my nephew michael

Growing up I wanted to be an actress.

In college, I acted with people who were really good, thus realizing I wasn't.  But I could cry real tears on cue.

I loved film. Followed the industry. Never missed watching an Academy Awards show. I even play-acted, "And the winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role is...." I probably even had an acceptance speech written.

But I never took any real steps to get a job in the industry. I had no idea how. Didn't want to move. Actually never thought of moving. And until I got my MBA many years later, took jobs that seemed interesting. My bar was not set high.

That's part of the reason why I have such deep respect and admiration for my nephew Michael. It's easy to be immobilized by your dreams. But Michael's never been.

Even as an adorable little boy, he was always dressing up and acting out something.



He loved TV, and his Bar Mitzvah was even themed around television.

At Hopkins, while stilling co-captaining their lacrosse team, Michael was writing screenplays and TV episodes. And they were good.

After graduation, Michael left his close-knit family and many friends to move across the country to LA. He's been there now for nine years. And while he occasionally misses a family get-together, he lives a bi-coastal life and is always there for the big holidays (even some minor ones) and family events.

And in those nine years, among other accomplishments, Michael has written, produced and directed three feature films. 

Michael is in town for Thanksgiving, and tonight I see his most recent film, Brampton's Own. It's a beautifully-made, exquisitely written, engagingly wonderful film. This film is so much better than the many I've seen. And those were with huge budgets, A-list talent, and long production schedules. When Michael talks about his film, it is apparent that every aspect of the film has been well-considered and thoughtfully developed. 

Michael didn't move to LA and wait to be part of a movie. He went there and with hard work, talent, ambition and smarts, he created his own movies — from sitting at his computer and writing the screenplay, to getting it funded, and then to producing and directing it. He's done what so few do. I only dreamed it, Michael's done it. He's even on IMDB. 

Hollywood is a difficult place. It's fickle. It's cut-throat. And it's an industry where luck plays a big role. But I have no doubt that one day Michael's name will be up there with all the other A-listers. Yes, he really is that good.

And when the rest of the world catches up with Michael, I hope he'll remember to invite me to the Academy Awards. I'd love to go.