You guys. Last week was so incredible. I’m still pinching myself.
I’m still processing everything. Still reveling in what a great week I had. Still trying to recover from all the hustle and bustle and joy and appreciation.
Here’s a quick recap for those that are curious about what’s shakin’ in my world.
On location at Busy Bee shooting a short film on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
Last week I shot my first narrative short film. It’s a little comedy. Very straight-forward and fun.
It’s an experiment to see what it’s like to have my screenplay turned into a real film. A chance to see what it’s like to be a producer on a film. An opportunity to work closely with a director, set up a shoot, and build a solid cast and crew. It’s a chance to work on something with a much shorter turn-around time.
The entire day was truly rewarding. Everyone on set was amazing. We had so many laughs and great moments. And one of my favorite things happened: some of my favorite people got to meet and become friends.
It was, in a word, incredible.
Q&A session after the screening of “Abandoned Allies” at Meredith College on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.
The very next day I screened my first feature-length film, Abandoned Allies, at Meredith College — my alma mater. I got to visit my old stompin’ grounds, hug some of my favorite MC people, and share this film with the Meredith community. We had a great turn out. The question and answer session after the screening was intense, lively, and interesting
The entire evening was amazing. I was so humbled by the chance to show my latest creative work with the professors that helped shape me at such a young and impressionable age. The same folks who put up with whatever junk I threw out, thinking I was brilliant at the time. The same folks who nurtured me and showed me how to be an artist — an own that. Just being back on campus felt great. The whole evening was fabulous.
It was, in a word, incredible.
On Saturday night the great news about a Montagnard family being reunited aired on WRAL-TV. I couldn’t be happier about this story since the family has been separated for about six years. You can watch the story at abandonedallies.com.
I really appreciate the work Sally Smith did to help that story make it on air. She has been incredibly supportive of Abandoned Allies for years, and I’m most appreciative. Sally was always the one to ask if I was alright when she saw me crying into my keyboard as I edited Abandoned Allies on a tiny 12″ screen on a G5 that was several years past its prime. She’s an incredible woman, and I feel lucky to call her a friend. Any excuse to chat with her or spend time together is always appreciated, and I’m so glad this story seems to have worked out well for everyone.
It was, in a word, incredible.
We took questions from the audience after the screening of “Abandoned Allies” at IMAX at Marbles on Sunday, February 3, 2013. Left to right is yours truly, Surry Roberts, and George Shepard. Photo by John Havel.
Then Superbowl Sunday arrived pretty quickly. My fella and I had lunch with friends at one of my favorite spots in downtown Raleigh, N.C., before we walked over to IMAX at Marbles to set up for the next screenings of Abandoned Allies. I was a nervous wreck, knowing I had to emcee the Q&A session that day. Things ran smoothly, though, and the entire afternoon felt like a huge success.
Showing your first feature-length film in an IMAX theater on the largest screen in the state? To a captive audience? That applauds as the end credits scroll? Yeah, that’s a great feeling!
It is, in a word, incredible.
Last week was full of so many great moments. I will cherish them all for many years. Every day I feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by smart, kind, good, and generous people. I find myself filled with love for the Triangle area all over again.
Thank you all for the support. You sure know how to make a girl feel loved. I’m so humbled by all the words of encouragement. Thank you, thank you, thank you!