The Gift of 23… The Power of Guts!

As the year is coming to an end, it's that time to reflect on the past year's journey, performance and growth — just like most of us do. I recently did my own reflection and realised that the most significant part of my journey in 2023 was the “Gift of Guts”.

I've always been a go-getter, but this year I discovered a new level of courage that I never knew existed. Let me share a story with you. In April 2023 I was invited to attend an industry event, but I had no plans to go. One of my team members found the invitation and convinced me to attend, knowing I might come up with an excuse not to. Eventually I decided to go — and boy, am I glad I did.

When I arrived I realised it came with a pitch session. Good things happen when you are pushed, isn't it? Luckily we had a couple of projects in development, with scripts already written, so I settled on a new sitcom to pitch. I had the rudest shock of my life when the project I proposed — something I treasured — was thrown in the mud in less than two minutes of conversation. It hurt me deeply. When I got back to the office and started venting, I am sure my team members wished they hadn't pushed me to that event.

The next day the venting continued, but at some point something flipped in me. Why couldn't we just fund the project ourselves? The question was: with which fund? We were still in post-production for Birds of a Feather, and we hadn't even sold the one we had just produced. I hit a roadblock, but the anger in me wouldn't let go. What if we switched it up and produced a drama instead of a sitcom this time?

“Produce a drama?” my team members asked. “That heavy-budget project with multiple sets? When we're still struggling to produce the sitcom? How?” But they could see in my eyes that there was no going back. I wanted to do this project by all means.

That was the beginning of The Chronicles. The project came to life by the power of guts. Looking back from that meeting in April — we shot the series and went on air in October 2023.

The Chronicles is my biggest project so far. Incredible story, actors, sets — everything in perfect sync.

I'd like to share my reflections with you. Trust your instincts; they can lead you to great opportunities. It's okay to receive negative feedback from others, but don't let it discourage you from pursuing your goals.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Until my next post, keep your creativity flowing.