Storyline
The tragic loss of his father inspired Kent West to join the Army, while the gravity of his deteriorating circumstances motivates him to do it quickly. There he found purpose in his life and found love.
The story follows Kent, and his comrades, as they grow closer together through the rigors of Military Training and serving during the tragic attack of 9/11. Kent struggles with being medically discharged from military service while we parallel with his Unit who is deployed to Afghanistan.
Disconnected from his identity as a soldier, Kent silently struggles to adjust back into civilian life. A horrific car crash triggers the emotional trauma of a fatal helicopter accident, that happened during a training exercise, causing his symptoms of separation and PTSD to surface.
Falling apart inside, but still trying to hold it together for his family, Kent is befriended by a fellow veteran who’s traveled a similar journey. Now connected with a comrade, Kent has a support system, access to resources, and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Realizing that not all wars take place on the battlefield.
Our Purpose
The purpose of this film is to bring awareness to the power of community.
Navigating civilian life after leaving the military can be a lonely journey.
Connecting with a healthy veteran community, or mentor, can provide benefits such as emotional support, access to resources, shared knowledge and expertise, a sense of belonging, collaboration and networking, and collective action. It can provide individuals with a sense of connection, empowerment, and shared purpose, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
By sharing a real-life account of these challenges, and overcoming them, we hope to encourage military veterans to connect with their local veteran community.
MEET THE CREW
Executive Producer
Screenwriter/Script Supervisor
Executive Producer
Joe Manns is an award-winning entrepreneur whose interdisciplinary production experience encompasses live events, music and film. From documentaries to sold out shows, his talent, and passion is to move audiences through creative storytelling. 24 years of working with global brands, national recording artists, and pro athletes has landed his work on the Inc 5,000 list multiple times, as well as earning awards and recognition by authorities in the business world.
Director
Screenwriter/Script Supervisor
Executive Producer
Austin Spicer is a Director based in the greater Tampa, FL area. Austin and his wife Hailey run their own production company, Spicer Productions, and produce independent film productions in the local area as they aim to make Florida a premiere location for filmmaking. His latest work is the novel film “Killer Miller” which premieres at a local theater in Seminole, FL in the next few months. Austin has several years of experience in writing, editing and cinematography which makes for a smooth flow of communication and directing the vision of his films.
Screenwriter/Script Supervisor
Screenwriter/Script Supervisor
Screenwriter/Script Supervisor
Mak Ralston is a screenwriter and fiction author based in the Clearwater/Tampa area. Possessing a background in horror and science fiction, Mak uses storytelling to intricately unfold thematic lessons. With a knuckled down passion for characters and an education in psychology, Mak understands both character motivations and transformations. Alongside narrative storytelling, Mak has experience in editing, directing, cinematography, and script supervising; which allows for a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process. Incorporating this knowledge into the creative space, Mak’s scripts are practical and enthralling; while also delivering messages centered on gratitude, altruism, and rectification.
Director of Photography
Producer/Assistant Director
Screenwriter/Script Supervisor
Hailey Spicer is one of few women behind the cameras here in the greater Tampa, FL area. Hailey built her career around the camera and with her vast knowledge of lighting, lenses and cameras she creates beautiful and unique images to tell stories that captivate you in the moment. She films several narrative projects a year showcasing her knowledge and experience.
Producer
Producer/Assistant Director
Producer/Assistant Director
Brittany Phillips is a Producer in the greater Tampa Bay area with multiple years of experience producing and directing commercials; as well as managing production needs and content creation. Brittany has produced a few local short films, expanding her skills in the narrative world. Overseeing a project from start to finish, ensuring the message of the story is conveyed to the audience is what she strives for as a producer. Brittany’s favorite part about producing is seeing all the puzzle pieces come together to bring the story to life.
Producer/Assistant Director
Producer/Assistant Director
Producer/Assistant Director
Daniel Scott Dagesse is a Producer based out of the Tampa Bay area. Daniel has experience in almost every position on a film production including time in front of the camera. Daniel understands, from these experiences, communication is key for film productions. His knowledge of production and degree in Communication and leadership strategies puts Daniel in the best position to produce and assistant direct any movie. Quoting Orson Welles, "Making a film is like painting a picture with an army", but Daniel understands the army needs someone to communicate the vision of the director and that's what he does best.