Let your mission be where your heart is

Film lights me up inside like nothing else can. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my husband more then my life itself. But film, as a career, as a passion, is so thrilling. It's part of my makeup. It's written in my DNA and we all know Who did that.

It is a pure delight to me to serve the way we serve while we make our films. I consider us on the mission field, as unconventional as it may seem. There is just as much need, if not more in some respects, here then any place on earth. The weeks recent celebrity news serves as small testimony to the work yet to be done here.

I know many of you keep us in yours prayer in this respect, and I can't thank you enough for that. We need it. We love it. And it is a feeling of solidarity, camaraderie that we get when we find others in the industry with the same focus and goals as Adam and I.

We have been blessed by just such a friendship and I am -- well I'm so touched and so pleased to be able to bring this story to you. M Power Pictures is releasing their cinematic masterpiece The Stoning of Soraya M. tomorrow at a theater near you. The synopsis is as follows:

Stranded in a remote Iranian village, a French journalist is approached by Zahra, a woman who has a harrowing tale to tell about her niece, Soraya, and the bloody circumstances of her death the day before...

As the journalist turns on his tape recorder, Zahra takes us back to the beginning of her story which involves Soraya's husband, the local phony mullah, and a town all too easily led down a path of deceit, coercion, and hysteria. The women, stripped of all rights and without recourse, nobly confront the overwhelming desires of corrupt men who use and abuse their authority to condemn Soraya, an innocent but inconvenient wife, to an unjust and torturous death.

A shocking and true drama, it exposes the dark power of mob rule, uncivil law, and the utter lack of human rights for women. The last and only hope for some measure of justice lies in the hands of the journalist who must escape with the story -- and his life -- so the world will know.

It is an amazing story that is unfolding before our eyes at this very moment. Truth, injustice and basic human rights are brought into focus through a wonderful cast starring Shohreh Aghdashloo, Mozhan Marno and Jim Caviezel including Navid Neahban, David Diaan, Ali Pourtash, and Parviz Sayyad; directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh.

I cannot stress to you all enough -- this is our heart. This is a story that needed to be told by people who have the heart, they love, the experience and the means to bring it into the light. These are people who have the same passion and desire and purpose as Adam and I. We are truly blessed by our relationships with them.

Please visit their website: www.thestoning.com to learn more about this incredible film and to find a theater in your area. I cannot recommend a movie more highly to you. However, I will warn that the picture has been rated R for the violence that is inherent with this type of film.

I hope you all have the opportunity to experience this picture. If you do, please let me know your thoughts and feelings on it, or if you have any questions before you go please don't hesitate to email me. I'd love to discuss it further with you. If you'd like to write a personal message to the producers at M Power Pictures, I'd be happy to pass it along for you.

Thanks again for supporting all of us out here trying to live the difference you'd like to see in this world. I know we're few, sometimes not as prominent or hiding from view, but we're here, making a difference every day.

I'm sorry, what?

I can only start by saying I'm learning a lot lately. My ways aren't always the right ways and there are surprises around every corner.

This past weekend I was removed from Facebook. Not a huge deal... just the main way I keep in touch with friends and family, my brothers in Iraq, keep you all updated on the movie....

But that blog has already been written.

It was tough to get through those couple of days without it. (I'm finally back up as of this afternoon!!) I felt disconnected, like I was missing opportunities to talk with friends and to get the word out about all the fun things we have planned for the website. Ridiculous I know -- it even surprised me how attached I was.

I'm glad I had the time though. It made both Adam and I slow down a little bit, appreciate what we have, where we are and where we're going. And I realize now more then ever that what I think is best and efficient might not be God's best. He moves things in ways I'll never understand and puts people places that honestly makes no sense at all, but they happen to be there for us.

This week we saw this first hand. Whether it was a passing kind word from a stranger or a random Hollywood connection or a donation from out of the blue....

So far, since we launched the website less then a week ago we have raised over $2000. I hope this seems as absolutely amazing to you as it does to us. We've had friends from college reconnect with us through the site -- and then donate! Dear friends of ours shocked the socks off me by handing us a check for so much more then I ever, ever dreamed. We have been blessed. Truly, and beyond measure. We never imagined this response from so many people.

