FYD (Follow Your Dreams)
Good-natured Daniel Reese makes his way from small town America to the bright lights of Hollywood. Time to stop clowning around.
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Chad McCordDirectorJokes On You, stay with me, Fear of Feathers, The Mean Bean, WILDLIFE
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Chad McCordWriterKiller Actress, Jokes On Your, FLICKER, Class with Chadwick Chubb, THE MEAN BEAN,
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Brooks HallWriter
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Brooks HallProducer
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Robert Reed PetersonProducer
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Jamie AndersonProducer
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Kat BurnsProducer
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Brooks HallKey Cast
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John LarroquetteKey Cast
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Jamie AndersonKey Cast
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Erica RhodesKey Cast
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Project Type:Short
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Runtime:17 minutes 6 seconds
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Completion Date:August 23, 2015
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Production Budget:25,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:RED
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Indie Night Film FestivalLos Angeles, California
United States
June 25, 2016 -
Beacon Independent Film FestivalBeacon, New York
United States
September 18, 2016 -
ITSA Film FestivalSonora, California
United States
November 12, 2016
OUTSTANDING COMEDY
Chad McCord is a Los Angeles based writer, director, acting coach, and author with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He is currently writing the comedy television pilots: KILLER ACTRESS, Welcome to Hollyweird and Jokes On You! Chad has been the recipient of multiple awards for his directorial projects which include the short films: FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, STAY WITH ME, and FEAR OF FEATHERS. He also directed and co-produced the television comedy pilots: THE MEAN BEAN, and WILDLIFE. Additionally, he created the satirical web series: CLASS WITH CHADWICK CHUBB. In 2006, he opened the highly successful Chad McCord Actors’ Studio in Hollywood, CA where he coaches and conducts acting classes for many established actors working in film and television. He recently completed his book PRIVATE HELL ~ Cautionary Tales for Adults. The book consists of original illustrations and related tales, with topics ranging from AIDS and anorexia to reincarnation and beyond. Chad is planning performance art fundraising events in conjunction with the book launch to raise money for at-risk LGBT youth. His acting book, Life Line; an Actors Guide to Acting and Auditions in Hollywood will be available in 2017.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way, and it’s been said many times before, is that you have to be true to yourself and not live your life trying to fit into the box you think society has designed for you. That box doesn’t really exist, and if it did, it would be built out of fear. Some people figure out early in life just who they are and what they want to be. They lead a life filled with art, music, politics, science or whatever path they choose to go down. Others find their voice somewhere along the way, maybe not as early as they would have hoped for, but they find it none-the-less.
That’s what I’d like to speak to as a director and writer; the idea that we all have the ability to become who we were are meant to be if we just stop trying to get it right. I want to shake people and say, “Stop wasting your time worrying about what the world thinks of you!” That little voice telling you over and over again that you’re not good enough, or smart enough, or pretty enough, or whatever enough? It doesn’t matter because it’s all in your head. I want to help people find the courage to go out there and be bold, be brave, and be themselves. It might take some looking to find out who you are and what you want to say, but I can tell you after years of trying to fit in and be what I thought the world wanted me to be, it’s extremely rewarding to just be me.
I remember the exact moment that happened for me. I was talking with a very talented friend who’s a Director of Photography, and I was telling him about a script I’d been working on. That’s when I heard that voice; it was monitoring the conversation. I remember thinking, “why am I leaving out such important details about the project?” The answer is simple. I thought he would think less of me if I told him truthfully about the project. And from that moment on, I vowed to not edit myself. Be who you are, say what you want to say, and most importantly, be generous. I realized it’s not important if I get recognized for my achievements; it’s important if someone sees it and is moved and inspired to go out there and be themselves no matter what.