Look Inside: A Christmas Newsletter

2022: In Retrospect.

The year is at an end. And what a year it has been, and I have no idea where to begin.

Look Aside was conceived as something much different than what it currently is. Initially, we wanted to start small – we weren’t planning on promoting projects as heavily as we did, or reaching as many people as we did, or having as many opportunities as we currently have. Initially, I shared the idea of creating a ‘film label’, somewhere I could share work, but not a place that, at least in the beginning, would function as a production company.

Maybe we should’ve thought harder about that because if that was really the point, then releasing five projects in a year wouldn’t have been the smartest way of doing it. Every project we’ve released has had an impact on people, has been received overall well, has surprised us in some way, and has led to something amazing happening. And each of our projects has been dear to us and the most fun making and sharing.

In 2022, we put out short films OVER-SATURATED, Jack & Michelle, Hold My Hand to Turn Me On, and recently Noodles on a Saturday Afternoon, as well as miniseries Tea or Coffee. We also made a lot of other things. Next year we have one short scheduled for release in May, another short beginning its long road on the festival circuit, and something surprising in March. We’ve also signed on to produce one more project (first short we’re jumping on as producers alone!) and are in very early stages of developing a feature.

So, by all definitions, we are a production company. There are a lot of incredible things going on in the background and a lot of opportunities we are close to seizing and the work so far has been great and we are incredibly happy how the journey has been going overall.

But.

I say the following as myself, Mickey the Person if you will, and not Mickey the Producer. The work is hard and the road is long. It’s easy to make it all seem perfect, it’s easy to make sure that everything you’re watching looks as easily conceived as it is perceived.

But that is far from the truth. Behind every pound fundraised, there are thousands of sent emails, behind every frame there are dozens of people working like mules, and behind every piece of good news there’s a mountain of rejection, self-doubt, and endless, ridiculous perseverance.

We never want to make anyone say they are making five films a year, why am I not doing that! Because it is not as easy as it seems. So don’t worry – you got this and we believe in you.

The year is at an end. A lot of people shrug when I say this, but New Year’s is my favorite holiday. Not for the booze and the fireworks (although they help), but because it’s the only night a year that is both a reflection and a fresh start. We all need that more often than not. This year, my reflection has been on, dare I say, all I love. I’ve realised there is a finite amount of things I love – my partner, my family, my friends, films, and the work we do here at Look Aside. And one more thing, this I realised too late in life – I love sincerity.

So, for 2022 my fresh start is to focus even more on those things – especially that last bit. Which is one of the many reasons for launching this newsletter. Sooner rather than later, we will make Look Aside the most sincere and awesome production company ever! And the most incredible community of people, too.

I’m sure 2023 will be the craziest year of my life. I’m sure it will be the craziest year for this company. And as I’m sharing this, I need to make clear, that shouldn’t matter to you. We are all on our own path and perfection doesn’t exist.

I love you all, too.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!