And it doesn't stop there by a long shot! A girlfriends mom called me up from Virginia with a Hollywood connection I would have never known she had. Family in Texas has referred several people to us willing to help us in any way they can. Music help from Virginia and Michigan has been pouring in. Editing space in California and North Carolina has been offered. And our dear Regent alums in LA have bent over backwards to donate their time, connections - even food to the cause.

I'm so thankful for this week. It's taken the blinders off and returned the focus to the right place. My -- our -- work on this film is important. We know the job that has been set before us and I feel like we're running at it full-speed, face first. But it's always good to have those reminders thrown in. That I can be doing all the work to get to the goal... but what's the goal for? I'm remembering why I'm running towards that goal again.

Thank you friends and family for your love towards both of us, your patience as we make mistakes, your encouragement as we march along on this journey, your so, so generous donations towards what we know will move mountains in its own way and your prayers on our behalf -- not just for the film, the crew and the people we work with but for Adam and I personally.

We love to keep you updated and what kind of producer would I be if I didn't point you in the right direction. A new Producer's blog is up and a new Article will be out tomorrow-ish. Keep checking back as things are changing daily.

As I say every day -- we're so thankful for each one of you. We would never be here without you.



www.suddendeaththemovie.com

Glitch in the system

I know I've written this before but sometimes I need to be smacked over the head to slow down. I'm ready to go, move, do, get, find, raise money -- yup, that one's fairly new. I'm a girl on the move. I don't have time to do things like eat. And I do forget... frequently.

So I think I just got a reminder to slow down. A reminder that Melanie does not control anything really and it's to be left, safely in Gods hands. As silly as it sounds, and it sounds kind of ridiculous, my Facebook page has been disabled. I'm not exactly sure what it was that I did (my case is being "reviewed") but I think I posted too many times. I wasn't really sure that was possible but then again I am a rebel...

I use Facebook multiple times a day. Keeping up with my grandma, sharing goofy moments with my mom, staying in touch with my best girlfriends back home, and more importantly right now, it's the only way I keep up with my brothers in Iraq. Lately, as I'm sure most of you are aware, I've been using it to get the word out about Adam's thesis film - Sudden Death! (apparently Facebook is not to be used for self promotion)

But I think maybe I was getting a little too obsessive about the "checking." Who messaged me? What do they need? Do they want to know more about the movie? It's more mentally exhausting then anything. And now it's gone. I do miss it. I'm afraid of what I'm missing. That my brother might be on right now and I can't say hi. Or even just to know that for today he's online and safe. But it's made me take a hard look at an issue I've been avoiding. I'm not in control; God is. I can't fix the world. This film is going to happen regardless of how many times I check my Facebook and whether or not I update every hour on the hour. (yes, it was getting that bad) All I can do is my best. And obessiveness is not my best.

I do hope I get my Facebook page back. Right now every trace of me there is gone. But I hope that when I do get it back I'm a little wiser with my time and more protective of my heart. That I remember Who is in control... ps, it's not me.

So for all my friends out there, I'm sorry for just dropping off the face of the earth. I haven't deleted you or deleted myself. I guess I just needed to slow down.

www.suddendeaththemovie.com

The Website has Launched!!

We truly, truly can't tell you all how much we appreciate your support and encouragement over the past few months. We couldn't come to this place without you!

I'm so pleased and proud to announce the launch of our brand new Sudden Death! website! Adam has worked tirelessly on it and I couldn't be more impressed with his work. It looks fantastic. I'm so happy you're now able to see the fruit of his labor, and we look forward to getting your feedback!

Check it out at: www.suddendeaththemovie.com

Be sure to catch up on our new production blogs, news and articles. It's a lot of fun.

If you have any questions or would like more information please don't hesitate to contact me at: info@suddendeaththemovie.com

Thanks again -- I won't ever be able to say it enough!

Burying peanuts

I haven't counted but I can probably identify a couple hundred different types of birds. I know the difference between a white tailed deer, black tailed deer and mule deer. I know which shiny, three leafed bushes to stay away from in the woods...

