Comment by Martin James on June 26, 2013 at 12:12am

Hi Zack. It actually sounds like you're on the right track; good starting point for a guy who wants to work in the movie business. The funny thing is that i'm probably twice your age (okay over twice) and I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. On the other hand, I know people younger than me that have "settled" and are satisfied to ride out the rest of their work life in their current job.

Not that there is anything wrong with that; knowing what makes you happy is the key and for some, the happiness is building and flying model airplanes, studying and playing music or helping out at a local seniors home or soup kitchen. For me, I still largely identify through my work so you and I are not that different while we are what some might call an entire career apart in age.

Anyway, I think you're in the perfect spot; you just need to build the stepping stones and leverage your experience towards your next step. Take some time to decide on a mid-term goal and develop real steps that can get you there but be open to "emergent" opportunities that might present themselves along the way and see how they can fit into your plan.

Regardless, good luck with your goal-seeking and congratulations on the very positive progress you have made thus far.

Comment by Lorne Alan Riley on June 30, 2013 at 5:27am

Hey Zack, most people start off on the journey without knowing the final destination so you aren't at all alone there! Doing what you love and seizing opportunities as they arise are fundamental strategies to get to that final destination...and although the destination may change along the way, you will get closer to identifying it and reaching it as time goes by and your experience and knowledge grows. Not perhaps the most specific advice, but I hope it helps. I have every confidence you will succeed at whatever you decide to pursue!

Comment by Brad Slade on July 2, 2013 at 12:21pm

Hi Zak,

Your "Questions?" article rings true. It's difficult to know what one's forte is, especially when you're young. You can try different things but if you take the 'wrong' path, there may be no going back.

Someone told me once "do what you love doing and figure out how to make a living at it". Unfortunately for me, no one gave me this advice. "Choose a career with good paying jobs - here's a list" is about all I got. Ha! Don't get me started on "Guidance Counselors"!

I believe if you're passionate about what you do, you'll succeed no matter what. Having a mentor is crucial.

Thanks for bringing this to light.

Comment by Bonnie Byrne on July 4, 2013 at 6:30pm

Hi Zack, You don't know me but your dad is my cousin and I know your parents very well...you were quite young when you moved from the Sault many years ago. I read your story and was quite inspired. My son Jeff is stumped at this time as well, he turned 26 yesterday, and is still trying to figure out what he wants to do...He spent the last 6 months living in London, England with his girlfriend, she was teaching and he worked in a Canadian bar, and I think the experience opened up his eyes, and is now thinking of returning to school...He has always loved movies, especially horror ones, wanted to enter in the film industyr, but did not have the marks for uiniversity in Toronto...

Ryan on the other hand is 29, and is in the entertainment business, where he is doing photography, videography, weddings, etc. and is producing a horror film in the fall to be released in oct of 2014....on devil's night ( he was born in 1983 on oct. 30th). He has wanted to be a part of the film industry for years, and was eager to try California, but is working on ideas here. He has modelled in Hong Kong, written a book, made a CD, and works with some talented people now in his business...He has many goals, and I believe that some day he will achieve them....He has always stated that you have to like what you are doing in your job....Hope to see you some day and have a chat....Take care and say hi to your parents....If you would like to reach Ryan his cell is 705-257-7147.

Bonnie Byrne

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