Every project starts from somewhere emotionally—and this one started as creative recovery from some pretty severe burnout.But that has nothing to do with how I was introduced to three times Paralympian Lizzi Smith (now competing in Paris on September 6 and 9—watch via Peacock!), or why Invisalign bought the project. Let’s start from the beginning. Finding the StoryI was introduced to Lizzi through a fellow producer and EP who also happened to represent her as an athlete. He’d seen “The Good Wolf”, a short sports documentary I’d shot and directed about six years ago and we’d casually kept in touch, championing each other’s work in the interim.A great reminder on why building relationships over time is important.He suggested I meet Lizzi for coffee while in Austin for a film premiere in October 2023—where we had a soulful conversation about her story, what she was wanted to share, and what was important to her. No pressure or expectations or brands.After mulling over her story and what she wanted to say, I pitched a story direction to her that she connected with, created a deck, and then pitched a few brands on her story and what we could do.They all said no.However her story really, really resonated with me as a filmmaker on a number of levels. It was about being defined by more than the thing you do. About finding confidence in yourself. About believing you are enough. All things that continue to challenge me—and I loved how she spoke about...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Friday, 13 September, 2024