Orla Manning

So here I am back in NYC after weeks of traveling, missing parties, dinners with friends and everything else in between.

I was recently in St. Catharines, Ontario, CA on a shoot for a show I am producing for a television network. I’ve been trying to find beauty everywhere I go and seeing Niagara Falls was definitely beautiful! The one thing that was not beautiful was my Internet service out there. It sucked! I have to admit that I rely heavily on my emails, twitter, skype and just about anything else you find yourself checking on your phone throughout the day.

I also find myself becoming extremely stressed before shoots. I am a perfectionist and need everything to be, well…perfect! But I find myself taking it out on the wrong people. That is where my balancing act will come into play (because it’s still a work in progress).

I have found the deeper I get into my career the harder it is to make time for things and people. I am in no way complaining because I am doing exactly what I love and right now, my career comes first. I have been on many shoots where me and the crew will start talking about relationships and when the question is asked “What comes first, your career or your relationship?” I find myself giving the same answer, “Right now, my career.” Most of them will look at me funny or tell me that they think that is the wrong answer but no one ever became great without sacrifice.

I guess the one thing I am learning right now is how to balance my personal and professional life. There are only 24 hours in the day and sometimes I wonder if I have used every one of them to my full advantage.

“For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice”

—John Burroughs

First and foremost I want to thank all of my MINY alumni for helping me to grow and being an inspiration to me as I follow my dreams.

Last night I attended the 5th annual MINY Film Festival and as I sat there looking around at all of my friends and fellow co-workers I realized that we are all following our dreams in one way or another. Some of us want to edit, or direct or maybe become a grip, while others are content with being a PA for the long haul.

I on the other hand have always dreamed of being a Producer and that is exactly what I am doing! I have put in the time and the work to grow as an individual and am always looking to better myself. Now, when I watch the films being submitted by my fellow peers it only makes me want to push harder because I remember how hungry we all were when we first entered the program—how determined everyone was. I never want to lose that feeling!

I always try to surround myself with people who I admire and who have the same drive that I have. I always see myself in the place and position where I want to be and I have never been disappointed. If you wait around for things to happen or for someone to ask you what you want to do, you will probably be waiting around for a long time.

“The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live.” —Elbert Hubbard