3 Tips for Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions (In Order to Create your Own Self -improvement Montage or Narrative)

3 tips for keeping your New Year’s resolutions in order to create your own self -improvement montage or narrative

 How many characters in stories grapple with the question of who they are vs. who they want to be? This is an intoxicating theme and the reason we see it played across in so many characters in stories.  Maybe it’s not happening on the first of the year as a New Year’s resolution, or maybe it is. The point is we all identify at some point with the idea of wanting to be better versions of ourselves.

I confess I have been an avid goal setter, and resolutioner my whole life, logging hundreds of hours carefully setting goals that never came to be and some that did.

From my experience I put together 3 simple tips for setting fail-proof New Year’s resolutions.

1. Take time to reflect!

To quote the band Semisonic, “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end,” and that’s what the New Year is all about; sectioning off a year, and paying attention to what we have learned. A long time ago I came across a book that put all of my New Year resolution creating. “Your Best Year Yet” helps readers to reflect and look ahead with 10 easy questions to get your head in the right place.

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Best-Year-Yet-Successful/dp/0446675474/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420677064&sr=8-1&keywords=best+year+yet

2. Do it your way!

There is no one right diet, exercise or money saving plan, but the experts trying to sell you their book will sure make it seem that way.  The only right way to do something is the way that actually WORKS for you. A great book I read this past year called “Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler, talks about being the scientist and the subject. If you’re not meeting your goals, don’t feel ashamed and give up. Go back to the drawing board and find a way that does work.

You can find more information on Change Anything here: https://www.vitalsmarts.com/changeanything/

3. Don’t sell short the spiritual side of life

Or as my mom always said, “whether you think you can or you think you can’t…. you’re absolutely right.” The truth is what we believe has everything to do with how we perform.  Our brain believes what we tell it, whether it’s true or not.  Being in good spiritual shape for me means a lot of mediation, but everyone is different. Be you and develop a spiritual discipline that works. Remember the old proverb….

“Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions. Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits. Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character. Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny. — Chinese proverb, author unknown

The oh so satisfying montages in “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Bridget Jones Diary” can be on your Facebook feed if you stay the course and are careful not to “should” all over yourself, and focus on what works instead.

10 Reasons Why You Should Choose Mainstream Films in 2015

 

10 Reasons Why You Should Choose Mainstream Films in 2015

1. Storytelling

“Beth and her team were able to take a few concepts we had and turn it into story-telling magic.”

~ Camie Sweet, Carson J. Spencer Foundation

2. Passion for making film accessible to every individual, organization, and cause

“I have done many projects from commercials to promo videos with other companies and have not got the same quality or response from our clients then I did with Mainstream Films.”

Francisco Lujan, EUROstopwatch

3. Relationships

“We have worked together on major projects and have also worked together on very small projects and I get the same quality of work every time.”

~ Francisco Lujan, EUROstopwatch

4. Collaboration

 “Collaboration is huge and they provide that! It’s not a one-sided project.”

~ Lauren Jacobs, Colorado School of Mines Foundation

5. Clear focus in order to create production plan beneficial to clients

“Beth and team see things in both a creative and focused way, enabling us to get clear upon how our plan will attract clients and gives them a clear reason to buy from us.”

~ Stephen Brunston, Colorado Insurance Professionals

6. Business model focused on clients’ needs

“Small business model allows Mainstream to cater to creative and specific client’s needs, little restrictions, sky’s the limit. You dream it, Mainstream films it!”

~ Lauren Jacobs, Colorado School of Mines Foundation

 “Beth and hear team were professional, reliable, and timely…all things highly valued when it comes to covering an event.”

~ Camie Sweet, Carson J. Spencer Foundation

7. Mainstream Films maximizes production time and the overall process in order to maximize clients’ expenditures.

“Beth keeps us on track during the production process which allows us to get the most out of our time when working with her, she keeps thinking about the future and how we can maximize our spend to be useful in multiple ways.”

 ~ Stephen Brunston, Colorado Insurance Professionals

8. Commitment to technology and educating audiences

9. Resourceful

“Resourceful – from the camera crew to editors you have a plethora of experience. If Mainstream doesn’t have it, they can find it!”

~ Lauren Jacobs, Colorado School of Mines Foundation

10. Communication/Listening/Perceptive 

“Mainstream takes ideas/direction from clients and makes them better with their experience and talents.”

~ Lauren Jacobs, Colorado School of Mines Foundation

And if 10 weren’t enough, here are two more reasons why you should choose Mainstream Films for your video production needs. 

