Gary Mazeffa - Interview

---

Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?

Drama. It’s the crucible where truth reveals itself. Comedy may charm, but drama transforms. Every frame in Asherah is a searchlight into the human soul — the laughter comes after revelation.

Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life?

Neither — they are entangled. Life and art breathe through each other like light and shadow. One without the other is incomplete, and the pulse of Asherah lives in that sacred intersection.

Which is the best Moment on set?

When silence falls after the take — and everyone knows they’ve touched something real. That shared stillness is cinema’s heartbeat.

Did anyone ever tell you weren’t good enough?

Yes, and I thanked them silently. Doubt has been my fiercest ally; it forces you to either quit or transcend. I chose transcendence.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

By remembering that the goal isn’t fame or completion — it’s alignment. When vision, story, and soul align, the noise fades. I stay focused by serving the story, not the ego.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your job?

There have been moments of deep questioning — not collapse, but confrontation. The creative path holds up a mirror, and sometimes what you see challenges who you think you are. That’s where growth begins. The work doesn’t break you — it refines you.

Talent is a blessing or a curse? 

Both. A blessing when guided by purpose, a curse when driven by vanity. The key is humility — knowing talent is borrowed light.

What would you like to improve about yourself as a visionary?

Patience. The cosmos doesn’t move on deadlines, yet I keep trying to race the stars.

What’s the worst critic you’ve received?

That Asherah was “too spiritual.” But that told me I’d struck a nerve — art should challenge the surface dwellers. The wound is where the light enters.

If you weren’t creating films, what would you like to be?

A composer. Music is cinema without the camera — pure emotion in motion.

If Cinema was a color, what would it be?

Gold. Not for glamour — but for illumination. The color of dawn, of revelation, of something ancient remembering itself.

A day without a movie is...

A day without breath. I see stories in everything — clouds, faces, silence. Even a still day is a scene waiting to awaken.

If someone offered you to create a movie you despise, but it would make you rich and famous… would you accept?

No. You can’t build a cathedral on sand. Every frame must come from truth — not transaction.

What’s your greatest ambition?

To leave behind more meaning than noise. To ignite one mind, one soul, to remember that completion and creation are one and the same.

What’s your biggest fear?

That humanity will forget wonder — that we’ll trade awe for algorithms. My work fights for the return of wonder.

Does music help you to create?

Always. Music opens portals. When words fail, melody remembers. The Sound of Silence in Asherah wasn’t just a cue — it was a prayer.

You have the chance to make a silent movie — what’s your message to the audience?

Listen. The soul speaks loudest in silence. Every glance, every shadow, every breath — that’s the true dialogue.

Share your speech if you should win an Oscar...

To the dreamers who still believe that cinema can awaken the divine in us — this is for you. To every actor who gave me their soul, every crew member who carried light into shadow, and to the unseen hand that guides us all — thank you.

The biggest challenge of being an actor\director\ screenplayer is…

Organization and casting to fit your handwritten characters
.

Choose an Actor, Choose an Actress...and now choose a story you wouldlike to direct or play with both of them: 

Sarah Lancashire- Happy Valley, and Vicky McClure- Line of Duty, are two actors I would enjoy working with. They are exceptional in their roles, and I would enjoy acting with them and Idris Elba- Luther, in a detective series. 


Who’s the first Artist that let you understand you wanted to be an Actor\ director\screen player: 

John Wayne and James Stewart/ Frank Capra and John Ford/writer- James Herriott 

What really excites you artistically or emotionally: 

The writing process is exciting, as you navigate your experiences and your emotions into your characters; the acting experience is a way to have the most natural, uninhibited emotions without any doubts and damning the fears. 


Marlon Brando said “Never confuse the size of your Paycheck with the

size of your talent”. Do you agree? 

I agree, but first you have to enough time or money; discipline or guts to stick with presenting your talent. 


Have you ever been discouraged by someone about your life\career choices? 

I was a teacher, and with that role, I became a storyteller, and from that occupation, I knew I wanted to write and act out my stories- I have been doing it most of my adult life. Laughed at- yes, discouraged- no. 

Do you think is harder for a woman being a Filmmaker?


