Introduce Yourself : Challenging myself - stretching into a competition is a nervous time! by Pyari [Jaya] Khoobsurat

Hi all, Just to introduce myself - I'm Jaya Chela Drolma, independent filmmaker the past eight years (currently living in Al Ain, UAE - near Dubai). I've made several documentaries that are on Youtube; plus lots of small test shot storylines (testing out camera's, camera angles, editing as I learned); and now teach film and photography to year 10-12 (plus, Art to year 8). And I have confidence that I know the processes sufficiently to take on bigger projects. So, I decided to challenge myself of late - I've joined a competition in Dubai - the 48-hour project. Yes, I'm nervous...! It is a big challenge to move from Indie filmmaker, to professional competitor, and all in a very short space of time to manifest it all (just three weeks before blast off). I'd love to hear from any of you out there, how you dealt with challenges ie. raising funding, finding crew when you don't know many people in an area (yes, I need to find some experienced professionals in the area who willing to volunteer and assist a 'young one)', or just dealing with plain old 'nerves' - a 'is this too much to deal with'? type scenario.... Love to hear how you've all developed over time, and dealt with the challenges - it might assist me to have different thoughts in my head as I move towards the competition. And if any of you live in UAE and want to get involved, drop me a line.