Experiencing Interruptions?

My Empty Space

When Travis learns that his mother has sold their family home , he has to let go of what was and move on with his life.⠀

  • B. Anthony
    Director
  • B. Anthony
    Writer
  • B. And hony
    Producer
  • Kachin Graham
    Key Cast
    "Travis"
  • Entente Washington
    Key Cast
    "Mom"
  • Brian Gibson
    Key Cast
    "Daryl"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 12, 2020
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - B. Anthony

For many, being creative is a hobby. For Bryan Anthony Smith, bring creative is a way of life. Bryan Anthony Smith was born in Washington, D.C., a birthplace of many creatives who have received national and global acclaim. As a native Washingtonian, He prides himself on being a man of the city as all of educational accomplishments were awarded in the Washington, DC area, including his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland University College in Communication Studies and most recently his 2018 Master of Arts Degree in Communications: Producing for Film, Television, and Video Production from American University.

Bryan’s humble beginnings in production began as volunteer projects with his local church. At Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, Bryan served in numerous capacities including Producer, Studio Technician, Studio Camera Operator, Field Camera Operator, Floor, Event and Technical Director, and Editor. Anthony’s gifts in production opened the doors for leadership opportunities, including “1 on 1 with Cory George” ,“The Veronica Harris Show” ,“We Speak”, “Simply Speaking”, and “ Don’t Forget The Desert”. He Produced the talk show, “ United Kings DMV” and documentary “Til Victory Is Won” for DCTV. Notably, "Til Victory is Won", a crowning work of Smith’s, was selected to be featured in the International Docu-Thon Documentary Film Marathon. In February 2019, Bryan debuted his short film , “Be Light” where he is credited as Producer, Director, and Writer.

Bryan continues to “Be Light” as an aspiring movie director, and prominent production and film artist in the local DC area. He currently serves the Media and Marketing Ministry for House of Healing, DMV and is a major force in transitioning media services to multiple virtual platforms during this current pandemic. Since the inception of his entrepreneurial ventures, Bryan has become a sought-after developer of multimedia productions and platforms across the city and nation. His impact and influence on creatives are truly inspiring as he lives by the truth that where there is creativity and imagination, there is life.

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Director Statement

I directed this film to tell a story about the challenge of letting go of what was and finding the courage to move from the familiar to something better. I made this film after losing my grandmother in 2019. Through creativity and divine inspiration, I filled “My Empty Space” and have since moved forward with my life.

While watching this film, the viewer will experience the main character’s feeling of loss, frustration, and disappointment as he deals with what it means to lose someone or something close to his heart. We all can relate to loss in some way, especially during this current global pandemic, where loss and coping with loss, Is such a prevailing theme of humanity. "My Empty Space" Is timely, relevant, and perfect for our time today.

As I have evolved as a Director, I can see areas of marked improvement and growth since the making of this work. During this film, some of the challenges I overcame dealt with time and tone factors. I had three weeks to write the script, find my cast, and film the project while my grandmother's house was being prepared for sale. I discovered the real meaning of working quickly and efficiently during this project. When it came to tone, the other challenge, I developed the skill of tonal balance. This was my first time writing and directing a narrative film of a heavy theme. The film needed to be balanced, so it would not overwhelm the viewer, while in addition, speaking my true heart and voice without compromise. As I reflect on these lessons learned, I am proud of what I accomplished during this filming.

Finally, I want to celebrate the cast of this film. They believed in me and the film during this critical time in my life. We had a lot of fun shooting, which was much needed therapy for me. I can specifically remember Kasceim teaching Ray J’s “Wait A Minute” to Enette in between takes. These organic and impromptu funnies added a lightness to the topic, brought the cast together, and gave us one of many bonding moments that will remain in our hearts.

I am grateful to showcase one my of most treasured films, “My Empty Space". It was a challenging and rewarding experience that solidified and affirmed my passion for directing films.