Freddy the Filmmaker
Fredericksburg is becoming so cosmopolitan; you just never know who you’ll bump into on Caroline Street these days. The other morning I ran into Freddy Filmmaker and his cuddly canine, Oscar. I was anxious to tell him about my upcoming trip to New York and weeklong seminar in digital filmmaking. We both love fish tacos so we brunched. Very glam.
Freddy Filmmaker: Wow. The New York Film Academy, that sounds exciting.
me: Thanks. I am excited. It seemed like a good way to spend my tax return in totality and learn lots of cool movie mogul stuff, like you.
Freddy Filmmaker: I’m not exactly a mogul, dear. I have good years and bad years. I hope your expectations aren’t unrealistic.
me: Well, we will certainly learn a few basics, play with some cool equipment, and discuss scriptwriting.
Freddy Filmmaker: I think everybody has to dream and certainly start someplace. Not a bad hobby, but if you’re thinking………
me: I’m keeping my day job.
Freddy Filmmaker: Good. I wouldn’t want to worry about you. That’s not to say you cannot make a decent short for fun or artistic expression or……..
me: I just saw Paranormal Activity. That didn’t involve a lot of bells and whistles and they made 30 million. Then there’s this other guy who posted his clip on YouTube and sold it to a studio for 30 million and…
Freddy Filmmaker: You seem very hung up on $30 million. I’m worried.
me: I’m not. I am just saying you never know who could have a great idea. It could be me or you or a student filmmaker. Great ideas are born every day and fans are waiting to see them. By the way, have any great ideas on how not to get mugged?
Freddy Filmmaker: Just don’t look like a tourist.
me: But I am a tourist!
Freddy Filmmaker: Darling, New York is a state of mind.
me: That sounds like a commercial. Is it one of yours?
Freddy Filmmaker: (eye roll) Just go have a good time, O.K.? And if you learn anything cool, share it with the student filmmakers and fans. And if you have any really great, $30 million type ideas, share with me first.
me: Considering you left the $2 tip for the waitress that sound fair.
Freddy Filmmaker: Who’s your Daddy?