2008, I promoted my short the Gizmo Tree in the Yobi Film contest in 2009.  In the end I didn't win, but I did manage to advance through four rounds of voting.  Things worked out the next year when I tried my luck in Yobi Film again and finished as runner up for filmmaker of the year, beating out 38 other filmmakers.

2. Cinematic Acrobatic Presents: Alex Lamburini
Originally posted October 1, 2009
As part of my shift to help promote other up and coming filmmakers, I started interviewing young filmmakers who I'd met online through contests or on YouTube.  The post I did with Alex Lamburini became so successful largely because of his own promotion, but it was also the first time that I had added another voice to my blog and I think readers enjoyed the shift.

3. Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Originally posted May 19, 2009
This post was popular because it was a simple breakdown of everything that I'd come to appreciate from my time in film school.  There was really nothing surprising about the advice, but sometimes it's just helpful to reinforce the obvious. 

4.  We Two Kings
Originally posted December 12, 2009
This was a brand new short film I created for Christmas with my friend Tyler.  The popularity for this one was pretty obvious because of the timing.   

YouTube Refreshed

With my new portfolio site still looming in the background I've been taking the opportunity to update and refresh my various sites and platforms.  I don't want everything to look exactly the same, but I certainly want them to feel stylized in a way that's cohesive and representative of my own look.

YouTube itself has recently received a subtle, but modern update and I felt the graphics I was using on my channel had been well worn.  I opted to bring the color scheme down by switching in some black and gray tones and added a dark wood grain background (which is noticeably similar to that of Editing Luke).  I then updated my profile icon with a new fandrix badge and rearranged my featured videos.  

These simple changes have made a world of difference.  My channel looks polished and a bit more modern without entirely ditching the retro video scrapbook vibe.  I think this will stick for now.  You can check out the changes yourself by visiting my channel HERE.

Inspired Singles: Just Stay Here Tonight

Issue 27: Just Stay Here Tonight by Augustana

This is one of those songs that I've loved listening to lately because it makes me think about fresh starts and old friends.  I've seen this as a challenging year with mixed pay offs, but songs like this help to put me in the right head space.  Time will continue to pass, some things will get better and some will get worse, but that's why you have people to lean on.  Just Stay Here Tonight by Augustana is the perfect blend of folksy alt-rock and is going to be on rotation for a good while.