This week happens to be the 3 month anniversary of this website. (The 15th to be exact)  While The Athletic Nerd is still in it’s infancy, I thought I’d talk a little bit about what’s in store for 2010.  It’s been an incredibly fun journey so far sharing my thoughts on movies, television and technology but I’ve got bigger and nerdier plans for the future.

The Athletic Nerd Brand

A while back I wrote a 2 part post called Self Branding.   The branding continues with the new logo I’m unveiling here today.  I think it’s important for a site to establish it’s identity from the beginning so you’ll be seeing those blue and red letters around the site more and more.  It’s a fairly simple logo but it will certainly evolve along with the blog.  (Actually, I guarantee it.  I love revisions and redesigns.) 

If there is anything I’ve learned about blogging during these last few months, it’s the importance of setting yourself apart from similar blogs.  I’ll be dedicating a lot of time and research to continue refining the type of content I create and the audience I want to reach.

In terms of overall design, I think the site has finally found a good look and I’ll be sticking with it until a completely customized site can be designed. For now I want to focus on content and gaining more readers.

Film, TV and Technology from a personal and professional perspective.

This is the style I strive to achieve in my writing.  You’ll never see a post that just regurgitates the news of the day.  Instead, you’ll get a personal look into how the subject inspires creativity.  Over the past 3 months, I’ve introduced a variety of different features that strenghten that idea.

Rainy Sundays – Probably the most popular feature on the site right now.  Once a week, I dig into the past and pull out a movie you could easily watch on those lazy days when you just want to sit back and enjoy a classic.   Throughout 2010, I’m planning to keep adding films to the Rainy Sunday list regularily with a couple added twists here and there.  Click here for more…

What!? – Surprising news. Trailer debuts.  Shocking announcements.  It’s the closest thing you’ll find to a news article on this site but it’s reserved only for those special moments I just have to write about.  Click here for more…

Really!? – A look at the little details about the industry that annoy.  The beauty of the subjects on this site is they can both excite and frustrate.  Films can flop.  Equipment breaks.  Hear about my personal encounters here.  Click here for more…

10 Flicks – A relatively new feature that’s still evolving.  At first, I wanted to have a countdown feature on this site.  As time went on, I decided to take a different approach.  So they are no longer countdowns and instead, will be carefully selected picks that fit the hot topic of the day.  Click here for more…

Spotlight - Many blogs have reviews of popular sites, movies, blogs and technology but many do not detail how it affects their lives professionally and creatively.  Why not give a personal account in addition to the normal review structure.  Here is where I’ll be sharing what inspires me in my career.  Click here for more…

iPhone FX – This is a rare feature that won’t show up often but it’s a fun side project of mine.  Currently, I do not own a video camera and I have a deep obsession with motion graphics.  When I got my iPhone, I saw an opportunity to add some effects to the videos I take.  Once in a while when I have some time to mess around, I’ll be posting some shots with some added style and effects.  Click here for more…

All of these features will remain and a few more will be added in the coming months.  (I’m actually pretty excited about the newest features.)

17 West Productions Returns

First and foremost, I’m a professional editor at a major sports network in Canada.  Beyond that, I also co-own a production company with my business partner Eric Gamache.  Since The Athletic Nerd launched, there hasn’t been much to report in terms of new projects but that will be changing in a matter of weeks.

I’ll be directing a new short film beginning in January and I’ll be updating daily on the production.  Every aspect of the film will be detailed with behind the scenes videos and stills. 

In addition to that, we have 2 more productions ready to get underway.  One is currently casting and I’m preparing to write the other in January.  Expect regular updates on those projects as well.

You’ll also be seeing better integration with 17west.ca.  The site will be getting a series of updates once these productions begin and I’ll be using The Athletic Nerd as a compliment to the stories on that site.  Head over to 17W for the news and check out this site for rest!

A Screenwriter At Work

A few weeks ago, I started posting more and more about screenwriting.  I don’t claim to be an expert but I will be posting personal accounts while I’m grinding out the pages.  It’s my number 1 passion on this planet.  I love screenwriting.

