Tag: Filmmaking

Sustainable Vs. Non-Sustainable Ambitions

Universal Appeal

Grand Providentia United

When it comes to the pursuit of our personal goals, dreams and aspirations, I believe that each one of us must determine, realistically, how much energy we’re willing to expend moving in a particular direction. Once we’ve decided that a certain direction has become non-sustainable in terms of energy expended vs. energy returned, and when it appears that the only realistic action to take is to move in a new direction, I think the obvious solution is to adjust the trajectory of our intentions. Over the past twelve months, since my graduation from SCAD, I’ve been investing the bulk of my creative energy courting NBCUniversal with straightforward intentions of either finding equitable employment within their worldwide entertainment empire or, more preferably, entering into an agreement to collaborate with them on the production of the Grand Providentia Projections. In the face of my best efforts, all communications between us have moved in a single direction – out of me and toward them. To be fair, the Universal Orlando Resort has sent me a number of rejection emails in response to job applications, but they were all anonymous – no reply – form letters, affording me no personal communicative agency. Having spent a lifetime in the visual arts, I’ve grown accustomed to waiting for responses to applications and inquiries often without even knowing if my messages were delivered to the intended recipients. I’ve applied to art competitions, collegiate programs of study, calls for public art proposals, and creative employment opportunities; I’ve also participated in good faith negotiations with boards of directors, government art commissioners and individual art patrons. Ordinarily, and by nature, it doesn’t take very much feedback (return energy) to sustain my interest or enthusiasm in any endeavor that I’m creatively passionate about. And I can add to that with full confidence, that I’m not easily discouraged or deterred once I’ve set my sights on a desired outcome. I’d also estimate that I’ve received equal proportions of rejections vs. acceptances over the years. What, precisely then, elevates this highly ambitious goal of mine above the level of all the previous opportunities that I’ve applied to? And why do I feel the need to ask for, and indeed insist upon, acknowledgement from the enormous creative entity that I’ve been attempting to win over? If you’re willing to read on, I’m willing to answer these questions and a few others as introduction to the project pitch that follows this post.

There are a number of reasons why this situation is unique when compared to all the previous situations I listed above. Currently, I am on the cusp of a major transitional breakthrough in my artistic career, and the breakthrough is manifesting by way of intentional design. For as far back as I can remember, well before entering kindergarten, I recall having a burning desire to imagine and create worlds as yet unseen; as yet unimagined. Although I’ve allowed the circumstances and situations of daily life to distract me on many occasions over the course of this lifetime, I’ve consistently returned to the path of meaningful creativity, seeking the fulfillment of higher purpose and the rewards of personal growth. The qualifying difference between the Grand Providentia Projections and every other creative aspiration that I’ve applied my intentions toward, arises from the awareness of a continuous pathway of conceptual evolution which traces all the way back to the earliest artistic yearnings of my childhood. As a child, I was as naive as any other child, but I can attest without doubt that my mind was prematurely occupied with matters of injustice, inequity and the willful destruction of lifeforms, human and otherwise. I set realistically unattainable standards for myself and others, but I can honestly say that I usually set them with good intentions. Some say the road to hell is paved by good intentions, but I’ve always dismissed their arbitrary counsel as an obvious ploy to discourage well-meaning people from aspiring to do good things. The Grand Providentia Initiative is rooted in a philosophy that encourages humanity to collectively ‘do good things’ for the planet and the people. Unified by the desire to secure a prosperous future for all life on Earth and propelled by the zeitgeist of our shared indomitable spirit, we humans will rise above the chaos and divisiveness of fear-based collective consciousness. The ideal time to initiate this humanitarian project is now.

One fine day, my ego and I went our separate ways. We decided we could only ever agree to disagree, so after years of a love hate relationship, my ego screamed and wailed its final disapproval of the way I was living, and I exiled the abhorrent creature from my presence indefinitely. That was the moment my life was transformed from a predominantly self-centered existence, full of angst and uncertainty, to one of self-confidence and genuine concern for the welfare of others. Many of you may be wondering how I manage to set goals, nurture aspirations, or follow dreams without egotistical assistance. Some of you might even be overwhelmed by angst and uncertainty at the mere suggestion of banishing the ego. In my personal experience, ego was the enemy within, always stomping out the fires of creative passion and distracting me from even the most reasonable hopes and dreams well before I could sow the seeds. As soon as I shut down all communications with ego, positive intentions, dreams and aspirations took the lead role, and ever since that moment, I’ve been dreaming inclusively. I want us all to live in peace and prosperity, but being a realist, I understand that not all people are seeking peace and prosperity, for the ones who are, I propose that we unite under the all-inclusive collective aura of positive consciousness.

