I posted in the Filmmaker's lounge that as of Friday, I was able to get a worldwide distribution deal for a friend's movie "Transient", from when I was in Cannes this past May. It got me thinking. I haven't been at this game for very long (only five years) and there have been a lot of "firsts" for me since the opening bell.
On the Acting side of things, the first time I got a SAG commercial was special. The first time I could barely make out that I was actually in "Guardians of the Galaxy 3" made me cry in the theatre. The first time my kids saw me on TV doing a crime recreation on the ID Network was pretty cool too. The first time I acted in a feature film that would go on to win Best Indie of the Year (according to Film Threat in 2023), was astounding!
There are so many firsts. I'd love to hear about your favorite firsts and why they stick with you after so long.
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Congratulations on all your firsts, Brandon Keeton! Another one of my favorite firsts is when I wrote a short script for an actress I met on Stage 32. She wanted me to write a script (simple and cheap) so she could film it and act in it. The film didn't get made, but that first stuck with me because it showed me I don't just have to work with producers and directors to get my work made. I can work with actors and actresses too.
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Maurice Vaughan VERY true! Finding your own "tribe" is essential to at least keep working at a decent pace. Over the past five years I have quite the tribe here in Central PA. We all write parts for each other and take turns producing, directing, acting, writing, raising money, etc. I've even been the crafty guy or the transpo guy sometimes, if it means helping friends. It was sort of a feather in the cap to help them get a worldwide distro for their film. Our next project is in March. Fingers crossed!
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That's great, Brandon Keeton! Looking forward to checking out all your projects, Transient, and the project in March!
Did you see this blog about Stage 32 Certification partnering with Central Pennsylvania Film Commission? www.stage32.com/blog/stage-32-certification-partners-with-central-pennsy...
Johntrae Williams wrote the blog. You might want to connect with him.
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This is a great question Brandon Keeton My first acting job was in a church play when I was like 10 may be. It was just voiceover as God so I wasn't even seen, and all I really did was read. I had so much fun and got a lot of praise, that I had to act again. My first actual onstage performance was the Bumblebee in THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH in 6th grade. I loved that costume.
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Maurice Vaughan I did! I think I'm the one that made the connection for them.
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Suzanne Bronson Sweet! I didn't act at all until high school. Then I won a scholarship to Morehead State University in Ky but I joined the Marine Corps instead. Worked my way back around 30 some odd years later! Lol!
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Brandon Keeton so inspired and impressed by your firsts which are testament to your talent and courage. May they keep flowing!
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Wow, Brandon Keeton, what a beautiful collection of milestones. It’s incredible how each “first” carries a different kind of magic, and your journey is such a great reminder of why we keep showing up for the work.
My favorite first was the moment a writer and producer I had respected since I was young thanked me for my script notes on a project we were developing. They told me my suggestions were truly helpful, and honestly, it was the best feeling in the world. That moment of being seen and valued for my creative input stayed with me.
Those firsts are the building blocks of something really meaningful.
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Ashley Renee Smith Just letting someone know that they are appreciated for their efforts is one of the leadership tools one can use to keep people on the team and working. Everyone loves a little pat on the back once in a while.
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So true, Brandon Keeton!