success and an after-party

They showed our film, "New Noise", at the Collective along with some other films. It was a wonderful night. Our film was the first one shown after the intermission. Our actors came to watch, and they really enjoyed it. A lot of laughs from the crowd. I invited my brother's friends to come watch it too. They're really supportive of me, and I was kind of embarrassed when they started cheering when my film started. Haha. That's okay, though.

Before the screening started, P. (the guy that barged into our bedroom when we were editing) gave a little announcement. He wanted all the filmmakers to come and get name tags. I thought that was weird, since they didn't do that for the filmmakers in the last Collective film festival. So, L. and I got name tags. He then announced to everyone that he wanted all the filmmakers to stand up and be recognized after all the films are shown. Totally weird!!! They never did that. It was such a nice surprise. After the screening, we all stood up and were applauded.

S. was there, the guy who thought me how to use the clapper (or slate) board. I'll just call him Slate. Outside the theatre, I was saying goodbye to all my brother's friends and the actors and their friends who came. They were congratulating us, which was really cool. Afterwards, Scarf came up to L. and I and started talking to us about our film and saying good job. It was so nice of him to do that, even though I still think that the film wasn't well-lit, but what are you going to do when you have no budget at all? Slate was a couple feet behind Scarf and he looked like he wanted to join in our conversation. We made eye contact, and I smiled at him. He finally joined us and told us that he liked our film. Woo-hoo! Another guy from the Collective, B., came up to me and said that the film really inspired him to go out there and just make a film instead of waiting around until his junior year. I was glad.

Scarf asked us if we were doing anything tonight. We said no, and he said that everyone was going to go party at B.'s house--he lives in the neighborhood that's right by campus. That's right: L. and I went to a party.

It was really, really fun actually. Most of the people that are in the Collective were there. It was a bit awkward for me because I'm really quiet and shy. There was beer and Smirnoff ice, and B. was really nice, offering drinks and all. I said no thanks, I don't drink. Moral integrity, people! Another guy, L., set up this video game. It's like Dance Dance Revolution, except you play a guitar. It was so much fun!!! I played like three songs. The girls kicked ass!!! There were 5 girls, including L. and me. V.--this girl who is kind of annoying, L.--who is really nice and knows a lot about film, and some other girl whose name I didn't catch.

When I first played, I did "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand. Everyone would watch while someone did their song. I was so nervous because Slate was sitting three feet away from me, watching me. AAAHHH!!! But I totally concentrated on the song and did really well. They were all impressed. Haha. B. ordered pizza for everyone. Scarf went and bought beer and soda.

There was this one weird thing that happened. I was sitting on the couch alone watching L. do a song. To my right is the entry to their kitchen. You can see the sink and the countertop and all. I saw someone in there, and I turned to look, naturally. Slate was in there, and he was changing his shirt. He took off his button down and was changing into a t-shirt. I don't think he saw me looking at him. I mean, I only looked for a second or two, I mean, who couldn't look? So that was weird and awkward to say the least. He could have done it in their bathroom or in one of the bedrooms, but why did he have to do that there? Haha...Guys are so weird.

We stayed till two in the morning. Unbelievable. My first college "party". It was small and intimate, which was pretty nice. They're really funny and good people to hang out with, and I'm really glad I met them. I need friends. Not because of my career path, but it's healthy to make new relationships with people instead of wallowing in Prufrockness. Good times.

Scarf left before we did. He shook my hand and said goodbye. It was nice, and it kind of made me sad since he's leaving this year. I feel like he's my mentor in a way.