Happy New Years

A year in review of Bronson Creative

When thinking of goals for 2024 my wife suggested that instead of setting goals for next year maybe I could just reflect on the things that went well in 2023. I have rarely thought about what went well at the end of the year, especially when I have high expectations for each year. 2023 started rockier than I could have ever imagined but it ended with some unexpected highs. In thinking of 2024, I wanted to reflect on 2023 and all of the good elements that it included.

Film Availability

This year I was able to get each of my films back and release them for free on YouTube. If you have yet to check them out then feel free to give them a watch below. My goal from the beginning was to make sure the films are seen and this is happening for real this time. Each film can be seen for free anywhere you can watch YouTube. I do encourage you to subscribe on YouTube as it helps me to gain traffic and eventually monetize the films and share that income with those who helped me to create the projects.

The Celluloid Collective

Over the past year my longtime collaborator and great friend, Kenneth Keeler discussed starting an analog collective of artists focusing on storytelling over technology. In doing so we were able to finally launch The Celluloid Collective on Instagram as well as starting a podcast that will be launching soon, keep an eye out for the links. If you are a film artist doing stills or moving then check out the collective and submit your work, we want to share it.

In anticipation of the collective launch I also started developing Super 8 film by hand and scanning it at home. More work will be coming in 2024 as I keep experimenting with cinema to see what else is possible.

Education

This year I started teaching workshops at 818 Community Darkroom in the San Fernando Valley. I met Mike and Des while I was teaching at my old school and I took my students there to print their analog work. As I got to know them more we decided to start adult workshops for those that wanted to learn how to print and develop in a darkroom. If you are looking to learn how to print or develop then check out their WEBSITE to book a spot and learn with me.

Another high point of my education journey is creating a new film and media program at The School of Los Angeles in Hollywood. Over the past six months, I have been working with high school students to create a program that challenges visual storytelling and its purpose in education. For the first semester, students captured over 10,000 images and made over 30 short films and 20 short scripts. The photography students’ work culminated in a showcase at the end of the semester focusing on how they see the world. In the coming year, I will be adding a Broadcast Journalism class where students will create a news program and learn about the role of journalism in our society.

TURN

About 7 years ago I made a short film as a camera test focusing on day-for-night cinematography. Kenneth Keeler was the cinematographer and we filmed the whole project during the day, despite half of the film taking place during the night. This film finally made its public debut in December at The Great Film Club. If you haven’t seen the film you can check it out below.

In anticipation of a full 2024 I want to thank you all for your support. I started this substack a year and a half ago and currently there are over 550 subscribers. I am so grateful that you are enjoying the work and if you know someone else that this might resonate with then please feel free to share.

Until then, Happy New Year!!!

-Jerry-