Thought I would update you on what I've been up to lately. I have a very dear friend, a young man with special needs. He's strong willed, just a joy to be around and when he came to me with something from his wish list I listened carefully. You see this young man of 37 years had a dream to one day have the opportunity to be offered a small bit part or extra role in a movie. Although he struggles with some disabilities he's never allowed them to interfere with his life. His support system comes from his loving family, extended family and close friends. If any of you were to spend just a few moments of your day with him you would immediately understand why he is loved by everyone his heart touches.
So, when Joey proposed this idea to me I started putting together a list of contacts in the business to see if there was a small role that he might fill. I started by emailing someone, a friend that has experience in producing, directing, writing and an actress in her own right. Well after explaining the situation I didn't need to contact anyone further. She was thrilled to help me fulfill Joey's dream and she started putting her thoughts to print and before you know it a "script was born" She went on to contact others and gathered a talented cast and crew. A location for filming was secured and several good-hearted people came calling to help in any way they could. With a "micro budget" consisting of donations from family and friends this production came together. You can just imagine the joy I felt when I had the pleasure of telling him; yes Joey you have a part in a movie production. Quoting his mother, "you haven't just made his day…you've made his life" My heartfelt thanks to everyone that dropped what they were doing to participate in this project.
We filmed this awesome short movie April 5, 2003 at an Orlando location and Joey was WONDERFUL! He was quite nervous at first, but with the help and guidance of the entire cast and crew his nervousness left him feeling at ease. He won the hearts of everyone and made this day of filming one that no one that was involved will likely ever forget. We have some very special people out there and I will never forget their kindness.
I'm sure you're all sitting there saying okay who are these wonderful people that made this happen? I'm pleased and honored to tell you that Katharine Leis, IKO Productions took on this project with open arms and knowing her as I do I wasn't surprised. You see it is the love of the art, the desire to create that drives her. If we're lucky along the way we get to meet and work with some wonderful people. Katharine is an exceptionally talented young woman and I thoroughly enjoyed working side by side with her on this film project. Many of the others Katharine contacted who offered their talents on "Perspective" are listed on the production site:
http://www.ikoproductions.com
Just click on the movie section, which will direct you to the Perspective banner link.
Surely is heartwarming to know that it's not always about money and equally heartwarming to see how each and every person that was involved gave 110% to make Joey's dream come true. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this special story with you. In addition to the official site of "Perspective" please visit and meet Joey on his website:
http://www.geocities.com/sherimodel/JoeyBassi.html
Best regards,
Sheri Lawrence
www.geocities.com/sherimodel/enter
"Stay Focused And Follow Your Dream"
Got any indie news you'd like posted here? Send it in to either Crazedfanboy1@aol.com or nolan@crazedfanboy.com, and I'll get it up ASAP!