Anyone who knows me, knows that the actions I take, including the writing of posts on this blog, are usually decisively taken with specific intentions in mind. I wrote this post to request a courtesy call (or email) from NBCUniversal. I’m not asking for definitive answers or an open avenue of bi-directional correspondence, just acknowledgement of intentions and an estimate of the potential for creative opportunities with Universal. I’ve chosen to wait patiently for this long and I’m sure that I can hold on a little longer, especially if I have some positive feedback to keep me afloat, but I will need to move forward soon because for me there is no turning back. The way I figure it, I have another two to three decades of meaningful creativity to get busy with, and long-term stasis or unconscious backsliding are not viable options. It’s time for me to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Best of all things, material and imagined,

Scott Joseph Moore

scottmoore6210@gmail.com

Artist at Work

Just Add Resources!

Grand Providentia United

Investment Fuels the Fires of Invention

Historically, artistic endeavor has been commissioned and supported by those who have access to the necessary resources to transform subjective ideas into objective realities. Having owned and operated two commercial art businesses over the course of 11 years and having funded both businesses primarily through income generated by the art projects I was able to secure and produce, I’ve certainly learned to appreciate the value of capital investment. During those years, I regularly found myself funding the most recent projects with the balance payments from the projects most recently completed. This way of conducting business requires constant hustle and affords very limited time for enjoyment of the process. As an artist who truly appreciates the learning curve that leads to the mastery of materials and processes, I can say without hesitation that I prefer to work with ample and appropriate resources on hand.

“It takes money to make money!”, they say, and I would definitely agree with them, but I’d also add that it takes a number of other equally important resources to grow a profitable business. In my experience, the most valuable resource of all, is the human one. A creative team might have all the time and money it needs to produce a successful outcome, but if the members of that team lack the skillsets, talents and initiative needed, the project could quickly fall to pieces… and there’s certainly no profit in that.

Attitude is everything in all areas of human endeavor. When it comes to creative industries, having the right teammates can transmute the outcome of a concept or project from average to extraordinary in a heartbeat. To see Moore process photos and descriptions, just click over to the portfolio page on this site – https://grandprovidentiaunited.blog/art-gallery/
Through the process of conceptualizing and producing the thesis film “Third Eye from the Sun” and writing a thesis paper to support the film, I learned the importance of maintaining the personal initiative to see a project through to its fruition against all odds. The challenges were many, but the will to succeed overcame all obstacles. Here’s a link to “Third Eye from the Sun” – https://vimeo.com/1097614638/d48cb9a6d3?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

I’ve learned to acknowledge and embrace my personal value as a human resource as well. I’ve been practicing creativity in all the affairs of this lifetime since I was a toddler. I believe that I’ve sufficiently earned the privilege to publicly affirm the positive contributions I’ve made to the arts and culture through my continued dedication to the field. I regularly celebrate victories, both minor and magnificent, and I look to the future with high expectations of what’s to come. Past accomplishments and achievements are water under the bridge, but they are also steppingstones that have brought me to ever increasing personal fulfillment. And as for the many challenges and learning experiences I’ve weathered, they’ve only further enhanced my appreciation for a well-executed art project.

Perhaps the most important feature of the human resource is the mind. Original thoughts and ideas, inspired visions, and authentic concepts have the power to transform the mediocre into the miraculous. The perceived value of a masterfully crafted work of art is arrived at by consensus. Humankind has evolved a highly sophisticated sense of aesthetic appraisal which subsequently leads to an assigned price tag. Growing up in Hope, Rhode Island, I never thought much about getting rich or being famous, but I did dream about making powerful art; art that would inspire positive change in the world. Over the decades, that dream has transformed into a clear understanding of my higher purpose in this world, as a human being and as a creator of visual art which rises above and moves beyond the expected.

I’m sure there are those who would assume that I’ve come to some kind of high point in my artistic career; that I’ve used up my allotment of inventiveness and burned through my conceptual storehouse of fresh ideas. Well, from where I’m standing, I see only a multitude of creative peaks I’ve yet to scale, and the only reason I’d agree to look away or back down would be if I were asked to compromise my artistic integrity for a paycheck. That’s a form of regret I refuse to invite to the dinner table. Intellectually, I’m ready to raise the bar and bring ideas to life, whether I’m employed by an established organization or I’m founding another startup. I’ve always been careful to encourage the work of my unbounded imagination, and I intend to continue dreaming and realizing those dreams until I can imagine no more. It may sound strange, but in mind and spirit, I feel like I’m just starting out.

When I was a child, I regularly experienced the sensation that my hands were expanding until they broke free of the confines of my bedroom and spread outwards to the world at large. Of course, I could see that they weren’t actually expanding, I knew it was all in my head. But that “knowing” didn’t quell the feelings of awe I experienced whenever this sensation took hold on my spirit. Retrospectively, I can imagine that my hands were symbolically signaling the desire to create something out of nothing.

