In His Wake

A few weeks ago, I completed my applications for Graduate School in film programs. About a week ago, I posted a blog entry about the reasons why I think Film School is right for me personally. However, I haven't spoken much about what motivates me to be a film maker in the first place.

There are so many influences that motivate that dream, it would take more than one journal entry to cover them all. This time, I want to focus on one influence in particular: Rooster Teeth Productions, known for Red Vs Blue, Immersion, Achievement Hunter, RWBY, etc., etc., etc.
 Ever since I was 12, I have been looking up to the people of this production company, because they are incredibly talented people, and they carry themselves as genuinely decent human beings.

I think we can all agree that Monty Oum was no exception to that.

For those of you who don't know, Monty Oum is an incredibly talented animator that began working for Rooster Teeth Productions a number of years ago, bringing CG animation to the ever popular Red Vs Blue and creating the online anime show RWBY.
Recently, Monty Oum passed away due to an allergic reaction during a medical procedure. His death is being mourned by his family, friends, colleagues, as well as countless fans who were both entertained and inspired by him.

I never had the pleasure of meeting him, a fact I will always regret. However, I feel the pain of his loss. Monty Oum was directly responsible for so much awesome Rooster Teeth content, the very content that I site as my inspiration as a film maker. It is difficult to cope with the fact that somebody whom has inspired my life direction has passed away, whether I knew him personally or not.

Still... in his final hour, he has inspired me at least once more. It's moments like these that remind me that I should appreciate what I have and to continue to fight for all that I want to achieve. It reminds me how thankful I am for everybody in my life: my parents (my 2 greatest heroes), my sisters and extended family, my friends, and every other person that has affected who I am as a human being.

I hope the pain that everyone is feeling lessens soon. I wish nothing but the best for his friends and family.