a gigantic will

Tomorrow night at the Village East Cinema in New York City is the premier of a new film called “Gigantic”. “Gigantic” is an Epoch Films production. The film is about a young man (Paul Dano) searching for his place in the world with seemingly his only ambition being to adopt a Chinese baby. On the verge of realizing his dream he falls in love with an even more misguided soul (Zoe Deschanel). As they say, chaos ensues. It’s a funny and sweet film that I’m proud Epoch made. It is directed and co-written by Matt Aselton and produced by Mindy Goldberg.

I originally signed Matt and have been fortunate to witness his growth as a director. He amazes me with his effortless creativity and absence of ego. His success is well deserved. Love Matt but this post focuses on Mindy Goldberg.

Mindy is my partner along with Jeff Preiss in Epoch. She is the reason “Gigantic” has a premiere tomorrow. Mindy made many personal sacrifices to get this film made and distributed. Maybe she’d have done things differently if she could turn back time, or maybe not. It’s hard to say since Mindy acts on impulse and passion. She takes risk. She trusts her gut. She wills things to happen. These traits simultaneously lead to her triumphs and to her failures. Admirably I've never known her to have regret. In the 18 years I have worked for and with Mindy it is often challenging, never dull and a constant education. More than anything I have learned that if you want to make something happen, make it happen. This is what Mindy did with both features, “Junebug” and now “Gigantic”. She took risks. Fed her ambition against all odds and simply willed it. Isn’t that how anything with great vision gets accomplished?

So, for all of you who are supporters of Epoch, Matt, Mindy Indie Films, or John Goodman fans please go see the movie many, many times. Tell your family. Tell your neighbors. Tell your friends. Tell your facebook friends. And, when you leave the theater think for a moment about something you want to make happen and just will it.