10/09/2024
My film Bastion: The Movie is going to the AFM in Vegas Nov 5-10.
I'm flying out with my sales and legal team in tow.
Making this film (and getting it in front of worldwide audience) has been a defining milestone in my life. If you were to ask me how I did it, I wouldn't know where to start or even how to explain it.
I think it was more about not allowing myself to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the over-arching task and by not being distracted with things that did not service the production. It also, at times, broke me. Both personally and financially. There were so many roadblocks along the way. It was the hardest thing I ever set out to do, but more importantly... it was the hardest thing I ever "accomplished".
I would say to anyone that ever feels overwhelmed. Just place one foot in front of the other. Focus on the task in front of you. The destination will come. One of the greatest mentors in my life Gail Ellen Skroback Hennessey told me in 6th grade, the journey of 1,000 miles begins with the 1st step. It's funny looking back to 6th grade as a pivotal moment in my life. I was always sitting on the picnic table with my teacher during recess, because I always submitted my Spelling homework late. I think it was supposed to be a punishment. What I never told her or anybody else until now is that I submitted my homework late to intentionally read and write during recess. I'd rather be working than playing. When I graduated 6th grade, I was awarded a dictionary from my teacher. A dictionary that has been used my entire life. You can see by the picture attached that I got a lot of use out of this thing. The book is a treasure I still possess. And after all these years, it has led me to writing and producing scripts for feature films. A little known fact that people may/may not know is that Mrs. Hennessey was nationally recognized the year she was my teacher. I can see why. Outstanding Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award (1988) by the National Council for the Social Studies. After graduating with 4 college degrees under my belt and learning from over 100 highly skilled professors, millionaire business owners, and Fortune 500 leadership professionals, Mrs. Hennessey is still my favorite and most influential teacher of all-time.
Happy to share that story with you and super excited to sell my film in a few short weeks.
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