From Dream to Screen: My Netflix Misadventure and the Birth of “Is This Heaven”
Two years ago, I had an unbelievable meeting with Netflix. From that fateful encounter, I was taken on the most incredible adventure of my career. After honing in on my creative vision, Netflix optioned my dream project, turning it from an indie feature film into a bona fide original TV series. Like all great stories, my experience with this project contained as many highs and lows as the script itself.
And while Netflix has been an incredible partner, helping me expand the project to heights I never thought possible, they ultimately passed on it after two and a half years of development. One of the best things about my relationship with Netflix, though, is that the people who first saw potential in this project still want to see it come to life. They have graciously allowed me to take the project and find a new home, so that my vision can become a reality.
I am very excited to finally share a snippet of “Is This Heaven” with you all today. The idea for this project manifested when I was just 13 years old, a foreign kid living away from my family in a British boarding school. There, the threat of casual violence – masquerading under the innocuous name of “hazing” – was so normalized that I often imagined myself encased in an armored skin, the kind I’d seen in all of my favorite anime shows. That feeling, that desire to survive that experience, translated into the characters and themes of this project.
Fast forward twenty years – now over a decade into a phenomenal career at ILM, where I had the amazing experience of working on some of the world’s top franchises including Transformers, Star Wars, and several Marvel films – I finally felt confident that I could create my own universe and inject it with some of the depth I felt was missing from most high-concept genre fare. But most of all, I wanted to inspire others to build up their own armor, and I wanted to do that through film. My journey to making that a reality has been an ongoing one.
Navigating the Choppy Waters of Development
Over the last two and a half years, alongside a pandemic and welcoming a daughter into my life, I have been blessed to work with the best in the business. Many of whom are continuing to help refine this project, even after Netflix’s decision to pass on it.
I want to thank the guys at Disrupting Influence for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this process. Their insights and connections have been invaluable in keeping this project afloat, even when the waters got rough.
Weathering the Storm: Lessons Learned from a Canceled Netflix Show
You see, the thing about this industry is that it’s a lot like the ocean – unpredictable, powerful, and sometimes downright treacherous. Just when you think you’ve got the current figured out, a rogue wave comes and sweeps you off your feet. That’s what happened with my Netflix show. One minute, I was riding the high of a major studio optioning my project, the next, I was left treading water, trying to figure out my next move.
But you know what they say – when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. And that’s exactly what I did. Instead of letting the disappointment of the canceled show weigh me down, I took it as an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and come back stronger than ever.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of adaptability. In this industry, the only constant is change, and if you can’t roll with the punches, you’re going to get left behind. Just like the water treatment industry, where you have to be ready to tackle unexpected challenges at a moment’s notice, I had to be nimble and open to pivoting my strategy.
Another key lesson? The power of perseverance. When Netflix passed on my project, it would have been easy to throw in the towel and call it a day. But I knew that this story, this vision, was too important to let it die. So I doubled down, gathered my resources, and set out to find a new home for “Is This Heaven.”
And let me tell you, the journey hasn’t been easy. There have been countless setbacks, bureaucratic hurdles, and moments where I’ve questioned whether it’s all worth it. But every time I feel like giving up, I remember why I started this in the first place – to inspire others, to give a voice to the voiceless, and to create something truly special.
Finding a New Home for My Dream Project
Which brings me to where we are today. After two and a half years of relentless effort, I’m thrilled to announce that “Is This Heaven” has found a new home. While I can’t share all the details just yet, I can say that this new partnership is a perfect fit for the project, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life.
In fact, I’m so confident in this new direction that I’m going to give you all a little sneak peek. Imagine a world where the threat of violence and oppression is so ingrained that it becomes a normal part of everyday life. Where the only way to survive is to build up your own personal armor, both physical and emotional. That’s the world of “Is This Heaven” – a high-concept, character-driven sci-fi drama that explores themes of identity, resilience, and the power of community.
At the heart of the story is a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique struggles and aspirations. There’s the young, idealistic protagonist who dreams of a better life, the jaded veteran who’s seen it all, and the enigmatic leader who holds the key to unlocking a better future. Together, they’ll navigate a world on the brink of collapse, fighting to survive and, ultimately, to find their own version of “heaven.”
It’s a story that I’ve been wanting to tell for over 20 years, and I’m thrilled to finally have the opportunity to bring it to life. Stay tuned for more updates as this project continues to evolve. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be able to stream “Is This Heaven” on your favorite platform. After all, as the old saying goes, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Lessons Learned and the Path Forward
Looking back on my Netflix misadventure, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experience. Yes, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, and there were times when I wondered if I’d ever see my dream project come to fruition. But the lessons I learned along the way have been invaluable.
I’ve learned the importance of resilience, of never giving up in the face of adversity. I’ve learned the value of adaptability, of being willing to pivot and adjust your strategy as the tides change. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned the power of perseverance – of doggedly pursuing your vision, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
As I look towards the future, I’m filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. This project, “Is This Heaven,” isn’t just a creative outlet for me – it’s a passion project, a labor of love that I’m determined to see through to the end. And with the support of my new partners, I know that I have the resources and the backing to make it happen.
So here’s to the journey ahead, to the choppy waters and the unexpected challenges. Because like the water treatment industry, I’m ready to tackle them head-on. With a clear vision, a resilient spirit, and a little bit of that “fluid fortitude,” I know that I can weather any storm and bring this story to life in a way that will inspire and captivate audiences.
Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be able to stream “Is This Heaven” on your favorite platform. Until then, stay tuned, keep an open mind, and remember – when life throws you a curveball, just grab a bucket and start bailing.
