22/08/2022
A NOTE ABOUT CROWDFUNDING
First, I must thank all those who already chipped in. You know who you are and I am deeply grateful! :)
For those who want to contribute, here's a link!
https://gogetfunding.com/seoul-stories-night-owl-budget-fundraiser/
Secondly, even though I'm a bit nervous writing this, I know I've got nothing to be ashamed of with what I'm about to say. I'll be as straightforward as possible.
I'm definitely not "living it up" here in Korea. I am more of your friendly neighborhood "struggling, starving artist". I have no problem saying that, if it weren't for my family and friends' help, I wouldn't have anywhere to stay for the past two months. I am living at an actual office with absolutely nothing to complain about - I have a roof over my head, a place to sleep too. Although I must admit, with the free coffee available, sleep isn't that easy to come by!
But I want to be clear for honesty and sincerity's sake, without any form of resentment or grudge.
I know there's people out there worrying because they wish I'd lived in better conditions, and I'm very grateful for their worries. However, instead of worry and pity, I ask you to give me my dignity. I'm not pitying myself. Otherwise, I would have given up long ago. The situation is what it is, so I keep doing what needs to be done to survive - *despite everything*. So, I heavily encourage you not to give up on me, as much as I'm not giving up on myself.
I know there are those who would like me to be more independent, rather than ask for charity. I am working hard to become independent, but, whenever we find ourselves without a way out, in times of trouble, we all appreciate a leg up until we're back on our feet. I'm going through that same process, while I keep working hard and powering through, until I achieve the goals I want to achieve.
I also know of people who insist I get a "real job" instead of filmmaking, only because they wish I had a stable job and income. Yet, this *is* my job. The movies and series you see on Netflix weren't made for free. An artist's work is as valid as that of a carpenter or an accountant. Would we also tell them to find another job if they love and have a strong passion for what they do?
That's why the crowdfunding was set up. Artists have told me they're not expecting any payment. I am going to be stubborn and insist that they're absolutely wrong. Despite my situation, I'm doing everything I can for them to be paid for their art.
I can't, as an artist myself, in good conscience keep perpetuating the idea of "working for free because it's a passion". Passion doesn't pay your monthly bills.
We often speak of the general public's need to change its views on artists. It's more likely that we should change our own opinions on ourselves and our work first. No more "struggling, starving artists" for goodness's sake. It's an idea that has stopped being "romantic" ages ago!
I'm not gaining anything from this crowdfunding campaign, except for securing a place to stay for myself instead of living in an office. I'd rather the team members and artists get the payment they deserve.
I've said all I had to say. Whether I convinced you or not, it's totally up to you. My goal is becoming successful enough for others to share into my success, because they deserve it, and so that they won't end up having to live in an office themselves.
If you believe as much as I do that I'm gonna make it, I hope I've inspired you to donate to the campaign. Every little counts, no need of huge sums of money! Once again, a huge heartfelt thanks for all kinds of support you've given me. Can't wait to show you the end result!
— ABOUT ‘NIGHT OWL – 올빼미’ — Night Owl is the story of a Maltese expat on his last night in Seoul. He’s extremely hesitant to come home – can he even call it home any longer? He is anxious and uncertain about his future in Malta, and ends up impacting t