I think it use to be harder, but I think many women have made wonderful contributions to storytelling as a film makers and actors, and with their success, others are crossing the bridge and bringing their views and their friends with them. 

Do you think that Fame and money could easily change your own Vision as

a Filmmaker\actor\screenplayer?

I am too old to have all my views changed. As a young man, I would have paid a heavy price for fame, as an old man, I would gladly pay the price for solitude and the space just to create. 


Who’s the Movie star that made you dream for the first time?


John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney, Bing Crosby, Paul Newman

Make a wish about your career...

I wish to create something of value, something of merit, and something to bring a smile to the faces of others.


Talking about cinema\Showbusiness, how hard is to remain completely

honest to yourself as an artist? 

I am not sure, as I am a storyteller, and story tellers take liberties with their stories. But as an actor, the emotion is always real and must be honest. 

The Film you have loved the most?


As a child- The Sound of Music; as a boy- The Cowboys; as a man- Full Metal Jacket; as a laugh- The Commitments; as an emotional question- Saving Private Ryan; and so many more in between.  

And now, don’t be shy….the one that annoyed you the most?


I cannot answer this one, as I do not remember the films I did not like. 

Your biggest artistic goal is…

To captures someone's attention and then allow them to look inside at themselves and outside at others.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 

Cowboys- getting too old, Carpenter- too old, Mandolin player- no talent


How important is to be rewarded as an Artist? 

Rewards are not as important as being recognized for a job well done.


Do you have regrets?


Going to the gym instead of the arts hallway as a young man

What’s the message you want to express through your art?
 

That men have a community built on experiences and hardships. Men communicate best shoulder-to-shoulder, and not so much face-to-face. Most men, if not being constructive will be destructive, and must have a mission or purpose greater than self to move forward and into responsibility.   

What’s the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenwriter?

Vulnerability as an actor. Resilience as a director. Courage as a writer.

First and last cinematographic crush?

My first cinematic crush was probably Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride, and I still haven’t had anyone knock Johnny Depp off his pedestal. Edward Scissorhands, Benny & Joon, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape… take your pick.

How old were you when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenwriter?

About 35, I think.

For you, a film is…

Another big arts and crafts project.

What do you feel when you’re acting/directing/writing?

When I’m acting, I’m channeling emotions from personal experiences and finding the threads that make them relatable to the character’s world.

You can go to the movies with an actor/director/screenwriter that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with whom are you going to watch it?

If it can be anyone, living or dead, I’d love to go to the movies with David Lynch and watch The Wizard of Oz. Hopefully no one would mind if we talked through it a bit or sang along.

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is impossible.” What do you think about it?

I agree, but when you have a low budget, sometimes it’s wiser to go with the best option available in the moment.

Can you live just off your passion?

Yes, but it wasn’t always as comfortable as I would have preferred.

What’s more important: talent or luck?

Both are important, but neither beats a strong work ethic.

You must go to a desert island but you can bring just one movie…

I’d probably bring my own so I could take notes on everything I’d do differently with a bigger budget. But honestly, I don’t think I’d need a movie on a desert island.

Have you ever accepted a part, a movie to direct, or a script to write even if you didn’t like the project?

No. It would feel dishonest, and it wouldn’t serve me or the work. I’d hope anyone I hire feels the same way.

Are you satisfied with your career?

Sure. I want to do more, but it’s not the most important thing to me right now. Raising my young child takes priority over filmmaking at the moment.

Do you have a good luck charm?

My optimism and my belief in feng shui and manifestation.

Which is the worst moment on set?

Having to poop and the nearest bathroom is a block away.

How do you feel when a job you’ve been part of is ending?

A bit sad. It’s like the end of summer camp. You’re tired, fulfilled, and already nostalgic.

Have you ever lied to get a part or a job?

No. If you don’t have integrity, you don’t have anything.

If you should win an Oscar, your first thanks would go to…

My husband. My mom. My son. My executive producers. And about a hundred and five other folks.

 Do you prefer Comedy or Drama?

I actually feel more drawn to drama because it allows me to explore the deepercomplexities of human nature and emotions. 

Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life? 

