Gene's After Hours Log 0001
It's time to focus
Building Wealth as a Creator
My goal for 2026 is to say focused. I wasn’t not focused in 2026, but I allowed many business/growth opportunities outside of film to slip past. That’s why you see the shift in outline of this newsletter compared to our previous readings that you re visit here.
Once called DPG Cinema, now focused on my thoughts in the “after hours”, meaning off camera, away from shoots, making decisions for my family’s future when no one is watching in attempt to be the best creative, business owner, and leader I can be.
If you do not like the slight change in scenery, no hard feelings. The unsub button is somewhere attached to this email and I thank. you for following along this journey.
The last 2 weeks
Week 1
Traveled for a NASCAR Documentary. Worked as the DP. Shot on Sony + DZO Arles Lenses.
Finished up a Feature film called “CASS”
Shot some event coverage for a Bday party.
For the first time ever, I had two shoots in one day. I was in Charlotte, NC and my wife drove down to Toledo with some amazing crew to handle a corporate brand project while I was away. I EP’d this and coordinated details, alongside the wife.
Here’s how the video turned out.
Got behind on some emails, but used the weekend to catch up.
Week 2
- Wrapped and delivered multiple edits (insurance client + Apellix drone work)
– Submitted new bids for March and September projects
– Prepped invoices and down payments for upcoming work
– Organized footage and started restructuring remote NAS access
– Spent time reworking personal + business financial flows
What went well
January closed out as our busiest January to date. #Grateful; Projects moved forward, feedback was positive, and another production lined up for later this year. Casey’s social page passed 1,000 followers, which felt small on the surface but meaningful when you’re building momentum from scratch. A lot of work happened quietly this week; the kind that doesn’t look exciting but keeps everything moving.
Decision I’m sitting with
I’m rethinking gear purchases. RED RAW is great, but realistically the FX3 is doing most of the heavy lifting. I’m debating whether a simpler B-cam makes more sense right now versus chasing higher-end bodies. The real question isn’t which camera I want, it’s whether I can confidently pay it off through actual use within one year. Many people would give themselves 2-3 years, but I don’t like debt.
Money/Investments & ownership thinking
Bank interest rates shifted again, which forced me to look harder at where cash is sitting and whether it’s still working efficiently. I’m also spending more time thinking beyond stocks; cash-flow businesses like laundromats feel more tangible in the next 1-2 years. The stock market’s been choppy, earnings have been mixed, and I’m focusing on keeping cash available rather than forcing trades. I will be liquidating someCHWY 0.00%↑ and XYZ 0.00%↑ with the purpose of having cash on hand + adding some INTC 0.00%↑ when the time is right.
What I’m thinking about
I watched a video this week where a DP talked about no longer wanting to be boxed into a single identity. That hit home. Here is the video below.
I love being a cinematographer, but I don’t want my entire future tied to one label. I want creative fulfillment and ownership. I don’t think those things have to be in conflict.
BTS
– Finish edits and lock post schedules
What’s next
– Finish edits and lock post schedules
– Finalize a cleaner financial workflow
– Maintain a clear mind
– Stay present with family before travel picks back up
Gene