This Document Confronts Hypocrisy in the Healthcare Industry

Let’s start from the beginning.

Finding the Story

I was introduced to Lizzi through her co-producer and EP who also represented her as an athlete. He had seen “The Good Wolf”, a short sports film that I shot and directed about six years ago, and we kept talking, promoting our work. at this time.

A great reminder of why building relationships over time is important.

She suggested I meet Lizzi for coffee when I’m in Austin for the film’s premiere in October 2023—where we had a great conversation about her story, what she wanted to share and what it was all about. important to him. No pressure or expectations or names.

After thinking about her story and what she wanted to say, I gave her a story guide that she contacted, set up a platform, and put a few names on her story and what we were talking about. what do you do?

They all said no.

However his story really, really resonated with me as a filmmaker on many levels. It was about being defined by more than what you do. About self-confidence. About believing you are enough. All the things that still fascinate me—and I loved how he talked about facing those challenges.

His message was exactly what I wanted to share with my 4 year old daughter.

So I said yes.

Three-time Paralympian Lizzi Smith crushes BTS! Follow him on IG here.

Film Development

Over the next six months I brought in colleagues from previous projects, pitched them what I wanted to do and why. I outlined a budget that I could afford without getting myself into trouble. And so it was. I had no real plans or hopes that we would sell it, I just knew that it had been a while since I did something for my soul, and that was it.

So, where does Invisalign fit in?

Lizzi is a brand ambassador, and about two weeks before filming, they reached out to talk about her pre-Paralympics photo shoot – and she said, “Oh, we’re shooting next week.” !” I developed my Invisalign-focused floor plan, showing how the story aligned with their confidence journey, and sent it to my EP who knew their team.

We didn’t hear anything, I flew to Austin, and we started filming in May.

Then on the second day of our three-day presentation, Invisalign called us while he was there to tell us that they were happy with the project as it is – and to include a product shot somewhere in there. It’s great! Done and done.

I’ll be honest that it didn’t sell for a lot, but it was enough to give the cast and crew a modest salary, and avoid it being a mark against my bank account.

More importantly, it gave Lizzi’s story a platform–and that it was a victory that I was very happy about.

Frame from ‘Swim with Butterflies’Joe Simon film, Arianna Shining Star color

This Is Not A Good Business Model

But why Does Invisalign say yes?

Because Lizzi’s story “fits in” (#dadjokes) with their core marketing theme of confidence. He was already on their radar. The Invisalign VP of Marketing already loves Lizzi—they’re all completely independent of the project.

In short: we were lucky.

But … we were lucky because we all took a chance on something we believed in. There was no expectation of return without creative fulfillment, the joy of collaboration, and with an understanding that worked for me. Another project I could do down the road.

This industry is very difficult to rely on external success – whether it’s selling products online, or entering festivals. I’ve chased that for 14 years, and only seen “success” a handful of times. Certainly not enough to justify the trip.

Filmmaking is a pie-eating contest – so make sure you like what you’re eating.

But what will support me, it’s making movies from a place of passion. Movies that I like, mean something to me. That will help me to have a job that I enjoy.

Filmmaking is not a race. And it’s not a marathon.

It is part of our lives, but only one part. Go ahead and enjoy it.

Check out cute BTS videos from Karl here and here.