 I would say both nourish each other in an endlesscycle. Art reflects life beautifully and in diverse ways, but it also influences how we see and experience the world.

Which is the best moment on set? 

The best moment on set is that magical instantwhen everything comes together: the script or story, the location, the actors, the crew -and you capture something truly authentic.

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough? 

Yes, absolutely. This is my first documentary film; nobody really expected it, and I actually had to feel my way into this field first. I learned so much during the implementation of my first project, and I'm proud

of what came out of it. For example, I revised the script multiple times until it felt right for me. Rejection is part of this industry, but it also taught me resilience and to stay true to myself and my subject matter despite any possible criticism. My work is authentic, and I

don't have to bend myself to please others. Nevertheless, rejection also awakens my ambition to work on my script and continuously improve my documentary.

How can you stay focused on your goal?

I keep returning to my script and reminding myself of what I actually want to convey with my documentary. The 'why' and my passion for storytelling, the connection to my audience - these give me the enthusiasm to stick with my projects and bring them to a

successful completion.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your job?

The pressure can sometimes be overwhelming - to be productive and efficient at the same time in the shortest amount of time. However, creativity simply cannot be triggered at the push of a button. On the contrary, it requires calm and solitude to bring

out the best ideas and to 'coax out' the best creative potential from oneself. No, I haven't had a breakdown because of my profession so far, and I'm aware of the importance of mental health. I also receive a lot of support from family and friends.

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

It's a blessing that comes with responsibility and dedication. Talent alone without hard work just fizzles out and doesn't produce results; at least that's my experience.

What would you like to improve about yourself as a director/screenwriter?

I want to continue expanding my emotional range and find new ways to surprise both myself and the audience.

What's the worst critic you have received?

A review that described my documentary as an 'unimportant family story' that wouldn't interest a broad audience. It hurt because I'm so passionate about inspiring people with my family history and research findings, and I want to encourage everyone to follow their

own traces.

If you weren't a director/screenwriter what would you like to be? 

I'm actually also a successful event manager. Writing scripts and making films and also independently handling their distribution/marketing is an absolute dream combination.

If Cinema was a color what would it be? 

Deep blue - mysterious, infinite and capable of carrying any conceivable emotion and story.

A day without a movie is... 

I would expand the sentence as follows: a day without

creative work is like a day without breathing. My creativity makes up a large part of my essence.

If someone offered you to play/direct/write a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous...would you accept?

No. Integrity is more important than fame. I have to believe in the stories I tell.

What's your greatest ambition? 

Creating films that are important, that change how

people see the world, even in small ways.

What's your biggest fear?

Losing my passion for the craft or becoming complacent in my work.

Does music help you to play/direct/write?

 Absolutely. Music unlocks emotions and helps me find the rhythm and soul of a character or scene. DE: Absolutely. I listen to a lot

of gentle piano music while doing creative work. Music unlocks emotions and helps me find the rhythm and soul of a character or a scene.

You have the chance to make a Silent movie, what's your message to the audience?

That human connection goes beyond words - we understand each other through emotions, gestures and shared experiences.

Share your speech if you should win an Oscar...

This is not just my success - it belongs to everyone who believed in this story, who put their heart into bringing it to life. Thank you to my family and friends for encouraging me

that dreams are worth pursuing. Nevertheless, I dedicate my story above all to peace in the world, so that displacement and persecution as well as inhumane treatment finally come to an end. Because unfortunately, this is more present than ever nowadays.

What’s the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good writer?

Curiosity. Without it, you stop asking questions and stop searching for deeper meaning. Whether you’re writing or directing, curiosity keeps you alive to possibility, to the nuance in people and to the “what if” that makes film so powerful.

First and last cinematographic crush?

First: Terry Gilliam for opening my eyes to how you can create a chaotic tapestry of the surreal but with a mischievous childlike wonder

Last: Denis Villeneuve for creating profound existential tension whilst bringing to life the epic worlds of Philip K Dick and Frank Herbert.

How old were you when you decided you wanted to be an creative/filmmaker?

