To answer a couple questions that keep coming up, yes, that’s Agustin talking about monkeys on 
Animal Planet, yes, I know I’m dirty dancing in the name of “art” on youtube with a stunning redheaded belly dancer, and no, I will not give you her phone number (unless you’re looking for a costume designer for your next film, that is.)
I used to be reluctant to “put myself out there.” I hated having my photo taken, dreaded on-camera interviews and tried to steer clear of interview questions that were anything about me the person, preferring to focus solely on our films. Similarly, Agustin turned down opportunities to appear on poppy nature programs on Discovery Channel and the likes as he didn’t want to risk compromising his integrity as a serious scientist.
But we’ve both had a change of heart. The fact of the matter is in fields where one creates a “product” (whether that be a movie or an academic book or what-have-you) one can no longer separate her work from her self. It’s all about packaging. We have to become our own brands with distinct personalities.
Nonetheless, one does want to show some discretion. I’m constantly amazed at what some people will post on the Internet (Facebook in particular – not the ideal place to have a mental breakdown, badmouth one’s peers or discuss one’s bodily functions or sex life. And does anybody really need to know you just ate a peanut butter sandwich? Crying mundane is not much better than crying wolf, it simply suggests one has too much time on his hands. )
Perhaps this sounds hypocritical coming from one who’s taken to posting her partial journal online (yes, partial – naturally, I edit out stuff not meant for public consumption). And, even so, I felt weird and narcissistic about it at first. That is, until some blogging friends with popular websites put it all into perspective for me.
Yes, a blog’s important to keep cast/crew/friends/fans updated on important news – in our case, primarily festivals, reviews, awards, etc. We also try to offer some insights into filmmaking, festivals and related topics when we feel we’ve something to say. But there’s a lot more to it. It’s exposure, brand recognition and offers a host of unknown perks one might not have ever guessed (similar to my aforementioned reasons filmmakers should go to fests.)
For instance, it’s amazing to see what brings traffic to our site. We have 3 blog entries in particular that contain a few catch phrases and words that bring us regular traffic via search engines. Who knew when I compared my Alaska film fest experience to the Summer of ’42 that it would compel random folks to check out our site and share their own similar stories? I’ve made some interesting connections just from strangers stumbling onto our site by accident. Even more rewarding, perhaps, is reconnecting with old friends who’ve been compelled to respond to this topic or that. Exchanging blog entries with friends is far more fun than e-mailing I’ve found. It’s reminiscent of times when people wrote thoughtful handwritten letters. Rather than pithy notes comprised of half-thoughts and incomplete sentences, we once again share whole stories with themes and emotion and imagery. How divinely retro!
Similarly, Agustin’s adventures in TV-land have brought unexpected reaction and perks. Friends from all over the globe (and even the occasional waiter) have recognized him. Once people saw how well he looks and speaks of such topics on camera, doors for other such opportunities began to open – never a bad thing for a prolific author.
The Communication Age is certainly not the time to be shy. In an over-saturated market, one needs to do what she has to in order to get her foot in the door. One hopes at that point, quality work will speak for itself and subsequent success will be based on the merits of the contents rather than the packaging. In the meantime, however, when I’m asked to come onstage and strut my stuff in the name of “art,” then so be it. If Agustin has to talk about what happens “when good monkeys go bad,” he won’t immediately recoil at the very thought.
Ultimately, I’m reminded of my fave Moliere quote: “Writing is like prostitution. First you do it for the love of it. Then you do it for a few friends. And finally you do it for money.” Let’s hope anyway. Now, back to tricks…