In the assessment of my value as a human resource, I’ve found it necessary to make an honest appraisal of my physical abilities and the health of this body that my mind and spirit inhabit. I’m pleased and grateful to report that I feel more robust and energetic now than I have since my mid-forties. When the pandemic surged into reality in 2020, I decided it was time to start taking the responsibility for my own health and welfare much more seriously. I initiated a daily routine of stretching and calisthenics followed by a brisk 3–5-mile walk. I started reading the labels of the foods I was eating, eventually cutting out high fructose, GMOs and chemical additives. I buy organic when it’s available and prefer to prepare meals fresh rather than buying processed ingredients or factory prepared frozen dinners. I haven’t resorted to vegetarianism yet, but I do try to buy ethically sourced meats and eggs, thus avoiding the factory farmed alternatives. I’ve allowed my intuition, and the signals that my body sends me, to be the guides when I’m making choices between what’s healthy and unhealthy. I’ve learned to trust in the process of authentic living, knowing that I’m the creator of my own reality.

Film Journey

Foreword to Artist Biography

Grand Providentia United

It’s Why I’m Here

Let it be known that I have completely earned my way in life and in Art. Through twists and turns, slowdowns and blockades, I have always kept my focus on the path ahead, driven by unwavering positive expectations. I am incredibly fortunate to have had parents and grandparents who instilled in me from an early age that anything is achievable if I believe in myself and pursue it with passion and persistence. Thankfully, those invaluable lessons took root in my heart, where they will remain for the long haul.

In June of this year, I graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Now, I’m determined to find and secure an exciting creative position in the film and entertainment industry with one of the leading organizations in the field. Soon, the right opportunity will present itself, and I’ll be ready to immerse myself (mind, body and spirit) into the creative process without doubt or reservation. I’m here to make art that has meaning and adds value to society. I believe it’s my higher purpose in life. All I need now is to find the right creative team to join. I’d be thrilled to work for an organization that appreciates me for the skills, talents and experience I possess. When that door of opportunity opens, I’m certain to thrive in my new creative home under the sun. In absolute confidence I can attest, I will continue to earn my way in this life, by making art that comes straight from the heart.

Patrons and Supporters

Fundraiser for “Return to Hope” #1

Grand Providentia United

An Urgent Call for Support – Post #1

I awoke this morning, with a spirit on fire. I awoke with a mindful commitment to my higher purpose. I awoke with a physical body that is well prepared for the journey that lies ahead. I awoke this morning with an all-encompassing conviction that I am following the unwavering guidance of the God of my understanding. I know this morning, that I am precisely where I’m meant to be, doing what I’m meant to be doing, and feeling how I’m meant to be feeling. I’m ALL in!

I have fully embraced the understanding that I cannot follow my higher purpose without support from other similarly spirited, and likeminded, people. So, here I am, asking for your financial support. As an aspiring independent filmmaker, I am already aware that I will need to be looking to investors and financial supporters to raise the money needed to produce each and every film project that I choose to pursue. Right now, I am fully committed, in mind, body and spirit, to producing “Return to Hope”, a film that will also launch my independent film career when I graduate in the spring of 2025. For those of you who aren’t regular readers of the “Grand Providentia United” blog site, I recently announced that I’ve set intentions to film the pilot episode of the “Grand Providentia Projection” documentary in Hope, Rhode Island, the mill town where I grew up. For those who would ask how much I’ve personally committed (financially) to this purpose, I can honestly say that I’ve invested well over $20,000-, so far. Between buying the camera equipment that I needed, trips to Hope from PA, moving to Savannah from Allentown, and making two other residential moves since arriving here, I can testify that I am fully invested in this cause.

This camera and the equipment with it, are entry level (recommended for film students). I’ll describe each piece of equipment pictured here in a future post.

This journal entry is the first of what will be an ongoing fundraising campaign. The specific and immediate need for the “Return to Hope” project is that I am hoping to raise funds to take a road trip to Hope, in late November or early December, to shoot some positive interviews with Hope residents which will be included in the film. Return to Hope must be completed by February 2nd of 2023, in order to submit my application to Savannah College of Art and Design on time. My current day-job at the warehouse (see previous post on this blogsite) is not adequate to the financial requirements of making this trip. Please read on, to see how you can help in this cause!

Classic American Dream Catcher Medallions – Personal Dream Realization Devices (numbered one through five). One of these could be yours! I will also describe in detail, the concept and meaning behind these powerful objects of art, in a post, later this week.

