Well.. here we are. I've found myself in one of those age old predicaments. Last night some hooligans broke into my car - stealing my camera bag & more than $3k worth of gear!!
I woke up to my neighbor banging on my front door muttering something about glass everywhere...I was halfway out the door with one pant leg on, still not sure if I was living in a dream that your beloved Grandma is always reminding you about.. Sure enough, the driver's side rear window on my adventure/car camping van was smashed in. A quick glance inside and I realized my camera bag that I should have brought inside the previous night.. was gone. Ah yes the Classic - Smash & Grab!
"Man. Tough luck kid, I'm sorry this happened to you" I thanked my neighbor for the heads up, before he sped off to work. Not how I planned on my weekend starting but shit happens ya know. That's just the luck of the draw.
Living in Albuquerque most of my life I would hear stories of cars getting broken, speakers, or camera gear being stolen frequently. Sometimes it's just a casual conversation with a friend or somebody who knows a friend. It could literally happen to anyone, frankly.
I know many of you have experienced something similar in your life. I am humbled by this experience and empathize for others who have had something meaningful taken from them. In trying circumstances, I have always done my best to evaluate my situation and respond with intentionality. That is why I am asking for your support. As a full time filmmaker/photographer using the tools at my disposal give me the opportunity to make a livelihood. I strive to live a life with purpose and meaning. To capture intimate moments & tell other folks stories brings me an immense amount of joy and fulfillment.
To make timing any worse, I am in the midst of moving out to California to begin filming a documentary I have been developing for almost 5 months. So this is an unfortunate incident I was not expecting. BUT I know it's just a minor setback with an even greater comeback on the horizon.
In total about $3,500 worth of gear was stolen. Sadly none of my equipment was covered by insurance.
What's missing:
- My Canon 5d Mk II DSLR Camera
- Two Sigma Art Lenses (20-35mm f2, 50mm f1.4)
- Canon 75-300mm Telephoto Lens
- Handheld & Mountable LED boiler light
- One role of B&W #35mm film
- A nifty custom partitioned ONA Leather Camera Bag (Brown)
It would be a blessing to put together some funds for a new setup in the next week, so I can continue on my mission. Thank you to everyone supporting my journey thus far from abroad and in the states. I will be back on track in short time. With your guys help, I'm confident this yellow light can turn green. S/O to the respectable Matthew McConaughey for coining that term & imparting some wisdom for others youngsters chasing after their dreams in life. If you haven't already I highly recommend snagging a copy of his book "Green Lights".
Any support helps. Maybe chalk up a few bucks to contribute as an early birthday present for the kid! April 15th is right around the corner. Stoked to celebrate regardless & get back on track with this next film! I appreciate each & every one of you.
Cheers my friends,
Riley
If you are interested, check out my portfolio & socials while you are at it.
Website - https://rileyrussill.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rileyrussill/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-russill-273290145/
Imdb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11163906/?ref_=pro_nm_visitcons