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Ever notice how we don’t need a reason to feel like garbage? Wake up on the wrong side of the bed, spill coffee on your only clean shirt, and suddenly the world’s ending. No one questions it; no one asks for proof.

But flip the script. Try feeling fantastic for no apparent reason, and people look at you like you’ve grown a second head.

In the film business, we’re conditioned to hustle, grind, and wait for that elusive green light before cracking a smile. We tell ourselves we’ll celebrate when the funding comes through, when the movie's complete, when the festival accepts our film, when the reviews are glowing.

Here’s a thought: Why the hell are we waiting?

Look, I’m not saying you should run down the street shouting about your latest screenplay (though if you do, please record it). I’m talking about giving yourself permission to feel good now. Because if feeling like crap requires no justification, feeling joy shouldn’t need a permission slip either.

By holding back our own happiness, we’re subconsciously sending ourselves a pretty grim memo: that it’s somehow wrong to feel good without earning it. We’re robbing ourselves of the simple pleasures, all in the name of being “pragmatic.”

Isn't it funny how pragmatism never stops us from wallowing in misery, though.

Think about it. Each time we suppress that urge to celebrate, no matter how small the victory, we’re building a wall against our own joy. Over time, that wall gets higher, and before you know it, even genuine achievements can’t break through.

I have a few filmmakers I am coaching, and much of our conversations focus around celebrating small victories, but I want to go even further by encouraging you to celebrate just for the heck of it.

Build that muscle even when you don't feel it yourself.

Here’s my challenge to you: Celebrate something today. Anything. Did you write a single page of script? Cheers to that. Did you manage not to spill coffee on yourself? A toast is in order. By acknowledging the little things, we keep the door open for bigger joys down the line.

Life’s too short to wait for the “right” moment to be happy. In the unpredictable emotional rollercoaster of indie filmmaking, sometimes the only control we have is over our own mindset.

So go ahead, feel good for no reason.

You don’t need anyone’s permission.

And who knows? Your next big celebration might just be around the corner, and you’ll be well-practiced by then.

Today, I WAS going to write an essay on screenplay writing approaches, but I just felt like today needed celebrating and wanted to give you permission. Let me know what you are celebrating today.

Cheers,

Anthony (He/Him)

P.S. Feel free to share this with someone whom you feel would like to read it. Sharing is caring ;)! If this email was shared with you, you can sign up for the weekly newsletter for filmmakers at this link.

Field Notes (what I'm working on):

1. I am "celebrating" producing our next short film this weekend, Unfrayed. Wish us luck! I'll share all about it next week.
2. My Scratch to Screen course is open for a few filmmakers to help me beta-test the teaching. Check it out and let me know if you have any questions.
3. My one on one strategy calls for filmmakers are holding some early discounted spots on monthly or quarterly sessions. It's strategy AND pep talk, with some accountability thrown in.
4. ​The Quiet Canadians, a feature movie Helena and I are developing for production in 2025, is moving along. We are building some educational content around the making of, and would be interested in what you'd like to learn more about. Reply to this email with your question(s) and we'll try to answer them in upcoming emails or videos.
5. ​Pickled Rabbit is beginning its festival applications!

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​Habethy Film Productions Ltd.
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​Unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish, BC) and Tsleil-Waututh (Vancouver, BC) territories.​
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"13 Miles" a Telefilm grant recipient, is now available to watch!

"The Quiet Canadians", a feature movie about skilled Canadian operatives who are trained in the elimination of local and foreign targets, is in development. Click here for more information​

"Xing'er: Origins", a feature film about a family's fight for survival against a deadly sect of assassins, is in development. Click here to join the mailing list for updates.​

Unfrayed, A Western Short Film -A bloodied Mei stumbles into Betty's campfire and discovers not only sanctuary but also, an ally. Click here to find out more.​

Pickled Rabbit Short Film - Sharon makes a desperate attempt to earn her dying mom's love. There's a cult, a foreign god... and maybe a monster transformation. Click here to find out more.​
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