The more you focus confidently onward, upward and forward, the more life can and will back you up in ways that transcend the imagination of even the most prolific creator! by Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann
TO PRODUCE OR NOT TO PRODUCE? Places. Quiet on the set… Action! …And a well-rehearsed story begins to unfold with full cast and crew. This story has indeed been in process for far longer than many can ever imagine because long before casting, acquiring funding or even writing the script, there were simple impressions, vignettes and ideas that first began to dance in the heart and mind of an individual who would later dare to take the next steps in bringing a story to life. As a singer-songwriter and recording-performing artist, I have witnessed this process time and time again,
and, in every instance, I find myself awed by the magical progression of seeing a rough concept/idea that existed solely in my head evolve into a fully realized piece of music. Because I invest SO much emotion and focus into crafting a song, I typically choose to create music that feels good to me— songs that I will enjoy replaying or performing many times over the years. But there are times that certain song ideas show up that are a snapshot of a contrasting moment in time that also seem to ask to be expressed in some way, shape or form. However, just like a filmmaker, even though a story may be fully formed in the mind of its creator and can easily come pouring out, it is still up to the individual to decide whether or not to “break ground” or, once the process begins, whether or not to continue to invest further time and resources to bring it to full fruition.
For many artists, any vivid story with lots of compelling detail is very much worth exploring, and, in truth, there are people who occupy every conceivable emotional space and place who can benefit in some way from every type of story or song. BUT, when it comes to YOUR movie, YOUR next song —a.k.a., YOUR next creation of life experience—perhaps it could be cool to be more mindful of what YOU set into motion? “To produce or not to produce?” is always up to YOU.
WHEN YOUR STORY RUNS AMOK On the other hand, what do you do when a story you’d rather not produce has started moving forward seemingly without your permission—as if the musicians you hired, or the actors, camera operators, set designers, and production team never heard the words, “Stop!” or “Cut!” and have gone deeper into the 13