The Expansion Team

In 2010, you can expect to see contributions from other bloggers and people in the industry.  I’ll be adding posts from a variety of working professionals as well as dedicated fans of film.  Both sides of the industry in one place.

The Goal

Obviously, the goal is to gain a steady stream of traffic to the site.  The Athletic Nerd is still young but there is a lot of content here already.  2010 will be about generating more and better content for the readers I have and the readers I have yet to encounter. 

This site has given me an excuse to write everyday.  I may not have time to work on my latest script or a new revision but there is always twenty minutes here and there to write about what I love and why I love it.  All the best in 2010.  Visit often.  Tell your friends.

2009 was a groundbreaking year for 17 West Productions.

We finished two short films, launched three websites and planted a few seeds for a pretty amazing 2010. Over at 17west.ca, I’ve posted the top 5 stories of 2009 as well as a look ahead at our upcoming slate of productions. That’s the official company perspective. I’d also like to offer my personal opinions on the last year.

2009 was both productive and frustrating for me. Productive because of the movies we finished and the sites we launched but frustrating because of the length of time it took to accomplish these goals.

I’m a workaholic at heart. Everything about my career and my company inspires me to be creative. Editing sports and producing movies is as good as it gets as far as I’m concerned. I just wish I had more time to do both. Balancing what essentially amounts to two separate careers leaves little room for extra projects.  Directing and handling the post-production process for Playing Through nearly wore me out.  (Let alone teaching myself web design.)

It hard to organize a team of people who all have different schedules around my limited number of days off.  It meant a lot of long days and a massive commitment on my part.  I was also lucky to work with people who were just as dedicated and that in itself is inspiring to me. It’s one of the many reasons why Playing Through was my favorite part of 2009…

Playing Through

John Steptoe and Michael Clarke

This film was easily our most ambitious yet. We shot it in June 2008 at Clear Springs Golf Course just outside of North Bay, Ontario. With an amazing cast and crew in place it was easily one of the coolest weeks of my life. (Even though it was extremely hot and we spent twelve hours a day in the sun. Actually, I was a fan of that too.)

Click to read Making A Golfing Movie. My blog detailing the entire production.

I’m extremely proud of Playing Through. I learned an enormous amount about running a production. Most of that comes from my business partner Eric who handled most of the business side of things because I was clueless. What I’ll take away from the experience is how much work I’m willing to put in to make a movie I’m happy to show off. That dedication will easily spill over into 2010 where I’m planning my second short film, The Climb.
 

Web Design

If you asked me two years ago, if I would be able to teach myself photoshop, web design and create 3 websites I would have told you that I wouldn’t quit until I accomplished those goals. That doesn’t mean I thought I would actually pull it off but I wasn’t going to quit until I figured it out.

17west.ca
jaymckinnon.com 
ericgamache.com

These three sites are the result of well over a year’s worth of research and development. Yet even now, I still consider myself a beginner with a lot to learn and nothing but commitment to get better. I really love the fact that I now have enough knowledge to completely redesign the sites whenever I want. I’m not sure if I will in the near future but I love design, I love marketing and I love Photoshop so who knows.  Web design has given me another creative outlet which has become my second favorite past time outside of writing.

Next year, my plan is to learn a lot more about WordPress and improve the look of this blog. (A plan I’ve already begun.)

Writing

I’ve been writing screenplays since highschool.  Yet I’ve never experienced a year quite like 2009.  I pretty much stopped calling myself a writer.  I thought about it all the time but I could never seem to find the time to sit down and do what I love the most about this industry.

That changed a few weeks ago when I finished Eric’s website. I keep a running list of projects and tasks I have to finish. For the last 2 years it’s been insurmountable. Every time I finished something, another 3 would pop up. I suppose it was my fault that writing wasn’t high on that list. However, after finishing ericgamache.com, my list was blank for the first time in years. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.  I was literally staring at a blank Microsoft Word document wondering what’s next.

So I started a new list. At the top? Finally finishing the feature script I’ve been working on for the last 3 years. Many who know me well, know this particular story is extremely personal and important to me as a writer and yes, I’m calling myself a writer again.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve felt rejuvenated as a screenwriter. A part of me was afraid I would never get it back. I’m happy when I’m writing and it’s the biggest lesson I learned this year. Make time to write.

