Deborah J. Watson

I love the work that I do because it grants me the opportunity to undergird others through the Branson International Film Festival while building Studio 2.22 Film Productions here in SW Missouri.

I would love to share all the Behind The Scenes things building and growing, but for now I want to share an email I received. It's so hard to say no to these emails and so I say yes and give them a chance because they were brave and courageous enough to reach out and ask.

The truth is, we're at a crossroads and ready to meet with Angel investors that are ready to say yes for one year of growth that includes:
*Office Space thanks to our partnership with CAYA-MtM Network
*Marketing to 13 cities in 7 states to increase volume at the festival while building relationship equity with an amazing firm called Screenvision Media
*Filming episode 1 for Broken Colors
*Starting the animation for Jeremy
*Filming the pro-life drama The Greenhouse
*Filming the comedy "Silver"

I could use a grant writer with a successful track record to help us bring on resources to hire staff. At this time the volunteers and partners have been incredible at their dedication and commitment. It's time for change and I couldn't be more excited.

Now...here's what Adjela sent to us at the Branson International Film Festival:

Hi, my name is Andjela, a 17-year-old aspiring filmmaker from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am writing to you because I am desperate to share my short script, "00:01", with your festival, but I have a major obstacle. I am currently a student at a medical high school—a path that feels suffocating because my heart is entirely in cinema, acting, and screenwriting. I spend every free moment writing to escape a reality that doesn't fit me.

"00:01" is an atmospheric story about a 16-year-old girl, Luna, who finally breaks free from the weight of fake friendships and finds strength in her own solitude. It’s not just a story about being alone; it’s about the brutal, beautiful moment of self-acceptance. As a student with absolutely no budget, I simply cannot afford the submission fee. Would you be willing to grant me a full waiver code to help me take this first step toward my dream? It would mean more than a "submit"—it would be a sign that my voice matters.
Thank you for your time and for supporting young creators.

I remember reading this verse a few years ago and being so convicted by it. We live in a culture where women especially are encouraged to share our feelings all of the time. But scripturally, that’s not what we ought to do. Prudence and temperance are not prized by the world, but they ought to be prized by Christians! I have found that when I DO choose self-control instead of “venting my spirit” in the moment, there is always good fruit. Take it to the Lord in prayer and watch what He will do. ❤️

When Anabelle Munro introduced me to Carole at From the Heart Productions Inc who has been serving the film industry for over 30 years as a fiscal sponsor, I knew we were being set up for success.

Today, we have a library of stories being added and are growing like I never imagined.

We couldn't do what we do if it wasn't for everyone that stood together with us on the journey.

I'm at a crossroads.

To the left- I see the amazing story Jeremy by Jonathan Turner Smith

To the right- I see the heartfelt comedy of Silver by Totorenee Bailey

Next to them are:
The Greenhouse by Jim Clark
Liz Town by Linda Bentley
Familigia Matters by Cathy Grassi
The Way Back by Terry Hirsch
Shamayim Waits by Balikoowa Joshua
Uncompromised by Debbie Paulsen
Blood Money by Jeff Lofton
Cafe Chronicles by Martha Wollner

This crossroads position has me holding on to "Not Too Far From Here" the first episode in the Broken Colors series, with the spin-off Spirit Song.
While tucked on the back burner is the TV Series
Ruby Unleashed
and
Scooters Second Chances
And the full feature stories of
Under the Acacia Tree
12th Man on the Field

It would be easy to leave all of the projects parked at the crossroads, but that's not the kind of traction we have here at Studio 2.22 Film Productions

It's forward momentum time and we're ready to invite you to join us in the fueling the tank for Jeremy! https://turnersmithproductions.allyrafundraising.com/campaigns/14285-please-support-jeremy-with-a-tax-deductible-donation?fbclid=IwdGRjcAQ9tHBjbGNrBD20PGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHnKNTnNc94rlVkPbZQR8pgNF-EExzFM5XAH7DDW9rLdLXdo99UfPLZYi7ruS_aem_KMIwdSW0zDcztRj4pVMY2Q

This Easter weekend we're looking for 12 people who would say "Yes! This is a story I want to see come to life and believe in it's message."
Is that you?

Please Support "Jeremy" with a Tax-Deductible Donation by Turner/Smith Productions Jeremy is like any other third grader – he wants to be accepted and have good friends, as well as feel safe both at home and school. He has two loving parents who have raised him in a Christian home, and he is very close to them. Like many third graders,

Which Pride Are You Feeding?

There are two kinds of pride.

One builds.
One destroys.

Healthy pride says:
“I’m grateful for the gifts God has placed in me, and I will use them well.”

It produces confidence, responsibility, and gratitude.

But destructive pride whispers something different:
“Look what I did.”
“I don’t need help.”
“I’m better than others.”

One keeps you teachable.
The other makes you untouchable.

Every day we feed one of them.

Healthy pride feeds purpose.
Destructive pride feeds ego.

One leads to growth.
The other eventually leads to isolation.

So the question isn’t whether pride exists in our lives…

The real question is:

Which one are you feeding today?

I just received an email to submit our work to the Marche du Film in Cannes. An exclusive event from one of our brand partners.

I would love to accept the invitation, however because of the work we're doing in Branson International Film Festival, I have to prioritize my time and decline.

I will go to Cannes one day and carry others with me.

While some people murmur and complain about others "breaking into the industry by riding on their coat-tails", I count it all joy to help bring others along for the adventure. Everyone is allowed to have their own perspective.... and mine is one of balance to not get weighed down under the labor of it all.

Thank you to the team that goes the distance with me. Your dedication and commitment supercede my expectations.

As the director and producer of a start-up film studio, things look differently here than in a production company working on their own stories.

We are mindful of other people's work, not just our own.
You can see examples at Studio 2.22 Film Productions

We are mindful of other companies in their beta world and help network with them so we can all grow together.

Growing pains are not easy, but when it's all said and done, it will be worth it.
Let your faith run deeper than your fear.
Let your roots be anchored in God's living water.
Then rise up and trust the ever changing seasons in life.

James 2:22

Growth without preparation can lead to burnout or setbacks. Build strong foundations, so when you grow, you stay steady, resilient, and ready for the next big step.

My heart is overjoyed with how our Studio 2.22 Film Productions and Branson International Film Festival will be teaming up with Miracle Children's Foundation for an event that is so significant, we can't see the end of the ripple effect.

Find out more this Saturday at 10:22am CST by tuning in to CAYA-MtM Network

happiness vs. joy

Happy Monday Morning.

As I turned the page on the calendar I inherited from my mother and father after they past last year, I was completely encouraged by the words on the page and everything that surrounds it on my desk.

The "No More Stolen Sisters" sticker provided by Gail Attanasio. My focus board provided by Kathleen Forrest. The art work of Vanessa Horabuena "Dare to Dance Again", given to me by my friend Kathy Hewitt to remind me of the art of surrender. A dried flower from my mothers funeral that reminds me of her head bowed in prayer. The card and prayer cross from my newest friend and blessing in life Jennifer White , the broken colors stained glass pieces that just don't have a home...yet....to the Broken Colors brand sticker that goes in every envelope and package weighed on the scales.
Everyone desks are different.
What do you surround yourself with on your desk?

Setbacks are not the end of your story.

They are pauses.
They are pivots.
They are preparation.

The delay doesn’t mean you’re disqualified.
The struggle doesn’t mean you’re failing.

Sometimes the setback is strengthening muscles you didn’t know you’d need.

Keep going.
Keep building.
Keep believing.

You are not behind. You are being built.