Six years ago I went from a guarded high school student to an aspiring, passionate college student. It was then that I began my first film, Angel to Her.
A story about a young girl, Rinslet, who is dealing with a harsh reality. She finds herself unique and different from others around her, and her only friend seems to just go along for the ride. However, her uniqueness is what drives her judgmental mother to lash out. These episodes leave Rinslet broken and scarred; she feels neither accepted nor loved.
Her cries are only heard by her Angel, who follows her everywhere, yet he can never been seen and can never be heard. He tries to be her guiding light, but after one bad fight with her mother, Rinslet can’t seem to hold on anymore. As her Angel watches in horror, Rinslet attempts to commit suicide by the most common method among teens.
A small sliver blade.
Her cries are only heard by her Angel, who follows her everywhere, yet he can never been seen and can never be heard. He tries to be her guiding light, but after one bad fight with her mother, Rinslet can’t seem to hold on anymore. As her Angel watches in horror, Rinslet attempts to commit suicide by the most common method among teens.
A small sliver blade.
I began writing the story my first year of college, originally for an acting class until one of my professors suggested that it should be transformed into a short film. Little did I know that this small 15 page short, would take me on the most dedicated journey of my college career. I never thought that I would actually have the chance to put the my words on screen, let alone it be powerful enough to change someone’s life.
Finally after many re-writes, I was ready to begin the film’s pre-production. Audition’s were held, and I met the most amazing cast and crew that I could have ever dreamed of working with. They, like me, were just starting out, either in film, in mass communications, or in acting. On my crew of about three people, I met my best friend and confidant, Mat Huffman, and we have been friends ever since. We thank our lucky stars for this film, because if had decided not to write such a story, I don’t think we would have ever met.
Finally after many re-writes, I was ready to begin the film’s pre-production. Audition’s were held, and I met the most amazing cast and crew that I could have ever dreamed of working with. They, like me, were just starting out, either in film, in mass communications, or in acting. On my crew of about three people, I met my best friend and confidant, Mat Huffman, and we have been friends ever since. We thank our lucky stars for this film, because if had decided not to write such a story, I don’t think we would have ever met.
During the auditions, I met my most passionate actress and friend, Samantha Trionfo. I remember her intense and spectacular audition and knew without a doubt that she was the one I wanted for this film. She has never proven me wrong and I am so thankful to her for never giving up, either or the film or me. She is an amazing actress with an amazing talent that has given my film the life that it needed.
Sammy wasn’t the only one who stayed on for the entire six years. Sam Lukowski, originally cast as Angel, stepped it up in his re-casted role as Skyler, Rinslet’s best friend. His talent to bring out the best in this witty yet play-boyish character gave comedic flavor to this dark short. Now he had moved on to bigger and better things, but I still thank him endlessly for sticking it out until the end and for his incredible talent and perseverance.
So finally, after six years, two re-casts, two location changes, and a college diploma, we were finally given the opportunity to finish the film. When everyone arrived on set, it was quite emotional. Even now it hasn’t completely hit me yet that it’s over. There were tears, loving hugs, and endless words of thanks to all of my cast and crew; those who had just recently joined me, and those who had been with me since the beginning. When we wrapped that night, there were tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. It felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, and pride was making my heart burst with happiness.
We all came from different backgrounds and different lifestyles, but all of us had one thing in common. We had dealt with, or knew someone who had dealt with the issue of self harm. It was a close topic to all of us. Knowing that we had finished a project that could make people stop and think and do something about it made us walk with our heads held a little higher.
We aren’t alone, and those who commit self harm are not alone either. This film proves it.
To those who commit self harm, we love you. You may not know me, or my cast and crew, but it is true. We love you, and no matter how hard things get or how much pain you are in, remember, you are never alone. Ever.
Please, if you, or someone you know if committing self harm, stand up and do something about it. Asking for help is not a weakness, it is the most courageous thing you can do. You don’t have to be afraid any longer. Stand up for yourself and stand up for others, and always remember...
It gets better.
We aren’t alone, and those who commit self harm are not alone either. This film proves it.
To those who commit self harm, we love you. You may not know me, or my cast and crew, but it is true. We love you, and no matter how hard things get or how much pain you are in, remember, you are never alone. Ever.
Please, if you, or someone you know if committing self harm, stand up and do something about it. Asking for help is not a weakness, it is the most courageous thing you can do. You don’t have to be afraid any longer. Stand up for yourself and stand up for others, and always remember...
It gets better.
I want to thank my entire cast and crew for this amazing journey, for your time, talents, and never ending love and support. Thank You.