A.C. Brooke

Some General Thoughts

A short Paper Birds film reel I threw together the other night that I wanted to share. I thought I’d add some candid thoughts so I can look back on this later:

I am so proud of this project! When I was a teen, my projects were pretty short and self-contained. However I’d say that’s changed age 19 onwards. I’ve been working on Paper Birds for about 3 years now, and STATS (book) for four. Coincidentally, I’m nearing the end of both at the same time. Of course, there’s still work left to do. But it does feel like a chapter of my life is closing. Right now, I’m still working out some kinks with Paper Birds. Most namely, I’m questioning if I’m getting the right message across, if it feels like an authentic representation of myself (hating my interview has made this hard) and, ultimately, what affect will it have on not only the subject material, but my life. I am co-presenting a 3 hour CEU in the fall about the material, which I’m super excited about. As I’ve said before, while making the film has been comforting in some ways, it’s really the ability to directly advocate that has been the most healing.

Working on a longterm project is really rewarding. A little ways after the start—once the initial eagerness wears off—is the hardest part, because you just find yourself preoccupied with all that’s ahead (now that I’m typing this, I’m seeing the parallels that has with recovery). But over time you make peace with the pace and start enjoying each bit and piece. It really is like being on some kind of odyssey. Now that I feel safer in my body, I’m able to feel more fulfillment from the things I’ve done/am doing–a pretty neat side-effect.

But anyway…hope you enjoy this reel of some of the beauty of Paper Birds! I can say that the b-roll does feel like me and my work, and I don’t know how to put into words how that makes me feel, but just know it’s a good thing 🙂 Thanks for all the love and support on this project! I have been so touched and surprised with just how much people have resonated with its material!