EARRINGS: One Year Later

One year ago today (or tomorrow, technically) I released my short film, Earrings on this site, and wow, what a year it has been.

I spent one year of my life making Earrings. From development to distribution – one year. I put myself through tremendous physical exhaustion (relating mostly to sleep deprivation), absorbed a chunk of my savings, and on and on. But I had you. My faithful readers who stuck with me throughout. My dear digital family who cared, watched, and lent a kind word. You helped me make it through, and for that, I will be forever grateful. Whether you left a blog comment, sent a tweet, liked a Facebook status, sent me a kind email, or simply clicked ‘Play’ on the movie: thank you. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Now, the question I’ve received most from people in the past year is “What’s next?” In January, I wrote a feature length script based on an idea I’ve had for a while. The script is about love, loss, longing and regret. It’s about teasing yourself with a question of “What if?” It’s also very loosely related to Earrings, which is sort of fun in a self-reflexive kind of way. When I locked the script, I sent it to a few people and didn’t think much of it. My only request was that they read it for themselves and not show it to anyone. They didn’t listen. They sent it to people who sent it to people, and eventually, I got a call. Long story short, some people have decided to make my dream come true by giving me some money to make my next film. I honestly cannot believe I just typed that sentence. This is my life long dream, in motion.

I always told myself that I would let Earrings live organically. I would put it online for free and let it grow or die how the world saw fit. And apparently, a few genuinely amazing people trust my vision and are basing what they like about Earrings on their decision to help fund my next film. So, my next project is underway, but I can’t do it here. I can’t do it where I live, in Virginia, because that isn’t where the action is. So right now, I am making my way across the country and moving to Los Angeles. Moving to L.A. is something I’ve always envisioned for myself, and the fact that it is finally here is nothing short of surreal.

Thank you all again for making this past year one of the most memorable years of my life. I put my heart and soul into Earrings, and your support and gratitude has humbled me tremendously. I’m planning a few fun posts for the next few days, but when I’m finally settled next week, I’ll be on California time.

Thanks again everyone!

Alex

Watch EARRINGS here: