The other day, I was watching an episode of the new Netflix original "Baby Reindeer," and the main character said something I thought was really profound. He said something to the effect of, "I used to think following my dreams would bring me happiness, but lately, it almost feels like a choice between the two." That hit me because it really describes where I'm at with my life.
So I started thinking, as I follow my dreams in Hollywood, what are some things I'd really like to do before I call it quits (one way or another)? What are some professional accomplishments that would truly make me happy? I came up with a list of 12. So here goes...
1) Produce a sequel to one of my films because the first one was so successful, someone offered me a butt-ton of money to keep going.
2) Get nominated for a major award, something that's telecast, showing that I have finally achieved some semblance of recognition by my peers, and then have the balls not to show up because I'm over the self-congratulatory poppy-cock we constantly see from awards shows.
3) Work with Bill Murray, Kevin Costner, Sandra Bullock or anyone from the cast of Suits.
4) Get over my fear of spectacular failure.
5) Have someone at Netflix with a VP title or higher actually take my call.
6) Pull up to a lunch meeting at Musso & Frank, Crustacean or Spago in a brand new Ferrari I just paid cash for.
7) Produce a film in a foreign country (Canada doesn't count).
8) Find a screenplay so powerful, so moving, so utterly creative, original and well-written, that no one in their right mind would have the nerve to pass on it.
9) Take a film to Sundance.
10) Produce something -- anything -- for two of my favorite directors (and friends), Jon Keeyes and Sean McNamara.
11) Earn net profits.
12) Work on a film that not only doesn't raise my blood pressure, but is such an absolute joy to be a part of, that every other memory of my professional life will be measured against that one.
