A Birthday, a Rough Cut, and What’s Next

It’s been a while since my last post, but this feels like the perfect time to check in. Today’s my birthday — and honestly, there’s no better gift than where I’m at right now.

We’re officially in post-production on The First Save. A few weeks ago, I shared the first rough cut with my producing team and a handful of close friends. The feedback has been incredible. Watching it all come together has felt like reliving that amazing weekend over and over again — the late nights, the quiet moments, and the energy everyone brought to set.

This part of the process is slower, quieter, and more introspective than production, but it’s also deeply rewarding. You start to see how all the little details — the performances, the lighting, the sound — combine to create something that truly lives on screen. Every time I open the edit, I’m reminded of the heart and history behind The First Save.

On top of that, there have been a few exciting developments. I recently had a great conversation with a producer in Los Angeles who asked to read the Freedom House feature script — a big step forward for what this story could become. And just last week, I found out I was selected as a finalist in a screenwriting competition. I’ll find out the results in mid-November, but no matter what happens, it’s a milestone worth celebrating.

Right now, my focus is on getting The First Save ready for the Cleveland International Film Festival. The regular deadline is December 19, and I’m working toward having a festival-ready cut well before then. It’s exciting — and a little nerve-wracking — but mostly, it feels like forward motion.

As I look back on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude. For everyone who believed in this story. For the cast and crew who gave their all. And for all of you who’ve followed along, shared words of encouragement, or simply hit “like” when you saw a post pop up. It all matters.

Here’s to another year of creating, growing, and telling stories that matter.