"Trophy" is a short film I shot with friends in early 2013. Pictured are Jim McQuaid, Todd Tinkham, Rachel Silberman, and Mark Goodwillie.

“Trophy” is a short film I shot with friends in early 2013. Pictured are Jim McQuaid, Todd Tinkham, Rachael Silberman, and Mark Goodwillie.

I’ve been invited to screen two things I’ve worked on: Trophy and footage from Brewconomy. The screening is next Tuesday, March 31st, and it’s part of an event highlighting local female filmmakers.

It’s wonderful to share my work, especially when I can simply show up and enjoy it without worrying about planning the event! So delightful!

Screen shot from my short comedy film. Pictured here is Charlie Neufeld. The lady on the left side of the screen is my mom!

Screen shot from my short comedy film. Pictured here is Charlie Neufeld. The lady on the left side of the screen is my mom!

Trophy (2013) is a short comedy fiction film about that moment when a guy and a girl lock eyes for the first time. It’s less than one minute long.

For years I’d been studying the comedy scene known as a “black out,” where there’s a short set up for a joke and then the lights go black. To experiment with this idea I wrote the film Trophy. I’d also just spent five years making Abandoned Allies, my first feature-length film about the Vietnam War, and wanted to switch gears.

Two of the stars of "Trophy" are Mike Williams (left) and Davion Dante (right).

Two of the stars of “Trophy” are Mike Williams (left) and Davion Dante (right).

Making this film taught me so much, and I will always cherish the experience. It was a lot of firsts for me:

  • First time writing a fiction screenplay
  • First time running craft services
  • First time scouting and securing locations
  • First time working closely with talent (actors, director, specific crew)
  • First time working on costuming and styling for characters
  • First time cutting (editing) fiction footage

If you’re thinking of making a film, I highly recommend you pick up the camera and get started. Dreaming is great but it won’t make you a better filmmaker. Everyone starts somewhere. You learn SO much by doing.

My next film is Brewconomy, a documentary about N.C. craft beer.

My next film is Brewconomy, a documentary about N.C. craft beer.

The second piece of work they’re showing is footage from Brewconomy, my next documentary about the North Carolina craft beer industry and its impact on the state’s agriculture, community, and economy. We are very close to finishing the film, and hope to premiere it very soon.

Hops growing at Farm Boy Farms in Pittsboro, N.C.

Hops growing at Farm Boy Farms in Pittsboro, N.C.

Brewconomy was started in 2012, when I met Shane Johnstone. He had just given a talk about the craft beer industry, sharing details I’d never heard about even though I was already a big fan of craft beer. I had been working with the breweries to host TriFilm events, which is how TriFilm eventually led to Brewconomy.

We’ve been working on the film for years with the help of so many people. Last Monday we watched the latest rough cut, and I’m thrilled about how it’s coming together. We will have some exciting news to share very soon, so stay tuned.

At the screening on Tuesday, March 31st, they’ll also be screening short films by:

  • Monique Velasquez
  • Olivia Griego
  • Meredith Sause
  • Marilyn Hays
  • Julianna Thomas
  • Carol Housel

It’s great to be in such good company. I sincerely look forward to seeing everyone next week.

If you want to join us, get all of the details from their Facebook event page!