Fantastic team

“It was a sincere pleasure working with the Mainstream crew – they are professional, engaged, thoughtful and genuine in their film making process – from concept to completion.”

~Bridget Fitzpatrick, Brent’s Place

Talented

“Mainstream Films does a wonderful job in capturing and conveying the true emotion of your story and leaving the audience with a lasting impression.”

~Bridget Fitzpatrick, Brent’s Place

 Visit us at http://www.mainstramfilmsllc.com to learn more about what Mainstream Films can do for you and your business in 2015.

 

 

Top 10 Things to Do on New Year’s Eve

It’s New Year’s Eve, the pressure is on. You either have plans you hope won’t disappoint or are scrambling to make plans. Good news, no need to worry. Mainstream Films has done the legwork for you.  Whether its figuring out last minute plans or getting a running start for next year, this list will tell you what’s what for creating the perfect setting to capture your New Year’s Eve Story. 

10. Take a walk down the 16^th street mall. You don’t need a reservation and admission is always free. People watching, fireworks and landmarks will create a memorable moment, photograph and start to 2015.

9. Try a 4 course beer pairing at The Lobby http://www.thelobbydenver.com/ or any restaurant near you. A lot of restaurants put together a little something special for the holiday so if you like a place and its conveniently located, give them your business. For us that’s The Lobby. It’s a great spot right downtown, just off the beaten path, and never disappoints in terms of food, service, price and ambiance.

8. Spend NYE at a night club downtown. Dancing and sipping champagne is a great way to ring in the New Year and on NYE the bars get dressed up. There isn’t a shortage of places to go either. The 50 Shades of Silver party at the Tavern is one of our top choices. http://www.tavernhg.com/downtown

7. Go to a concert. Most musical acts put on an awesome show for NYE and if that’s your scene get yourself a ticket. If spending a bunch of money on a show isn’t in the budget but you still want to enjoy live music, fear not. Westword put out a list of the 14 best New Year’s shows under $20. http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2014/12/what_to_do_nye_denver_cheap_concerts.php

6. Get a hotel room in Denver and make a night of it. You can go out downtown or a lot of times hotels offer New Year’s celebrations where the party comes to you. Make a reservation and start your party! http://www.denver.org/milehighholidays/holiday-weekends/new-years-eve/

5. Get a group together and dine at a popular, fabulous buzz worthy restaurant. This is admittedly not a last minute pick. If a restaurant has buzz it usually has a clientele and it’s harder to get in. Pick a restaurant you have heard about, or have wanted to try and beat the crowds by setting it up next year in the the first week of December. Little tip; take the initiative and make the decisions. Involving everyone in the “choice” about where to go could lead to too many cooks in somebody else’s kitchen.  Visit this website for ideas. http://www.denver.org/milehighholidays/holiday-weekends/new-years-eve/?gclid=CJ6Wl7v_8MICFcECaQodbHIAfQ

4. Check out the Bootleggers Ball at Union Station. If you haven’t seen the renovations to Union Station this is a perfect opportunity. The renovations and additions have single-handily made us a cooler city, and Union Station, along with occupants of the building, are pulling out all the stops for NYE. http://unionstationindenver.com/news-events/new-years-celebration

3. Go to a bowl game in another city. It’s definitely too late to do it this year, but its not to early to start thinking about next year. It’s a trip with a purpose. Maybe you have a favorite city or maybe you have a favorite bowl game. This choice will without a doubt result in a memorable New Year’s Eve story, no matter what happens.

2. Get a house with friends or family and stay a few days in the mountains. People travel from all over the world to experience what is right outside our front door in the Colorado Mountains. Getting a house with friends or family means a reasonable nightly rate, and an absolutely unforgettable backdrop. You can coordinate fantastic and affordable meals by cooking them yourself at the house. Skiing, tubing, and sledding can make it a memorable 5 star vacation.

1. Stay in and do it up! This is the ultimate in last minute planning and the most stress free, affordable option out there. The local supermarkets’ meat and seafood counters and delis have almost everything. Often you’ll find pre-made meals and appetizers, all for the best price in town. You can do lobster and steak, crab legs, or oysters, and then pop over to the liquor store and get some pink champagne. You can do a movie marathon, watch a TV series, or have a few friends over and talk about New Year’s resolutions. This option is affordable, fun, requires no reservations and most importantly, involves little pressure!

Image courtesy of Gualberto107 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Mainstream Film’s Top 10 Christmas Movie List

Tensions during the holidays can definitely be high. Differences in opinion often arise on what should be served for Christmas dinner, when presents should be opened, what defines the “appropriate” amount of Christmas cocktails, etc.

