Your Stage : The Film Making Saga by Samuel Chambers

Entry 011

I took the time to refine my pitch, striving to improve as I knocked on doors and shared my project with anyone willing to listen. There were moments it felt hopeless—rejection after rejection, “no” after “no.” But deep down, I knew this was part of the process, and I pushed forward.

In the middle of it all, I ran into an old teacher of mine. That encounter stood out like a ray of light in the darkness. Her warm, encouraging words reminded me of why I started this journey and why I can’t give up, no matter how tough it feels. It was a much-needed reminder that this path, as challenging as it may be, is worth it.

With that boost, I kept pitching my idea, and something shifted. I began to look forward to each opportunity to share what I’ve been working on. For anyone following my journey, let me say this: Keep going. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, every move you make matters. It all adds up, even if you can’t see the results yet.

This week, I received valuable feedback from Emmet on the script. He had some great insights:

“This piece effectively sets up the characters’ struggle, but Tony needs a stronger presence to balance Asher’s dominance in delivering lines and building tension. Show Tony’s perspective through dialogue and reactions to clarify his stance. Additionally, the backstory between Tony and Asher feels too vague—consider revealing more specifics about their shared history and the ‘promise’ to better engage a fresh audience. The voice and tone are strong—great work!”

Hearing this confirmed what I suspected, but it also opened my eyes to areas of improvement for “The Constant Reminder”. I’m already brainstorming ways to better balance Tony and Asher’s dynamic while adding depth to their shared history. For now, though, I’m focusing on other stages of the project, like the documentary series. Building out that context will give the script more richness later.

Progress on the crowdfunding campaign has been steady, albeit slow. I’m averaging one supporter per day, with five people currently backing “TTB?” The goal is ambitious: 4,082 supporters to move on to Act 1. It’s a big number, but I believe in the process and the vision. One person, one conversation at a time—that’s how we’ll make it happen.

To gain momentum, I’m asking current supporters to shout out the project on social media. A simple tag or mention on their story could make a big difference in reaching new people. Crowdfunding isn’t just about raising money; it’s about building a community and creating connections.

This journey has been an eye-opening experience. You meet all kinds of people—some genuinely cool and eager to help, and others who dismiss you with a glance. Honestly, I’d rather hear a straight “no” than polite indifference. At least with honesty, you know where you stand.

To anyone building something from scratch, my advice is this: Use every resource, every connection, and every moment you have. Ask for referrals from supporters, celebrate small wins, and share your progress. Every step forward builds momentum, and momentum creates opportunities.

This process isn’t easy—it’s a daily grind that tests your patience, resilience, and faith. But it’s also rewarding in ways I can’t fully explain. Every “yes” feels like a victory, a step closer to making this dream a reality.

The mental fight to continue is a battle in itself. Some people can handle it; others might falter. For me, it’s not an option to give up. I made a promise, and I’m determined to see it through. Even if it means going to a different city and knocking on more doors, I’ll do it.

As I close this chapter of 2024 and prepare for what’s ahead, I want to say: Happy New Year to everyone! May 2025 bring us all prosperity, progress, and purpose. Let’s keep striving. One door at a time, one step closer to making our dreams a reality.

1/1/2025