What’s the goal here?

Written by: Katherine “Ringleader” Imp

I’m a goal person.  I like having goals, making goals, and scoring goals.  But even the most goal-oriented people need reminders to keep on track. I had mine today.

I was sitting in the office of one of the partners at my firm, and she asked about the film.  The conversation went like this:

Partner: How’s the film going?

Me: Good, 220 people in Harrisonburg last Friday. 150 in South Jersey over the weekend.

Partner: Fantastic. Where do you hope to go with this besides finding someone to distribute the film?

Me: Well, I want to make money back, provoke discussion, inspire people…

Partner: Right, but besides that?

Me: Uh-

Partner: How are you promoting yourself?

Me: Well, I give my film business card to everyone I meet, and sometimes my lawyer card.

Partner: You should be taking their card.

Me: Uh, yeah.

Partner: You never know when they might need a lawyer. And they’re likely to be more comfortable with you than someone that knows nothing about film or outdoor adventure.

Me: Right, okay, yeah-

Partner: Great, touch base with me soon regarding the memo we discussed.

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I used to think I had a way with words, but I’ve come to realize in the last month of media calls, Q&As, and partner meetings–that I have a long way to go.  Every reporter, every partner, every person I talk to asks the same question: what’s the goal here? And somehow, after 30 media calls, countless emails, and in-person Q&As, I still can’t answer this question.

I don’t know.

There. I said it. Out loud. That’s my answer. I just don’t know! Of course I want to make people laugh/cry/feel something when they see my film. And I want to make my money back because I have six-figures of student debt to pay off. And I want a friggin’ distributor to pick this up, take it off my hands, and write me a check- because it deserves a larger distribution than I could ever do myself. But these are short-term goals. And they’ve managed to keep me preoccupied enough to avoid the long-term goal question.

It’s time to start thinking long-term again.  I finally had a chance to join Bran on this G2M Tour in Baltimore, Harrisonburg, and South Jersey. And I had a blast. I made new connections and rejuvenated old ones. I spent time with my brother. And most importantly, I got to see first-hand the effect that this film has on an audience. I watched as people reached for a tissue because they were laughing or crying too hard. I felt my dreams coming true.

So what’s the goal now? On a long-distance hike, you need short-term goals (hike 15 miles to waterfall) and long-term goals (finish thru-hike).  The short-term goal gives you something achievable to work towards, while the long-terms goal gives you something to dream about. You need both to be successful.

There are a number of uncertainties in my life right now. I don’t know if I want to be an entertainment lawyer, film director, writer, or wandering soul. All of these “professions” sound appealing and attainable at the moment. What I do know is that I’m working towards all of them and the journey is still bringing a smile to my face. So how about this for a long-term goal: (1) take on work as an entertainment lawyer, (2) find a new film project to direct, and (3) keep smiling …