If there’s one lesson I learned in Albania, it’s how to better use what you have. There weren’t a ton of creative resources or stores like Walmart to run to when you needed something – even something as simple as tape. If by some chance the local store had what you needed, it wasn’t always guaranteed to work. So when working on a project, an idea or a camp, I had to learn to use what I had. This definitely helped my ability to think outside the box, inside the box and to think about the box itself. I had to think about everything sometimes to make things work. I learned to creatively problem solve.
This was also a struggle for me because I felt very limited – especially when it came to filming. I only had the equipment I had when I left for Albania – a camera, 3 lenses & a shotgun mic. I don’t think you can get much more basic than that. I remember always googling stuff for inspiration or ideas and being very frustrated because I knew I didn’t have the necessary equipment or resources I felt I needed to be truly creative. I felt annoyed because I didn’t even have the access to it either from borrowing from friends or from rental houses (which don’t exist in Albania).
But I’ve realized that during this time I learned the limitations of what I could and couldn’t do with what I had. And then I learned to push those boundaries. And then push them a little further – mainly because I didn’t have a choice. Though it was very frustrating, that is something I am very grateful for now. I haven’t purchased any new pieces of equipment with the exception of a monopod since returning – mainly because money has been tight. So I have continued to make the most of what I do have. And what I’m seeing is that it’s making me a better filmmaker.
I’ve noticed that people starting out in film who have access to all kinds of equipment tend to use a lot of equipment just because they can. It’s like they think using the equipment will make their films better. But that equipment can add up fast and become cumbersome. Then it gets in the way of the story you are telling – at least in my opinion.
When I borrow equipment from friends or when I fake shots to make it appear as though I’m using something that I’m not, it is intentional. It is never just because I can. There is a purpose behind it and the purpose always involves furthering the story or drawing the audience into the story – of course we all know that this sometimes works out better in my head!
Thanks to not having access to readily available creative resources while I was in Albania, I have actually grown more creatively than I thought. I can improvise and come up with plan b, c & d on the fly. I can work around not having what most people think is needed. And I’m more intentional with each creative choice I make. I know how to use what I have and use it to its full potential. And if I can do a lot well with the little I have, just think how much more I’ll be able to do when the opportunity to have more options arises. Until then, I’ll be making the most of what I have.