Bring on 2010

I now consider 2009 a building year.  I spent a lot of time creating a space on the web for our films and even more time on Playing Through.  Essentially, 2009 was about finishing projects and catching up.  It was about tying up loose ends and completing plans I’ve had for years.

Now that 2010 is almost here, it’s time to shift my focus to new projects.

Writing is back in a big way and I’ve already got a list of stories I can’t wait to write.  Among those projects are 3 feature scripts I couldn’t be more excited to work on.  I’ve got several shorts that are going to be extremely challenging to pull off as well.  What’s important to me now is finally feeling like a writer again.  I’m back to rushing home after work to finish a scene.  Actually, thanks to my new phone, I don’t even have to wait that long anymore.  I love this stuff! 

Beyond that, I now have The Athletic Nerd which keeps me writing daily.  I’m finally able to say that I write every day no matter what and I’m planning on taking this site to a whole new level next year.  There are a ton of new features planned and even some guest bloggers on standby as I continue to expand this brand.  (Is it weird that I’m calling it a brand?  It’s a nerdy thing to state but I’m comfortable with it.  Read my blog about Self Branding to find out even more about what a geek I am.)

A big feature coming to this blog is updates from my next directorial effort.  Beginning in January, I’ll be updating constantly with details on pre-production and more.  The script for The Climb has always been one of my favorites.  We’ve been thinking about filming this movie for years and I can’t wait until the Spring.  We already have a talented cast in place and rehearsals are set to begin early next year.

From a directing stand point, the movie is infinitely more complex than Playing Through.  I’m going to be using a completely different visual style that will also create a fun and unique editing challenge once shooting is complete.

Just writing about all these projects has my heart racing and I haven’t even mentioned 17 West’s other projects yet.  Between Strings and a few others we are developping, 2010 has all the makings of an amazing year.

Bring it on.

Back in Toronto and back to work.

There is one undeniable feeling I’ve had since the screening last week…

I can’t wait to make another movie!

For the next 2 months, 17 West isn’t going to be all that busy.

Our follow up projects are all planned for 2010 so I’ve got some free time on my hands.

I plan to use that time well.

I think my first order of business is to write a sequel to a horror short I wrote last year. It was a pretty disturbing story and I’m pretty pumped about the possibilities it has. Not only that, I’ll be using new software for the first time. For nearly a decade, I’ve been a loyal user of Final Draft.  Later this week, I’ll write up a really nerdy post and explain why I’m making the switch.  I’m beyond excited about it!

In the mean time, hockey season starts this week so work is going to be killer!

Bring it on.

Well the screening is over now and I was very happy with the film’s reception.

Honestly, I wish I could just get over being afraid of screenings. Going into it I was pretty terrified.

• Will the movie play well?
• What if there are technical glitches?
• Will the audio sound good?
• What if people don’t get it?

These questions must go through any filmmakers mind before a screening.

Perhaps, I just over think everything.

However, I am extremely proud of the movie and I’m happy to report that the answer to all of those questions is YES.

People really seemed to like the humor in the story. I think there was definitely a few golfers in the theater as all of the golf jokes got laughs. At the same time, people were very quiet and seemed to really relate to the story during the more emotional scenes…

Unless I read the audience wrong.

Regardless, they laughed when we thought they would and nobody booed when it was over.

I’ll be spending the next day or two relaxing at home with my family but when I get back, expect more details including video!

Even though my heart was racing throughout the entire show, I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again.

PS: In case you were wondering, I did in fact post this from my new phone. No big deal…

Tomorrow is the big day… I have to admit, I’m fairly nervous about the screening.

I don’t know what it is but public screenings scare the hell out of me.

I think a part of it has to do with the fact that I have yet to see the film in theaters. There’s always a sense of terror when you start considering random glitches that may occur. While I’m sure everything will be fine from a technical stand point, I am curious to see how the audience will react to the film.

Regardless, there is no escape and the screening is fast approaching. I think I may actually be a little excited too…