abravelittlefox-blog

[abravelittlefox-blog]

It’s exactly one week ago that I was able to attend a Master Class with twins Matt and Ross Duffer, known professionally as the Duffer Brothers, creators of the 80s-inspired Stranger Things, and it was totally awesome!

Being that I’m such a nerd for all things 80s movies (minus the clothes and hair — “what were you thinking?!”), I instantly became a fan of the Netflix series (that theme, tho! — DO NOT SKIP INTRO, DO NOT SKIP INTRO) and I was given a ticket (thanks Franco!) to see the twin brothers talk about their time in film school, their start in the film industry and all the way to their deal with Netflix. Plus an hour and a half of great advice, sarcasm and a spark of inspiration.

The Master Class took place at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, part of Chapman University (class of 2007), a place where they are given creative freedom and equipped with the tools, and knowledge of filmmaking. It was very cool to see them return to their “roots,” their stomping grounds. I think the success of the sci-fi adventure series is how it’s very 80s-influenced and they weave in cultural references that take you back into that time era and make you believe you’re there. It’s relieving films such as The Goonies, E.T. and Poltergeist to name a few — and it works! One of my favorite creative hobbies is to write and tell extraordinary stories. The brothers were asked a question about their writing and the journey it took to find their style. Matt said it best: “Ignore all the noise. Write what you want. If you truly love something, someone else out there will love it, too.” And I agree because as a writer I tend (at times) to put limitations on a universe I want to create because it is not the “in” thing at the moment.

I believe this is what gave the Duffer Brothers’ successful results (and it has become an instant classic) — they wrote something different and not many people thought it was a good idea — seeing kids on bikes going off on great adventures along with sci-fi and thrills. Sometimes we just have to listen to what we like, because, yeah, someone out there will like it, too. I just had a great time seeing them in person and talk about their experiences. I think I am inspired by them because we have a similar way of thinking (creative wise) and we are in the same age group. 

It’s a ‘strange thing,’ but after that class, I became extraordinarily inspired. It’s time to take out that pen and paper once more. 

[abravelittlefox-blog]

Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend a Master Class with special guests Matt and Ross Duffer, known professionally as the Duffer Brothers, and creators of the hit and critically acclaimed 80s-inspired Netflix series Stranger Things.

First I have to say I became a fan of the series when it first premiered on Netflix. No, wait. It was the trailer that caught my attention because nostalgia was written all over it; sci-fi, kids going on adventures and it’s eerie music. Stranger Things masterfully weaves in cultural references that take you back to that time era, making you believe you are reliving the 80s. It’s relieving The Goonies and E.T. all over again. I think this is where the majority of the success of the Duffer Brothers comes in; they grew up in this era. They know specific details. BTW, a question based on the detailing of the show’s cultural reference was actually asked.

The Master Class took place at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, a campus that is part of Chapman University that helps filmmakers take off the ground. It’s also the University the Duffer Brothers graduated from in 2007. It made sense for the twins to return to their stomping grounds and talk about their journey as college kids to working in the entertainment industry until they landed with Netflix.  Their idea was to capture multiple audiences of today and those who grew up in the 80s.

Matt gave a tip of advice that I still remember now: “Ignore all the noise. Write what you want. If you truly love something, someone else out there will love it too.” The idea is to not put limitations on our passions. If you are a writer and love to write short stories, scripts, anything, keep writing what you love because there is an audience that is waiting for you.

I had a great time and enjoyed their talk. They’re brilliant funny people who love what they do and I’m just proud to say that they’re representing stories in my age group.

[abravelittlefox-blog]

Here’s to new beginnings as I embark on this amazing new journey of listening to God’s calling and pursuing my passions in The OC. Thank you, JESUS! Thank you for the wonderful blessings that you’ve placed upon me and for providing me with what I need at the proper time. Throughout the years I felt like Moses of the Bible wandering through the desert for forty years, struggling to find my way and trying to get out of my comfort zone in uncharted territory. You brought me out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. #amen 

I needed you, Father. And I knew I had to make a change; not only for myself but in every aspect of my life. You broke my chains and gave me freedom. You took me out of a situation and placed me in another where I was put to learn and mature. You gave me a new home church where I have recently seen spiritual growth. And it’s all because I placed my faith and trust in you more than ever before. It’s because I confessed my sins and began to communicate with you more openly. Yes, I felt uncomfortable taking the first step of traveling to where it was less familiar, but through it all, I  know that you are there with me in every step of the way. God, I give you praise. THANK YOU! 

To my readers –– I invite you to join me on this incredible journey where I’ll share my writings along with quotes and photos of food, places, and things. I definitely want to show my personality through this blog and show you my love (passion) for movie making, film, writings, books, health, fitness and all things Disney. Check back soon for more updates!