Here is what I’m asking of anyone who has read this far – Whatever you can afford to donate today, I would be extremely appreciative of, even five dollars would help greatly! And if you’d like, I’ll send you a personal thank you for your donation (you would simply need to give me a way to contact you). For the first five donations over $50.00, you can select one of the five unique pieces of artwork pictured above. But be sure to message me here, on Facebook, or on LinkedIn with the number of the PDRD that resonates with you. I’ll put it aside as spoken for. I painted and signed them personally over the past weekend, and I will ship them, free of charge, to any location in the continental USA. If you are located internationally, then I would need to find out the cost to get one to you. After these five are spoken for, I have only ten others that I will paint and offer up during the coming weeks. Before I can cast any new medallions (quite possibly never) I will need to remold the piece. I intend to design a newly updated medallion, specific to the Grand Providentia Projection as it has evolved up til now, during the near future of now. After all, it is always now!

Seriously and sincerely though, as I know times are financially tough for a lot of folks around the world, I would ask that those who are unable to donate at this time, please consider subscribing to this blog. I fully appreciate, and I’m ready to embrace, any support you are able to offer!

At home in Savannah, GA.

If this project, or my higher purpose, speaks to you spiritually, mindfully or physically and you’d like to support either or both financially, then the easiest way is through the Donate * Contact page on this site. You’ll be asked to open a WordPress account (free) and then you’ll be able donate through a secure payment process, and you’ll also be able to ‘Like’ the posts that you like, comment on the ones that you have something to say about and subscribe to the Grand Providentia United blogsite. If you want to donate, but not through WordPress, then you can contact me here, through FB messenger, on LinkedIn, or send an email to smartcastings@live.com and I’ll offer other options for you to consider. Thank you so much for reading this call for support! I’m grateful for the time you’ve been present here!

Patrons and Supporters

Fundraiser for “Return to Hope” #3

Grand Providentia United

Urgent Call for Support! – Post #3

For any new readers and those who are unfamiliar with the focus of my creative energies in the now, I’ll round up this particular call for financial support by making the case as to why you might consider supporting this film and the “Grand Providentia United” cause.

Over the past fifteen to twenty years, I’ve been following, and sometimes pioneering, a path that is as esoteric as it is unpopular. A path seemingly traveled by just a few diehard dreamers who believe that humanity has everything it requires right now to heal the damage that’s been done to the Earth and to secure a positive and healthy future for all of its current and future inhabitants. Fellow travelers on this path possess an optimistic outlook concerning the future of humanity, while also remaining positive about the progress we’ve made thus far. In recent months, I’ve noticed a worldwide uptick of interest in the practices of mindful living and present conscious awareness, and although the interest seems to be geared toward helping single individuals improve their lives, rather than including the collective, I am certain that this is a move in the healing direction. This trend toward mindfulness certainly encourages me to continue pursuing the work of my higher purpose, but it is by no means the compelling force which has been guiding me on this intellectual and spiritual journey for most of my earthly existence. The universal term I’ll use here to describe that ‘compelling force’ is “the God within”. The God within has taught me to offer unconditional love to others while also offering and accepting unconditional love for myself. The God within has guided me on a path of deep gratitude. While I am experiencing life’s harshest tribulations, the God within reminds me that there are others who are suffering far more than I ever will, and that by continuing on in a spirit of love and gratitude, I will indeed be lifting others out of their suffering. The God within has taught me that all positive spiritual and intellectual change starts local, within the heart and mind of one human being, and then it moves outward, through the hearts and minds of those who are attracted by the essence of that particular call to change. All of my motivations, intentions and actions are now falling into line with the work of this higher purpose – to send out a call for positive spiritual and intellectual change. The change will promote the idea that human beings have more in common with each other than they have differences. The change will demonstrate that we are all connected at the level of soul through conscious awareness, and because of that conscious connection we are capable of creating happiness and healing hearts effortlessly, if we collectively choose to do so. We human beings are always capable of being so much more than we allow ourselves to be!

This is the framework for a 13′ sculpture my friend Scott Russo (pictured) and I pieced together and installed within a 48-hour time frame for an event we organized at S.M.art Castings & Sculpture Services (2010?). We slept on the worktables the night before the event, just so we could wake up and get it finished in time for the show!
Billed as a large-scale model for a “conscious energy receiver” the piece included sound and light elements to add more impact to our presentation. But the real power contained in the artwork, was added by our combined conscious intentions to get it done on time. NOTE: For fans of metaphysical phenomena, look for orbs in both of these images. I took the photos and I had never before even heard of orbs, let alone captured them in a photograph!

The creation featured above was part of the “American Dream Catcher” initiative, during the years before that project evolved into the current “Grand Providentia Projection”. The intentional determination that both of these creative expressions should share the same philosophical ideology has given the work a life of its own. I know that I’m where I’m meant to be, doing what I’m meant to be doing. This project will evolve into something unique in the world. Something extraordinary! Something that will aid in the healing of our planet and our human family. I know that I cannot accomplish this alone, but I also know that I will rally the personal strength, the financial support and the resources, to make this worthy dream become a reality!

Please consider subscribing to this blog and making a small donation to the cause if you are able. Thank you for reading here, your presence is appreciated!