I have to admit, I’m not proud of the fact that I have not written in some time. My focus has been somewhat shifted as of late, but Soundtrack is still at the forefront of all my efforts.

Though I am Soundtrack’s lead writer, my responsibilities also lie in music supervision, editing and more importantly, directing. I have people I consult for casting, cinematography and production, but since the vision of the show exists solely inside my head, I feel it’s my responsibility to ensure it’s translated onto the screen as fluidly as possible.

I’ve taken film courses, but I was never a film student per se. There are technical skills I never learned in an educational institution that I know I’d be lacking if I were to successfully bring Soundtrack to life. While I’m not exactly prepared to go back to college to learn these things, I’ve been taking it upon myself to acquire the skills through any means necessary. I thus spend a lot of time at Rogers TV – a lot – probably in the neighbourhood of 30-40 hours a week.

I started with the basics of camera work. Cameras aren’t overly complicated. There’s a zoom function and a focus function and everything else is just a variant of those two elements. Anyone and I mean anyone can hold a camera, focused, on a fixed object. The true skill of camera operation is making the camera an extension of your hands and eyes. I’ve constantly found my camera-work to be improving, but I found for possibly the first time last night that I had developed a groove, a fluid connection with the camera. I’m no expert, but I definitely feel that if I were to step behind a camera and begin shooting Soundtrack, an audience would have no indication that I am an amateur.

The monster I’ve been tackling lately is editing. There have been situations where I’ve heard that a good film was lost in the editing process. I don’t think I’d risk leaving that job to someone else – for the pilot at least. So I’ve taken it upon myself to be able to do that job on my own. I’ve only recently started learning the editing programs, but already I’ve edited two pieces that made it to air on First Local news on Rogers TV. It’s not an overly complicated process but it involves some finesse and an attentive ear.

I’ve spent some time expanding the unofficial soundtrack for the show. Keeping with the tradition of all Canadian artists, I’ve found some great musical acts that I know are going to contribute greatly to the show. I’ve found great tracks on all the following albums;

Final Fantasy – He Poos Clouds
Lights – The Listening
Thunderheist – Thunderheist
The Junction – Another Link in the Chain
The Danks – Are You Afraid of the Danks
Two Hours Traffic – Little Jabs
Alexisonfire – Old Crows / Young Cardinals
Arkells – Jackson Square
Handsome Furs – Face Control

I suppose the last thing I'd like to address here is that I'm moving this blog to another location. I've had a developing professional friendship with a young artist here in Barrie who's beginning a blogging network for artistic entrepreneurs in the area and I thought it would be appropriate to migrate in the interest of gaining exposure in the local arts scene. So from now on, The Soundtrack Blog can be found at Artistic-Tendency and I'll be providing you all with a link as soon as one is available.

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement and I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving weekend with your families!