Every year, on the anniversary of his father's suicide, Kenny’s growing depression haunts what he fears will be his destiny.

Interview with Writer/Director Eric A. Dyson

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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

To consider myself a “film maker” I figured the first step would actually be to make a film. Living in Los Angeles you find a lot of people who say they are one thing. After a little research you realize they say it but have never really done it. The other reason was to use it as a cathartic piece for some heavy duty life situations that were going on.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film is about the reality of either being in desperate need of help. Or being needed. Everyone has been in those positions. The hope is this film will help start dialogue about asking for help as well as being asked. To help break down some of the barriers that go along with it. Especially among men.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The basic human need of help is something everybody goes through. Being asked for help and helping get help is difficult when we have obligations such as family that are also in need of our help. How do you choose where to invest your time. Especially when time is the only thing that we can never get more of.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script that I ended up with was not even close to the one I started with. Over a few years, deaths in my family included my father in law, my own father and one of my childhood best friends. These life events slowed my creativity for a long time. Then I decided to incorporate them into my story.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The best feedback I have received has been from people saying this film made them cry.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has been surprising. I always appreciate when people invest their time into watching something I’ve created. When viewers key in on certain nuances and relate to specific things the characters do, that;s the best feeling.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Broader audience reach. As well as opportunities to speak about mental health. Specifically why it’s so important for people to become better listeners.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I am in the process of writing a feature length version of “Baby Steps”. I need investors to help bring it to fruition.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like this film to help people say, “that’s exactly how I felt”. I would like it to help create an atmosphere of dialogue amongst strangers.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

When is the last time you felt completely alone with no one who would listen? Have you had a conversation with a total stranger that help restore your faith in humanity?

Would you like to add anything else?

I think the best stories are the ones we have inside us. We don’t need more multi million dollar crappy superhero, regurgitated sequels.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Currently I’m focusing on the feature length version of “Baby Steps”.

Interview: March 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Baby Steps

Every year, on the anniversary of his father's suicide, Kenny’s growing depression haunts what he fears will be his destiny.

Length: 21 Mins

Director: Eric A. Dyson

Producer: Eric A. Dyson, Megan Morris, Hank Lambert

Writer: Eric A. Dyson

Key cast: Kenny Cooper, Ray Stoney, Hayden Farraday, Clayton Jackson, Larry Mandley, Noree Victoria

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RollinWithDice/?ref=settings

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealericdyson/

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Next film festival is the Phoenix Film Festival in April.