There was a lot of non-book knowledge we learned as kids but mom's favorite topics seemed to fall along two subjects: history and nature. It's no surprise that wildlife isn't a regular in LA. But occasionally I see something, be it ever so simple, that brings me home again.

This week as we were settling in from the move I noticed a bag of opened peanuts in the back of our cupboard. I wasn't sure how long they had been there... so I was pretty much done with them. Instead of throwing them away though, I decided to experiment with them. I placed a few on our balcony and waited.

The day went by --- and nothing. The next morning went by. Nothing.

By the afternoon I went back in the bedroom and noticed all the peanuts were gone. I'll be honest, I was a little bit excited. On the second floor in LA it's either a squirrel or hungry kids next door. Not a lot of options.

So I threw a few more out on the balcony. Five to be exact. Every now and then, while rooting around in the bedroom, I'd check the door to see if they were still there. After a few hours I noticed there were only 3 peanuts. My bandit had struck again! As I waited I saw a furry face pop up from the tree below and grab another peanut. Instead of eating it on the spot he hopped back to the tree, across the balcony's below and into the bushes... where he promptly buried it.

One by one, he took the peanuts and buried them below. Saving for the brutal winter's southern California is so famous for, I'm sure. But he made me think about preparation and getting my "nuts" in order. (I have no ducks...) That's what Adam and I have been trying to do with this film. And I hope we're being successful.

Our latest step towards the success of the film is a website Adam's been working tirelessly on. I'm so looking forward to getting this out to all of you tomorrow! We're excited to get your feedback but I know you'll love it. It really looks fantastic.

So we'll keep you posted as the hours wind down and we officially post the Sudden Death! website! Thank you all for making our dreams a reality and for your support and encouragement towards this great adventure. This just wouldn't be possible without you.

It's chicken...

I have Night at the Museum on in the background. Little distracting but a great movie. I like to have something on when Adam's not home and I'm doing the little things -- dishes, cleaning, stuffing 200 envelopes. Little things.

Adam's been so busy lately but I think you'll all love the fruit of his labor. The website is coming along quickly and it looks amazing! I'm so proud of him. We'll be launching on Wednesday so keep your eyes and ears open -- blogs will be coming pointing you in the right direction.

I'm finishing up letters and reorganizing the details of our move. I'd like to have it done before Adam's parents arrive next week. Looking forward to their visit! I miss family.

But the roses are blooming on the porch, our fishy is alive and well, boxes are being sent to Iraq, the apartment's coming together, and, that in the oven? Oh, it's chicken...

Now for a short commercial break

Finally -- dear friends and family -- we are moved into our new, temporary apartment. Hallelujah! What a huge blessing!

I am so sorry for our absence (and for all the email and facebook messages I haven't gotten to yet!) -- please accept my apologies! Sometimes it hard to take a break...

Adam has been a very busy guy:

* He's rewritten the script and is planning to type it up sometime tonight or tomorrow. (see prayer request below!)

* He moved... and moved... and moved... between classes and his internship.

* With a desperate plea from his wife he removed both sets of closet doors and frames from both apartments and switched them. What a wonderful husband I have!

* He's currently working on getting our WEBSITE up and running. Yes, I'm really excited about it. Adam's got some great ideas. You all know how creative he is.

* We were just asked to submit a write up for our Regent alum news re: Sudden Death!

We're working on our support letters and quick, easy ways for our friends and family to donate to the project. I know we've said it a million times -- and I'm sure I'll say it a million more -- but we truly couldn't do this without you and your support. We are so grateful for you.

As things move along Adam and I are preparing in every way we possibly can, but bumps, we know, will come our way. (another day, another blog...) We've hit one and we'd love your prayers!

We caught a bug. Well, not us as much as our trusty ol' desktop... which currently won't start. So in amongst moving Adam's also been trying to trouble shoot this issue. He's been at it almost every night for a week. It's not that we're without computer, obviously, but our main computer. The one with the script - and script software, budget, schedule, pictures, Photoshop... You get the idea. A slight necessity is film software when trying to make a film.

Please pray for Adam. I know it's frustrating when everything that's supposed to work won't. I'm just praying for a lot of peace for him. And obviously for the reinstitution of our computer.



Looks like my "short commercial break" turned into a 5 minute spot. Back to work!