Our Executive Producer's Personal Story: How to accomplish your biggest dream!
Often times, we have lots we want to accomplish; which can seem scary if you feel you don't have the resources, time, or knowledge of how to start! As the writer and executive producer of Harper's Radar, I thought I'd share my story and advice in hopes to inspire someone else to simply go for it!
Back in December 2015, I knew I wanted to pursue acting even more than I had previously done and I knew I wanted to have a consistent career in the industry. I'd waited two years for my "big break" and, while I'd gotten some roles (thank GOD!), I hadn't been getting casting notices for projects I could see myself being part of... So, what did I do? I created my own project. My own story... I started writing a scripted series (Harper's Radar). Little did I know how much time, effort, money, and resources I would need to accomplish what had become my biggest task to date.
*Alexis Harris (me) as "Harper" day one of filming, April 2016.
With the Lord's guidance, I finished the script in a week or so. Then, it was time to hire crew members (videographers, directors, production assistants, casting directors, etc.). After asking friends to help me cast actors to work on the show, we scheduled casting calls. Nearly 200 people showed up to audition for the show!
A couple of weeks later, we cast actors for each role and had our first cast and crew meet & greet - it was a blast!
Then, after putting together a shooting schedule, securing filming locations and permits, and issuing contracts to cast and crew, we were ready to begin filming!
Filming began in April 2016 (four months after I had written the script), and this was the moment I had been waiting for... or so I thought! It was super FUN, but tough. Fun because I got to do what I love (ACT), but tough because I simultaneously had to keep an eye on the managerial side of things. I'm very blessed to have had my family by my side because anything I asked them to do, they did. (Side note: The Lord will provide the right people, resources, and opportunities at just the right time).
*Clowning with my co-star, Anna Caudle. Day one of filming, April 2016.
Was I stressed? Of course. Was I nervous? Of course. If I'm honest, I still am. We made it through 10 weeks of filming and now we are in post-production. This means the episodes are being edited, the music is being added, and the credits and special effects are being placed. In two weeks, the trailer will air on a few TV networks and I'm excited about the reviews and hopeful that it will generate much traffic to our site and attention to our show!
In June 2016, I began a GoFundMe campaign for the series to help with advertising efforts, filming costs, and the production of a second season of the show. My hope and prayer is that the series will get picked up by a major network before the year is out! The fundraising campaign is doing great so far, and the series has not even premiered yet. I've prayed time and time again and asked God to touch people's hearts and cause them to give. He has done just that and I'm grateful...
Don't be afraid to ask for help (financial or otherwise). When you have a big dream in your heart, you can't accomplish it on your own. Commit your plans to the Lord and they will succeed. This is just the beginning of my story! Cheers to many more years of God's goodness.
My biggest tips
1. Write: Create your own content, story, and opportunity!
2. Ask for help!
3. Map out a plan (but be open to changes, be adaptable)!
4. Look for free resources available online and elsewhere, build a website, and make social media accounts for your project!
5. Take one little step at a time. Commit your plans to the Lord. You "got" this! (Philippians 4:13 was our motto for each day of filming!)
Love, laughter, and happiness,
Alexis Harris
Creator/Executive Producer
Harper's Radar Scripted Series
www.HarpersRadar.com
(423) 580-4859
