My friends Lorrisa & CJ just completed writing, producing, editing and starring in (for Lorrisa) the full length feature film, “The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater”.
Their film is available to rent and buy on Prime Video or Vimeo on Demand. They can also follow our Facebook and Instagram handle, @mistressmaneatermovie,
This is the result of several years of hard work! I wanted to know how they measure success and push through fear to take risks. Whether it’s creating a movie, running a marathon or losing that extra weight, we all have successes and setbacks. So, what advice can they offer that they may have learned from making the film? Here is what they had to say:
What you did seems very personal. Now, the world will say what they liked or didn’t like. When people are critical, how do you not take that personally? How will you measure the film’s success? And… how do you put yourself out there to take such a risk?
Lorrisa: We are here in life to grow, and that usually comes through adversity. I recognize that I cannot place my value as an artist and person on the opinions of others, or else I might end up with the character of a soufflé—all puffed up with no substance and easily deflated. Flattery has caused us to trust the wrong people in the past, while without constructive criticism, our movie wouldn’t be nearly as polished and tight.
As far as the trolls go, I’m getting used to them as a bridge fixture. I know all of us on this team did our best work, and I welcome the opinions of anyone who’s taken their valuable time to watch our movie. It’s easy to tell who hasn’t. For readers who fear being criticized if they move toward their best life, please read the classic Teddy Roosevelt quote about the “man in the arena.”
C.J: My New Year’s resolution in 2019 was “Fortune favors the bold.” I absolutely believe that. As an artist for my 
whole life, I’ve become friendly with the concept of constructive criticism. It’s essential to my growth as a creator. I’m also smart enough to know that I don’t know everything, and I’m also dumb enough to believe that I can do anything! Naysayers have never stopped me in the past, and I’m not going to start listening to them now!
Many of us will NOT venture forth for fear of failure. But, better lives come to us from taking risks. What are your thoughts regarding having the courage to take risks?
Lorrisa: Yes, everything you want is on the other side of fear. I believe it’s our greatest lesson in life to face and master that dragon. C.J. was my rock early on in the process when I feared failing as so many filmmakers had. But we surrounded ourselves with experienced guides, and then talented and committed artists. We gave it our all for two years, from pre-production until release. No matter what happens financially, we will never have to wonder “What if?”
No one wants to fail, but if the journey will make your heart sing and you’ve done everything in your power to ensure your success, what could you possibly regret? You’ll collect wonderful friends along the road, learn lessons, grow as an artist and person, and that’s the truest success of all. If you fail, be like the greats before you and “fail forward.”
C.J.: The best thing about this filmmaking journey is that I had Lorrisa at my side the entire time. There is something beautiful about having your partner there to prop you up when you need it, which Lorrisa and I do for each other on the daily. We’ve had the ultimate yin/yang relationship for a long time. My strengths complement Lorrisa’s shortcomings (although she doesn’t have many!), and vice versa. We couldn’t have done it alone, and we certainly couldn’t have done it without each other. Any moment of weakness during the production was always tempered by the other’s enthusiasm and drive. Ultimately, we discovered that there are very few people in this world who deserve space in our heads or deserve to have their opinion matter. We get to choose those people, and for most, it’s your spouse, your parents, your very best friends, and the person who signs your paycheck. Outside of that, it’s mostly just noise!