i have accomplished something miraculous and if i don't write about it, the opportunity will pass me by and i'll not give it the recognition it deserves.  it's an easy thing to not give oneself credit for finally putting themselves out there with the creativity that god has given them.  i am just about finished filming a "sizzle reel" of my script "how i survived the sixties."  i have some of the most beautiful and talented people in hollywood helping me get this going.  i have a website, be it ever so humble, that people can read about my project: 

www.soulucetfilms.vpweb.com

i have had very little funding but because of having a fiscal sponsor, from the heart productions, a good friend who needed a tax write off donated $6000 and i was able to secure an exceptional crew.  my dp is awesome, cristian grigore, from romania.  my director, ellen gerstein, is one of the top acting coaches in los angeles and has such a passion for the material. my actors are truly amazing.  i have been blessed beyond imagining and also very grateful.  i have not really done anything like this before.  i wore a lot of hats, i produced, wrote, acted, cast and also did the wardrobe on this project and i really want to give my self some props.  i'm so happy i didn't attempt to make a feature film right off the bat.  making the sizzle reel has introduced me to the machinations of what it takes to make a film.  how everyone needs to work together in harmony, become a family, how easy it is to over budget, etc.

i'm not proud or arrogant about this work. i know one can fall hard from high places but if i don't share this story, and even if only one person reads this, i might miss giving someone else the inspiration they need to proceed with their own project.  we all need inspiration in our lives.

i have a vision.  some of it is manifesting as i write this.  i don't want to see violence anymore and i'm sure there are others who feel the same way.  i lived as a hippie in the late sixties, and i knew some amazing people.  i want to tell this story, of how i survived the sixties.  many did not.  i had a baby when i was 18 years old with no family or husband to help me and i want to honor the many people that helped me when i needed it the most.

most of the footage is with an editor now and i have one more scene to film.  i know i have provided a wonderful working environment for all concerned.  i also have many people to thank for the generosity with money, time and talent.  so, my fellow filmmakers, just put one foot in front of the other and begin the process.  i learned that the journey is the prize, so stay in the moment.  have faith you are doing something that is important, even if it doesn't develop into what you expected, there will be a blessing at all the important moments to make it all worth it. 

thank you for allowing me to share this experience.  i continue to be humbled by all that i learn through this process. i'm in school during this filming and the program, leap(liberal education for arts professionals)that i'm getting my ba was created for ex- and current professional dancers. i'm now inspired to do my senior project as a documetary on "drums & dancing: the eternal rhythm." it's a very rich subject that i hope to learn even more about the world.  wish me luck.  happy trails and filming,    pilar walsh