It’s always bittersweet when a good project ends. Or, as the case may be, transitions.

For over 2 years now I have focused my efforts towards the short film Aphasia, a project that I was asked to be a part in Feb of 2010. I think it is fair to say that none of my producing partners (Jim Gloster, Chuck & Tonya Bludsworth) or I thought the project would be nearly as successful as it has turned out to be, or that it would have taken on a life of its own in the way that it has. Mostly, we wanted to give our friend Charlotte theatre and film actor Carl McIntyre a chance to tell his story and in the process, provide an opportunity to allow him to take back some of what the stroke stole from him at 44: his ability to make a living. The entire Charlotte film community came together to help us film the project in March of 2010; over 40 screenings later with events and film festivals across the US, including  LA and NYC, and in 4 counties internationally, it all feels quite surreal. We all wore many hats during the project; as Executive Producer, mine ranged initially from fundraiser, to on-set documentation, and then to premier event planner for the two events we held for the film in Chapel Hill and Charlotte. I was on set every day and found the process of watching it all come together completely exhilarating. After our premiere in May 2010, my jobs moved on to public relations/marketing to booking/ sales agent for the film and it’s star, Carl McIntyre. After much hard work from Chuck Bludsworth researching various distribution companies and filming educational & informative dvd extras, on April 27, 2012 we held our DVD release party and got to celebrate the artists responsible for the film one more time before we released the DVD to the world. Carl traveled immediately to Seattle to keynote a convention of Neurology nurses the day after our release here in Charlotte and sold every DVD he brought with him: somewhere in the neighborhood of 200. They have been selling quickly and steadily ever since-you can purchase one here. 

Carl continues to tour with Aphasia and will have an Australian premiere in August when he takes the film to Sydney. He continues to have upcoming dates as a public speaker traveling with the film, and his bookings and tour dates are now being managed by JTA talent.  There is much positive talk of other projects in the works for Carl and I know he will take full advantage of these opportunities. 

Sometimes, the project doesn’t really end as much as it transitions. Other very qualified people need to become a part to allow it to move to its next natural growth phase. In my mind, it’s what I imagine sending your kid off to college must be like: you’ve gotten him ready, and he’s ready go- but everyone’s a little nervous and happy and sad all at the same time.

But, closing the door on one great project does leave room for the next great thing to come along…