Describe your approach to developing this screenplay, as well as working with the writer/director as a creative team.

Bret Miller and I have been working together since our days at Michigan State University in the undergrad film program. We were among the most passionate filmmakers of the student body capable of thinking both creatively and logistically to work as a team.  Famed screenwriting professor Bill Vincent brought us together. He knew from experience with previous pupils, Evil Dead filmmakers Sam Raimi and Rob Tappert, that fearless enthusiasm and raw talent can go a long way.  One fateful day in our senior year, Bret proposed tackling the monumental task of producing an entire feature film. The rest is history; Some Are Born came from blood, sweat, and tears to form the foundation of our filmmaking careers. 

From there, we grew in our own specialized ways. I got a “real world MBA” building a unicorn tech startup in Silicon Valley. Bret joined the DIY indie scene directing and producing feature films in Grand Rapids, Michigan under the tutelage of notable director Joel Potrykus. I pursued big market experience in commercial and narrative work in Los Angeles. Bret enrolled in the MFA program for screenwriting at the University of Georgia. Every opportunity we’ve been given, and worked for, we’ve used to further our passion in filmmaking. 

As a team, Bret and I balance each other out. We constantly take opposite positions in healthy debates. I’m keeping an eye on the big picture, themes and character arcs, while Bret is ensuring an engaging audience experience, beat-by-beat. He’s got a knack for pacing and bringing characters’ voices to life. Bret is a prolific writer, churning out pages. I’m a voracious reader, pumping out constructive feedback. Bret’s also a gifted director, who knows how a script transforms into a compelling performance on screen. I attribute our harmony to the trust between us, which is based on the cornerstone of having the best at heart for the creation as a whole. Our communication style is honest, respectful, and highly specific; formed by years of working with diverse teams across multiple industries. 

As partners for The Oath, the writer-director-producer unity allows us to build from the ground up and keep the authentic story front and center. We’ve been committed to further developing the screenplay throughout our revision process. The script has received coverage notes from our professional mentors, and feedback has been used constructively to enhance the script. Notable changes include limiting characters to streamline the story, introducing a location change to evolve with the rising tension, and diving deeper into the ideological and emotional confrontation between characters. Each time we make small adjustments the characters are getting more relatable. Anna is coming to life as the brave professional speaking hard truths in the face of misogyny, like Christine Blasey Ford. Taylor is the altruistic gen Z teen being admonished like David Hogg. Danny and Dom are the misguided, frustrated peons taking up arms against their oppressors. We look forward to more feedback from the diverse community in the Sundance Institute to keep working towards excellence. 3. Describe your approach to further developing this screenplay, as well as working with your writer (or writer/director) as a creative team.