Opportunity Strikes
The Narrow Window of Change
Dear Reader,
Over a month ago, we shot my short film “Roommate Generation.” You may be able to tell from reading the short story version of this dramedy, but the script was a beast to capture. Primarily the montage sequence, which shows all the little “moments” of roommate irritation. You wouldn’t think a script with one location would have so many camera moves, day versus night scenes, and prop/wardrobe changes… but this one did. Because why make things easy for myself?
(My mother is rolling her eyes right now: “That’s my girl!”)
We had incredible people on this shoot: DP Anais Bernard, 1st AD Mercedes Khali, Script Supervisor Eugene Ramos, actresses Chaney Bell and Semi Cheksa, production sound mixer Russell Lewis Schofield, Producer Hannah Elliott, Locations Coordinator Revie Wade, and our incredible production assistant Nathan Allee. A huge thanks to Chris Carter for these beautiful behind-the-scenes photos of the shoot. I am so proud of all that we did in only three days.
There is no way we would have accomplished as much as we did. As it was, not only did we get every single shot on the list, but we finished ahead of schedule every day. This is one of the biggest faith testimonies I have to date. Folks, I have two very important pieces of information for anyone crazy enough to direct something:
1. There is a God.
2. Prayer works.
Ask Him to show up for you. Each day, something happened to convince me that the project would come to a crashing halt. Each time, He came through for us. Not only did He come through, but we finished EARLY.
Let me repeat: we finished EARLY. Industry folks… you feel me?
The quest to make 14 short films in one year continues. For those who are counting, a status update: four short films are shot, and three of those in post-production. Another is in preproduction and slated for the end of August, with five more scripts after that in development. Game time score: 6.5 months, 10 shorts in development.
I reached a point a couple of months ago where I realized I was dragging my feet. I had ideas for scripts and people I needed to reach out to, but I wasn’t. Why? Because I knew I didn’t have the finances to support any big moves.
Finally, I was convicted: I don’t know what the money will look like, I don’t know who will say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to me, I don’t know what brilliant actor will want to work with me, or what location will open up, or what writer will want to collaborate with me. All I know: there are things I can do now. I was playing it safe because I didn’t have things 100% perfect. But if I wait for things to be 100% perfect, I will never make anything.
I can’t remember who gave me this rule of thumb, but if something is 80% of the way there, pull the trigger. When your work reaches your collaborators and your critiquers, they will give you feedback and get it that much closer. It’s an iterative process, and I would much rather be a dedicated good-enougher than a lazy-perfectionist.
I started taking chances, and days shot forward like bullets from a gun. I have a new habit: when I become tired, cranky, and discouraged, thinking, “There’s no way; there’s just no way.” I stop working, eat some food, and go to bed. The situation always looks less dire in the morning.
Let’s be honest, just you and me: making 14 short films is nigh on impossible… if you’re going it alone. I realized that left to my own devices, it would take me the whole year just to produce a couple. If, however, I could find collaborators and partners, not only would the shorts happen faster, but the stories would be even richer because more than one imagination is involved. With this in mind, I reached out to other creatives, and was open and interested when creatives reached out to me.
As the verses go:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17
Thanks to this principle, inviting collaborators into the creative process who want to put their reps in and create work, I may indeed direct 14 short films in 2024.
There are windows of opportunity, narrow seasons in life that will close and pass us by if we are not alert to them, and don’t have the courage to make the sacrifice, take the leap, and chase after our dreams. In my case, it meant no longer holding back, and taking every single shot, every single opportunity that presents itself. I cannot deny, life is a lot more fun with the wind in my face.
Mark Baterson’s Book “Chase the Lion” articulates this beautifully and is hugely encouraging to anyone who has a 500 lb lion they want to hunt down. His mantra: “If your dream doesn’t scar you, it’s too small.” I highly recommend it.
One of the five scripts in development is “Double Trouble Bubblegum,” an action comedy in the style of David Leitch. Seeking to raise funds for this project (which will require stunts, mayhem, and a whole lot of ice cream) I submitted it to the “2024 Screencraft Film Fund Competition.” This competition awards up to three filmmakers a grant to produce their films.
Because the chances of winning one of these competitions are so rare, I try to forget about them as soon as I apply. That way if I get anywhere, it’s a pleasant surprise. I am thrilled to report that “Double Trouble Bubblegum” has just made it to the quarterfinalists! I’m hoping and praying it goes all the way, but regardless it’s always encouraging to hear that unbiased judges see the value in your creative work.
Until next time…
Adventure Awaits,
S. C. Durbois Newsletter
1st Saturday every month: a new original short story.
3rd Saturday every month: a writerly check-in with updates.
(Yes, I know, I’m a little late this month :)4th Saturday every month: a new chapter from “Bohan the Mage,” a dark academic fantasy novel. Subscriber access only.
“Roommate Generation” is in post-production. Get excited and stay tuned.
If you would like to support this new indie filmmaker, consider contributing financially to this 14-film-in-one-year-totally-insane-project!
What’s not to love? ;-)
I'm so proud of you and your hard work!
Well done finishing early and good luck 👍👍👍