Recently I have had an amazing opportunity to help produce a commercial in the town in which I reside.
I took part in a talent competition that chose six people from a pool of 250+. At first, the weekend in which the interview took place was the weekend that I was planning on heading home to see one of my best friends that I hadn’t seen in a very, very, very, long time. At first I thought to myself, what will be most beneficial to my career, my future, and myself; it was a hard decision to make to turn down a weekend of friends, family and my old life that I used to hold so dear. However, I had to make a decision. Right then and there I had to realize that an interview that could greatly impact my career was standing right in front of me, just waiting for the taking. Of course, I had to put in the work to get that interview; you know, send in a resume, and write what I was interested in, the whole works. At the end of the day, I knew in my heart that I had made the right decision.
Now as Christmas nears I will be seeing that best friend AND I can put on my resume that I was able to help produce a commercial that will air in January. This is a tough life lesson that most young adults need to take the time to learn. Choosing between a good time and a time that will get you ahead in life are usually what most humans who plan on functioning in society deal with. It’s easy to see the smaller picture in moments such as those, seeing only the fun you could have rather than all you could accomplish.
In entertainment, sacrifice is a must. Even sacrificing holidays becomes an easy feat as time goes on. The important thing to remember is that our main goal, as aspiring filmmakers, is to get ourselves to a level where we choose the work we accept and the work we wish to produce. Until that point where we have enough leeway in our lives, we must continue to strive, sacrifice, and understand what is more important in the moment. One day, we will look back and understand that all of the sacrifice, missed holidays, unpaid projects we accept, and maybe even an occasional missed vacation, will all be entirely worth it when we are on set creating a piece of art that will last far beyond our lives and legacies.
About Alexis McDonough
As an aspiring Director of Photography, Alexis McDonough is currently entering her third year of college at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts as a Production major. Born and raised in the outskirts of Miami, FL, Alexis has always shown a curiosity for telling original and untold stories. She currently resides in the city of Los Angeles, CA and in the mean time of receiving her degree, she takes pride in advancing in her cinematography and editing skills alongside developing her natural story telling abilities. Making the decision to pursue film as a lifestyle at the age of 15, Alexis has taken advantage of several outlets to advance in filmmaking. Among these are internships and job positions that allow her to creatively exude her ideas and passions. Alexis enjoys indulging in her favorite films, creative writing, and reading novels and self-developing leadership books. With a strong work ethic and passionate personality, Alexis looks forward to writing for Ms. In The Biz. She sees this opportunity as an outlet for creativity and looks forward to networking, new experiences and opportunities