Currently on location in Savannah, GA for my next episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
One of the highlights of this trip is that I’ve been able to attend some screenings at the Savannah Film Festival.

Much like other festivals I’ve attended I’m always excited to be surrounded with other “like” minds and creative types over the course of a few days. That anticipation of seeing a film with the possibility of  being hollywoods newest indie darling or a dud, the engaging conversations held at the local coffee shop afterward where cinephiles and viewers alike can debate & discuss their personal reviews,  the ability to network,  make new friends,  or just be a part of something “cool”.

One thing that struck me this week is something the actor, Liam Neeson mentioned. Being one of the invited Honorees, they showed a pre-taped interview before one of the films where he talked about the craft of acting, etc. One of his comments which I will paraphrase was; “when someone asks me why I’m an actor, I tell them because I have to. Because it’s who I am and what I love to do, in return I ask them why they want to be an actor, writer, or director and if you aren’t willing to say because if I don’t I will curl up and die, then you aren’t willing at all”.

Powerful message, but so true. We “creatives” are a rare breed. We chose that difficult task of sharing the most intimate with others…..ourselves.

Obviously we have a passion for what we do, but are you willing to have that same philosophy Liam mentioned, that if we aren’t being 100% true to our calling, that if we can’t do what we love to the fullest of our potential otherwise we will curl up and die???

Instead I ask you my fellow artist and myself included….to continue to LIVE, to dream big, to never lose sight of why we chose to do what we do. So writers, WRITE. Actors, ACT. Filmmakers, CREATE.

The choice is ours……