A Walk. A Camera. A Few Stolen Moments.

It was one of those days where my mind was racing—thinking about a few goals I want to accomplish in 2026, a short film I’m currently prepping, and a feature planned for later in the year. Add to that work, family, and health, and it all starts to pile up.

But when it comes to bigger projects that take time, I’m reminded how much I love the freedom of using my iPhone to create small, atmospheric narratives. One morning, walking up 8th Avenue from Penn Station to 50th Street on my way to work, I had the impulse to film it as if I were Bruce Gilden, the raw, confrontational energy of a 1970s street photographer -- combined with the kinetic, anxious momentum of the Safdie Brothers, closer in spirit to Good Time and Uncut Gems.

I used the Blackmagic Camera app, shot in Rec. 709, and cut everything in DaVinci Resolve. I also used Epidemic Sound for the music and sfx. For the first time in Resolve, I found myself several layers deep in audio mixing, which I actually enjoyed. YouTube came in handy, so many solid tutorials out there.

This short took me a few days to cut, color grade, and mix the audio. I’m always amazed at how long post-production takes.

I make these small films to stay creative, but also to remind others that it is possible to carve out time for yourself.

You can watch the short here:​ ​https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IuefcUq8YMU

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I write The Creative Frame for working filmmakers, people making things in the margins, between the job, family obligations, and the exhaustion.

I share one story from my own filmmaking life, not because I have it figured out, but because I'm in it with you.

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