I'm Lucky.

Something that I never had to worry about when I chose to pursue filmmaking was whether my family would support me. I never had to worry about if people believed in me, believed that I could do this.

So, I want to quickly write a thank you to my support system. I refuse to wait until I am on a stage to thank them (and even if that does happen someday, I won't have the time to thank everyone in depth enough).

Like I've said in previous posts, I've been writing stories and filming just about everything I could since I was about seven years old. I didn't know I was born to be a storyteller, but my mom did. I can't recall the exact moment that I told my mom I wanted to go to school for film, but I know her reaction was essentially, "It's about time." My mom has never doubted me or my dreams. She's expressed that it would be hard, but that she knew I was determined enough to do it. She's been on the sidelines (and sometimes on set and in my films) cheering me on every step of the way, allowing me to film in our house multiple times, acted as Craft Services (and kicked butt), and donated more than she should have. While my films are a culmination of my blood, sweat, and tears they are also a culmination of my mothers.

My sister. My sister has been a rock for me and I'm not sure that she knows it. Along my filmmaking career, I've had my fair share of doubts. But my sister has always been there letting me know that I have to keep going, because I am talented and because she knows that I can do it and that I should be making films. She's helped with my films (and forced her boyfriend too) and cheered me on at screenings. She's also been gracious enough to offer me a couch should I ever need it.

My family (including my camp family) and friends. I never would've expected that so many people believed in me to pursue my dreams. My family and friends have donated their money so that I could get my films made, been extras in many of those films, have listened to me complain about complications after a long day on set and talk about what's happening in the industry, and ignored me as I speak during movies talking about small continuity mistakes and talking about things I would've done differently. They've asked, hours after I've completed filming, when they can watch the film and when my screenings are. They've asked to walk red carpets with me, because they are so sure that I am going to make it as a successful director.

I never had to explain to the people around me why I wanted to be a filmmaker. As much as it made sense to my mother, it also made sense to everyone else.

So, thank you! <3

Set Photo 4 (Fall 2016): A photo of me (red shirt) directing my sophomore year, P2 film, "Speechless."