6 going on 50. When I was six my Dad took me to the cinema to see Flash Gordon but it was sold out so we saw Time Bandits instead. I still remember the strangeness of being transported into Terry Gilliam’s mind it was wondrous. It was also a life lesson in embracing serendipity. We hadn’t set out to see Time Bandits so maybe expectations were low but boy did it deliver. Now at 50 and After 25 years of creating stories & films for brands it’s been liberating to find my voice again. 

For you a Film is…

Constant reinvention.  The coming wave of ai will have profound effects on all of us. I like to focus on the positives but there are a host of challenges particularly when it’s comes to the energy consumption of the data centres.  But no doubt just like any major tech development in cinema new possibilities will emerge but the quality of compelling narrative will always endure. 

What do you feel when you’re writing?

In constant flux from anxious to exhilarated

You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you’re gonna watch it?

Director Ed Sayers, who is a good friend, he created the amazing Straight 8 film competition - old school film making where you shoot on one cartridge of 8mm with no editing everything is shot in sequence on that one reel and then the first time you see your film is on the big screen with the other film makers.  So we’d watch his next film which is about to launch at the London Film Festival called Super Nature which is a love letter to nature.

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?

Coming from a creative communications agency background, I’ve always loved adidas’ spin: Impossible is nothing. It flips the familiar, makes it sharper, more powerful. That’s the creative act — turning a cliché into something distinct and hence memorable.

Can you live just off your passion?

If you redefine “living.” Passion fuels the work, but there’s also pragmatism — bills, clients, projects that aren’t always perfect. The trick is aligning the two as much as possible.

What’s more important, talent or luck?

So many cliches to this question but right place right time 

You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie…

Blade Runner. Because the Vangelis score transports me back to my formative days as a student studying visual communication. That soundtrack became the background music to working late into the night to hit project deadlines. In this age of ai the Tyrell Corporations of today are in many ways playing God so it feels more relevant than ever.

Have you ever accepted a project even if you didn’t like it?

Yes. Early in my career. But over time I’ve learnt that the energy you put into something you don’t believe in drains you.

What’s the best compliment you have received about your job?

My mother showed her friend Christine one of my shorts about the climate crisis and Christine cried. 

Are you satisfied about your career?

Our Welsh Grandmother, Nain, would always recite to us when we were kids “Good better best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best “

Do you have a good luck charm?

Music. I always start with a track that locks me into the right headspace. 

Which is the worst moment on set?

When the light is fading, the shot isn’t working and everyone just wants to go home. 

How do you feel when a job you’ve been part of is ending?

Depends on the job

Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

Let’s just say I’ve bent the truth about how quickly something could be delivered. Creativity sometimes needs a little creative licence to make things happen.

If you should win an Oscar your first thought would go to…

I don’t think there’s much chance of that happening but I’ll keep dreaming - first thoughts to my family who have always been there for me.

What's the absolutely necessary ingredient to be a good actor/director/screenwriter?

Definitely motivation. You need to have a clear idea and stay passionate about it until you're able to actually put something together and express it, through the actors, the crew, and the overall production. Another essential ingredient is effective communication. You need to make sure everyone is following your lead and on the same page. Especially in film, where you collaborate with people from so many areas-makeup, sound, lighting, choreography-you have to be able to share your vision clearly so your idea can truly come to life.

First and last cinematographic crush?

Lawrence Sher. The first time I saw Joker, back when it came out in 2019, I fell in love with the cinematography. Of course, it’s also deeply connected to the director’s choices, but the cinematography was incredibly effective in portraying the main character’s mental state, how unfair society can be toward innocent people, and the transitions between hallucinations and reality were just perfect. More recently, a film that made me fall even more in love with cinematography was The Substance, shot by Benjamin Kračun. It’s my favorite film among the most recent Oscar nominees.

How old were you when you decided you wanted to be an actor/director/screenwriter?

I was in my last year of high school when I decided I wanted to pursue a career in film instead of acting. I had been a theater kid since I was a little girl, but right before starting college, I began to wonder how everything was made and what happened behind the scenes. That curiosity led me to fall in love with directing and storytelling from behind the camera. 

For you, a film is...

Expression. Free art. And sometimes, a form of protest against the injustices of the world, but through art. Film allows you to say what you need to say, to deliver messages that society often refuses to acknowledge or understand.

