The Fourteenth of February

Today I filmed a corporate video. The first time I have done this activity for a decade. I forgot what it was like to shoot in an office building, full of people who are desperate to doge the gaze of the glass lens. For a few days leading up to the event, I felt a little "dirty" as a long time ago I decided that this model of film-making wasn't at all to my taste and I'd focus on other styles of production. Needless to say (as always), I loved the crew I was working with. Also, out clients were hospitable and welcoming (and they even gave us a lunch break and paid for the food) - so this whole "corporate video" concept didn't rattle me too much at all. Actually, the shoot was sort of fun in the end!

Anyway, of all the days to go and film in a large inner-city office, it was valentine's day. Now this is not a day that has ever really had any personal significance to me as I get very confused by the perceived pressure that is generated within the media - and have always questioned the motives of the day. As one dear friend said to me today, "It's a day for consumers, not lovers" - a sentiment that basically summarises how I've always felt about the 14th of February. To tell you the truth, I was actually dreading valentine's day leading up to the event for the fear that it would spin me off into stupid lonely feelings.

However, in this office block I saw flowers, chocolates, parcels, baskets, balloons and all kinds of paraphernalia arrive via courier / partners all day long, and the effect that these gifts had on the people who received them. It was fun to observe the small scale personal celebrations. As a witness to these events, I didn't feel any loathing - something that surprised me as I thought that this would be where my mind would go. 

Instead, I was fuelled by these moments of joy that people I didn't know were having. It made me feel happy to see the festivity.  The "Party Man" within me sensed the increasing levels of excitement and as a result, I even started to get involved when I realised that it was fun to walk up to people, comment positively about their displayed "trophies" and see the thrilled ways in which they'd react. Such simple pleasures meant so much to some of the people in this office - and I found the mood to be quite inspiring. So much so, after we wrapped I walked though the entirety of Fortitude Valley with my sound kit (I usually just catch taxis when working), and caught the bus home with a smile on my face. The last time I caught public transport with any of my sound gear was in 2007 and I was assaulted in the process...

Thus, I learnt three lessons today. The first is:  I should not attach hard feelings on any day of the week, despite what that day symbolises. My second realisation: I don't need displays of affection to make me feel complete, but I do like to be around happiness as it makes me feel incredibly rewarded. The third: Buses are much cheaper than taxis so I think I'll commute to work with my fluffy microphone, boom pole and the big, blue bag of technology on public transport more often!