WAIM #065 - Dan Pal of PalCinema, Television & Music

I just recently discovered Dan Pal and his PalCinema substack. A mutual friend had shared a piece Dan had written that was a musical memoir of 1987. I found the essay really interesting and as I bounced around reading several of the film reviews on Dan’s page, I figured that he and I would have much to discuss. It turns out I was absolutely correct on that score.We jumped right into the discussion with the story of Dan willing his professorship into being. After a series of career misfires, Dan followed his love of film to a self-designed Master’s Degree through the esteemed University Of Chicago. Dan shares the interesting story of diving in headlong, simply because he knew that he belonged in the world of film. Throughout his extensive career, Dan has shared the wisdom of his own experience with his students. He advises that if you have a love for something deep in your gut that will not go away, you’d better follow it. Dan and his career at DePaul are living proof of that ethic. I shared my own story with Dan about leaving a day job at 51 to pursue a career in the arts and music. His wisdom and experience in this area were quite a boost to my confidence, to be honest. Dan and I cover some of our favorite filmmakers working today and the paralysis of choice that streaming provides. We cover the limitations of the algorithm and the possible consequences it might have on our culture at large by minimizing what budding filmmakers or musicians might be exposed to. This was an incredibly fun chat with a fellow film lover, and someone who I admire for finding a way to live the life he saw as the best fit for himself. That is a lesson we could all take notes on. Cheers,Matty C Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe