They say as we get older, we get wiser! Well, my 37th year of life taught me a lot, showed me a lot and cost me a lot!
This past year cost me Three amazing people in my life. A year ago at this exact time I lost a dear
friend and colleague who probably taught me more about production than I even taught
him. Rest in Peace Matt Romano! Next, about 8 months ago I lost an old friend
from growing up. I know we hadn’t been
as close over these recent years, but shared so many memories. I wish I could have been there more for him. Rest In Peace Jereme Hartwig! And finally, in March I had to say good bye
to the most important women in my life, my mother. It’s impossible to say good bye to one of your
best friends, especially when she was the reason I am here in the first
place. She helped me grow into the man I
am today and I hope I will continue to make her proud. Rest In Peace Kathleen Ann Fries-Cabral, MOM!
This past year has shown me a lot! I’ve had the great privilege of working on
some great projects with some amazing people.
I’m about the start the 7th feature film project I’ve been
able to work on since August 2012. I’ve also
worked on a few reality shows, commercials, and short films. I’ve been fortunate enough to see production
from just about every position, behind AND in front of the camera. This year I even helped produced a feature
film. It had its problems, but I’m
excited to see the outcome once post-production is finished. On the other hand, a short film I helped
produce last year, Solitaire, was selected to play at the Cannes Shorts
Corner.
Finally, life helped me realize my true potential. Now I have some amazing, and mean AMAZING
friends who regularly remind me of how much I am capable of achieving. But two milestones stood out and shocked
me. Like a wakeup call that I am ready
to climb to the next level. First, just
before my 37th birthday I was offered representation for my
adventures in front of the camera and behind a microphone. Of course, I accepted, and I am proudly
represented by Mandi Morris and the Azalea Agency in St. Louis. The
second is probably one of the proudest moments of my life. It culminated in January when, while my 14th
year working for the Sundance Film Festival was getting under way, I was
blessed to hear the words “Welcome to the Directors Guild of America”. Yes, I am a qualified First Assistant
Director in the DGA!
Now, as I look forward, striving to improve myself is my
primary goal. These improvements include
getting in shape, cleaning my house, revamping my website, looking for bigger
films to work on, and even crossing that line and finally directing the short
films I have been talking about for so long.
I will succeed and I look forward to sharing this success with all of
you. Thanks to each and every one of you
has believed in me and helped me see my true potential.