A film is a great way to get lost in a story for a few hours and tap into what Christmas should really be all about.

Merry Christmas

Mainstream Film’s Top 10 Christmas Movie List

10. Home Alone: PG 1990 103 Min. This movie is great for kids and adults alike. Parents can identify with the theme of being totally stressed out during the holidays, feeling widely guilty and inadequate about falling short in many areas. All the while kids get lost in the fantasy of Christmas, eating holiday goodies, watching TV and doing whatever they want. It wraps up in a nice bow reminding both parents and kids that family is what it’s all about. “Merry Christmas ya filthy animals!”

9. Trading Places: R 1983 116 Min. An older movie and not distinctly “Christmas,” but still a great film with a great story that appeals to both genders. It’s funny and fresh for its time and features Jamie Lee Curtis, Eddie Murphy, and Dan Aykroyd. If you haven’t seen it, read no further.

8. The Santa Clause: PG 1994 97 Min. Tim Allen plays an overworked part-time dad who has to “give it all up” in order to become Santa. It’s funny, smart, and good for all ages and genders. Kids love it because it’s all about the North Pole and adults will love it because it’s Tim Allen at his witty finest.

7. The Polar Express: G 2004 100 Min. A kid friendly movie that is amazing in both story line and technological advancement, making for a cinematic experience everyone can enjoy. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING, more magical than the idea of being whisked away by a secret train headed for the North Pole in the middle of the night, all on Christmas Eve. The book in its 32 page original form was breathtaking, but being made into a film featuring Tom Hanks, makes it a top 10 no-brainer.

6. White Christmas: PG 1954 120 Min: A movie that I will admit I hadn’t seen until last year and I am sorry for the years I wasted. This is a 1950’s movie with war themes and stunning musical numbers that appeals to all ages. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

5. Elf: PG 2003 97 Min: If you like funny, corny and charming, this movie is for you. This is a story about the North Pole and finding your true identify and path. Hitting theaters less than 10 years ago, it has become a holiday favorite for many. It’s quotable and sticks with you.

4. It’s a Wonderful Life: PG 1946 130 Min. Truly one of the best movies of all time, Christmas themed or not. A fantastically timeless story about what we “think” we want in this life. It features a guardian angel, Jimmy Stewart, and Donna Reed. This is the movie you can watch 50 times over and it never, ever, ever gets old.

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: PG 13 1989 97 Min. I’m not sure this one needs any explanation. If you haven’t seen it, you need to get started, because watching it over and over and over is the only way to truly appreciate the comedic genius in every line. I’m serious Clark, watch it.

2. A Christmas Story: PG 1983 94 Min: It will air on a cable network somewhere, likely for 24 hours straight, and is a classic choice for those gathered around a TV. Just as sure as Christmas cookies, this movie is a part of our collective Christmas language. “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

1. Old Yeller: PG 1957 83 Min: Okay, so Old Yeller is not a Christmas movie on any list anywhere. That said, in 1983 when our family’s Christmas present was a brand new VCR and the VHS that came with it was Walt Disney’s Old Yeller, it became an instant Christmas tradition. When the music “here Yeller, come back Yeller, best doggone dog in the west” comes on, it’s more Christmassy then Santa himself. And that’s the point of this entire list right? To find a movie that you can share with your loved ones, that taps you right into the holiday spirit. Movies help us do that without any effort or thought, and that’s why we love them.

Image(s) courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com

10 Approaches to Creating the Perfect Holiday Family Photo

1. Consider shooting your photo in black and white to create a timeless feel to the photo.
2. Incorporate your background, not just the subjects. Just be sure the background enhances your photo, not detracts from your important subjects, your family.
3. Go in for the close-up. This will put your subjects in the spotlight. Make sure the background works well with your shot.
4. Ignore the camera. By looking at a subject other than the camera, you’ll create a photo that shows your family in a more relaxed pose. Consider having everyone look at a child or pet and sing silly songs everyone knows.
5. Consider what everyone is wearing. Clothing can be varied, but try to stay within the same color tone.
6. Add a pop of color to your photo. Use your imagination and have fun with a simple prop or two.
7. Sun, sun, sun. Avoid looking into the sunlight to avoid unflattering shadows around the eyes.
8. Don’t face the camera directly with your body. Instead angle your body 45% or so to the camera.
9. Smile with your eyes. Do this by bringing yourself back to your “happy place.” Your subjects will look more relaxed, the photo more genuine.
10. Have fun!

What’s New with Mainstream Films

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