4 MIN READ
Fourteen years ago, I hit paused on pursuing filmmaking. Here’s why I’m finally hitting play again.
ROLLING
Hi, I’m Joseph Bouvier, and this is the (slightly terrifying, hopefully inspiring) story of restarting my filmmaking journey after a 14-year detour.
First off, thanks for reading. Honestly, I appreciate it because I know you could’ve spent this time scrolling Instagram reels.
So, why now?
Honestly, it’s more “why not now?” Filmmaking has always been my thing—life just had a habit of interrupting. For context: I graduated from Emerson College with a film degree, spent years happily making movies, producing, writing, and chasing the adrenaline of being on set.
Then… parenthood happened.
OFF SCRIPT: My Time Away
Life had other ideas. A recession and a child upended my priorities, and I found myself in a steady communications job that doesn’t quite scratch my creative itch.
What I thought would be a quick three-year break to raise my son stretched into 14. As it turns out, kids don’t come with a convenient pause button. Parenting has been amazing, but let’s be honest — it’s messy, exhausting, and occasionally makes you wonder what the hell you’re doing?
I’d also be lying if I said raising him was the only reason for the hiatus: I’ve gotten comfortable with the creature comforts that come with a safe, predictable, and steady routine. But the little voice in the back of my head kept whispering:
You’re supposed to be making movies.
In the meantime, I stayed connected to the filmmaking world. I co-founded Boston Indie Mafia, a collective that helped local indie filmmakers shine. Between screenings and the Wicked Film Fest, we gave local talent a spotlight. It was rewarding, sure, but it didn’t come close to the thrill of making my own films.
BACK TO ONE: Rebooting
If you’ve seen Lost Highway, there’s a line:
We’ve met before, haven’t we?
That’s how returning to filmmaking feels for me — familiar but with a few more laugh lines.
The plan is simple: make films. Of course, “simple” in filmmaking is like saying running a marathon is just a bit of jogging.
Here’s what I’ve been up to in the second half of 2024 to prep for a return to filmmaking:
-
-
- Rebranding: This includes a fresh new logo, a revamped website, and a complete social media overhaul. (RIP Twitter… or X. Whatever…)
- Old Friends & New Faces: I’ve reconnected with collaborators and met new ones at filmmaker events and festivals.
- Writing: I’ve finished a draft of my feature-length passion project and polished three short scripts.
-
And now, the scary part:
I’m diving into preproduction for one of those shorts starting January 6th. By Q2 2025, I’ll have it in post-production, with casting in March, crewing up in April, and shooting in May.
Yes, I’m nervous. No, I’m not backing out.
BLOGGING: Accountability 101
Blogging? Isn’t that, like, so 2010?
Yeah, I thought so too. But hear me out.
This blog is part accountability tool, part therapy. Writing these posts keeps me focused and reminds me why I’m doing this: to scratch that creative itch that just won’t quit.
And hey, if sharing my chaos helps even one other creative feel less alone in their struggles, then it’s worth it. Plus, you’ll get a front-row seat to all my blunders—lucky you!
MOVING ON: Next Steps
So, here’s the deal: I’ll be posting updates every Monday. First up, January 6th: “Lessons from My First Go-Round in Filmmaking.”
I’ll share what I’ve accomplished, what’s next, and (because I overshare) all the awkward missteps along the way.
YOUR TURN
Now it’s your turn: If you were starting fresh, what would your first step be?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—or don’t. Either way, I’ll see you back here next Monday.