What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing?

When I’m writing, I let my imagination take me anywhere it wants. Sometimes I catch myself coming up with strange or unusual ideas, but then I realize that’s exactly the point. Telling stories that haven’t been told before is the heart of filmmaking. If your thoughts are original, that’s one of the most powerful things you can offer. When I’m directing, I feel truly fulfilled. I get to guide a team of talented people, all working together to bring a vision to life. It’s exciting to think that what we’re creating could leave an impact on others.

You can go to the movies with an actor/director/screenwriter that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and who are you going to watch it with?

I’m definitely going with Bong Joon-ho, and if we could watch Parasite together, that would be the best day of my life. I have so many questions, like how all those ideas came to his mind to create such a masterpiece, how the entire production was executed, and so much more.

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is impossible.” What do you think about it?

I believe that can be true, as long as you're willing to work for it.

Can you live just off your passion?

I definitely will live off my passion. And I’m proud of every single brave person who made the decision to follow what they truly want in life.

What’s more important: talent or luck?

Talent. If you just wait for luck to come to you, it might happen in some cases, but you won’t truly get anywhere by just waiting. And even talent isn’t enough on its own; you have to use it, work hard, and keep improving to really get somewhere.

You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie...

JOKER.

Have you ever accepted a part/a movie to direct/a script to write even if you didn’t like the project?

I was the cinematographer for The Battle of Princeton documentary, a project I worked on with a group for a class. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I didn’t like it, because I actually loved it. But I had no idea about the topic at first, I’m not gonna lie. I had to do quite a bit of research just to understand it and be able to contribute meaningfully.

I believe that’s part of the journey, not every project you join is going to be a “perfect fit” from the start, but that doesn’t mean it can’t teach you something or help you grow.

What’s the best compliment you’ve received about your job?

One day, an actor told me, “You’re such an aesthetic filmmaker,” (for how my visuals were looking) and that honestly made my day. I was directing on my own set and feeling super stressed out, but that compliment felt like a sign that everything was going to work out.  

Are you satisfied with your career?

Yes, I am. I know there’s still so much to discover, and I’m willing to work hard to find new opportunities and keep growing.

Do you have a good luck charm?

No.

What’s the worst moment on set?

When everything goes wrong at once, an actor gets sick, the location falls through, the weather’s a mess, or we’re missing a key prop, and everyone turns to the director like, “Now what?” As one professor said, “Someone has to ride the bus.” It’s stressful, but I also love the challenge of finding solutions and keeping the project alive.

How do you feel when a job you’ve been part of is ending?

Proud.

Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

Next question.

If you were to win an Oscar, your first thought would go to…

My mom. And then my dad. Easy.

Do you prefer comedy or drama?

I like drama because some of my favorite movies are dramas, like Devil's Advocate, Valmont, and Dangerous Liaisons. Some of my favorite actors are Viggo Mortensen, Carrie Fisher, Keanu Reeves, Gabriel Byrne and Meg Tilly. Acting transforms a person into someone that they're not. It encourages and inspires me that I can do it too.

Life imitates Art or Art imitates Life? 

Art imitates Life and an example is the movie 8 Mile, about Eminem doing a film about his life. I really enjoy the scene where he overcomes his fear and shares his rhymes with confidence in the rap battle. 

If someone made a movie about me it would be named “The Amazing Mara Stevë”, because I am amazing, versatile, perky, bouncy, witty and full of energy.

Which is the best Moment on set?

The first day on set. The reason why the first day on set is magical is the excitement of being on set for the first time. The first set I was on was this little indie, I don't know what happened to it. I played a Junior INS agent, it was one of my first roles in a film. I have been on set quite a bit. I have been an extra for several major productions and had many character roles on lots of indie productions. On my most recent set, I had the lead role in a short film called The Mad Rabbit. I played Alice in Wonderland who went through a crazy version of Wonderland. It was a film challenge at Filmapaooza where we had 45 minutes to shoot a 1 minute film.

Did anyone ever tell you weren't good enough?

When I was in school, a teacher told me I wasn't good enough to be an actor; But in a play that I was in (the teacher was directing), a Casting Director from LA was in the audience. A friend that I rode the bus with to school was in the audience too. My friend told me that the LA Casting Director said that if they were to call actors in for an audition for a film/tv show that they would call me in for an audition/meeting (the friend never told me who the casting director was).

How can you stay focused on your goal?

I like to read on my craft, stay in touch with my agents, take classes, and post about events I did in acting like events, projects that I'm on, etc. Some of my current goals are to work on mainstream films and tv shows and become full SAG (I am currently SAG-AFTRA eligible). Some of the acting books that have influenced me are Acting is Everything, Self Management For Actors, and Your Film Acting Career.

Have you ever had a breakdown because of your job?

I don't get tied up in things going on except techie issues, then I go Chicken Little. Like, where Google docs don't work, my email starts taking a life of its own or I click on something and everything goes wrong.

Talent is a blessing or a curse?

Talent can be a blessing because you can step into another world and become someone/something amazing. My first acting role was in “David and Lisa” and I played Sarah-5-year-old girl who befriends Lisa. It was my very first school play that I was in. On opening night, I got an autographed picture of Carrie Fisher in the mail - and when I was a little kid I saw the Oscars and since then I always wanted to be an actor. One of my favorite characters I have played is a tie - Martha, who is a social media influencer and also a no-nonsense serial killer and Suzie who is a social influencer who wants to be InstaFamous and is also a little “off”. Martha is from a Sag-Aftra web series “Nancy Days” and Suzie is from “Sam and the Butterflies”.

What would you like to improve about yourself as an actor?

Be able to remember lines faster. Some of my current ways are, to say and repeat, read out loud and read it silently. The acting classes that I take are mostly online-zoom and include script analysis, script techniques, and scene study.

What's the worst critic you have received?

I haven't received any yet, maybe except for me (my inner critic).

If you weren't an actor what would you like to be?

A casting director or an entertainment lawyer. The reason why I'm drawn to the entertainment industry is because of the glitz, glamour, the red carpet, and the fashion. My biggest, fun experience on the red carpet was at the 2025 Filmapalooza awards ceremony held in Seattle, where my film “The Sizzle Stars Intergalactic Galaxy Tour” was playing at the festival.

If cinema was a color what would it be?

Purple. Because purple is my favorite color.

A day without a movie is...

A day where I would have to find something else to do. I usually watch a couple of movies a week, sometimes more if I have more free time. I share a pretty large dvd collection. I like storytelling. I used to make up stories when I was little, it's rumored that I could tell stories in my sleep when I was little. My mom even put a recorder under my bed and was able to catch a few stories. I like eating plain buttered popcorn, Reese's Pieces, and a jumbo Diet Coke while watching movies. I like dramas, horror, and those epic dramas.

I really loved those period pieces with the big puffy dresses when I was little.

 If someone offered you to play in a movie that you despise but that for sure will make you rich and famous..would you accept the job?

I would reluctantly take it, especially if it were to get me into better roles and projects. My dream role would be to be in a Lord of the Rings style of film.

What's your greatest ambition?

Become a working paid SAG actor. I would like to be in films and tv series like, Constantine 2, John Wick 5, a Peter Jackson film, Bridgerton series, and a Game Of Thrones spinoff series. I would like to play a character that's innocent looking but can be lethal and be a great leader.

What's your biggest fear? 

Spiders. I'm ok with tarantulas, the big furry kind. I had a tarantula when I was little. Her  name was Lady.

Does music help you play? 

It helps me study. I like show tunes, some current pop, new age, and 80's music. Like Total Eclipse of the Heart, Glory of Love, Hell is for Children, Radioactive, Born this Way.

You have the chance to make a silent movie, what's your message to the audience?

You can act without actually speaking. I'm really good at non verbal acting roles, but I can also do your regular speaking roles too.

Share your speech if you should win an Oscar.

I want to thank the Academy, my agent and team. Monty for supporting me, my mom for telling me to keep going and not quit acting. The director, producers, and all the cast/crew. And everyone else that I forgot to mention. Don't let the joy suckers tell you not to give up pursuing your dream.