Leigh Smith, Creator, Actor & Producer on How He Made “Sacrifice”

Sacrifice is a very personal story to Leigh. It comes from a place of many differing aspects pain, heartache but as I always say above all love. It comes from a time when I personally sacrificed everything in the name of love only for loss to occur. This to me is what makes it so very strong in story and theme. I transferred this energy into the characters and before I knew it they were alive in the world. I wanted to target an area that had otherwise gone unnoticed. As my research showed LGBTQ military was something very much hidden.

indieactivity: Did you start writing with a cast (You or any) in mind?
Leigh Smith (LS): The role of James was within in me and much the feeling I had within my heart. I wrote it from a private and personal place. So the characters were very much real already and all I did was twist them into the storyline. In terms of casting the process was challenging. I had a lot of factors that needed to be considered above all else and natural and strong chemistry. The decision was not an easy one but I was blessed to find this in the cast members.

How long did it take to complete the script? (Do you have a writing process?)
Leigh Smith (LS): The script was written over a period of about 3 months. Once the initial draft was complete I sought the advice and expertise of more experienced film writers. They helped me to mold the story. I must say a huge thanks to Anna Maguire and my Executive Producer Damien Giglietta who helped me achieve this. Their vision excelled my expectation.

When did you form your production company – and what was the original motivation for its formation?
Leigh Smith (LS): The Production Company 88 to 1 Production is owned by a fantastic team made up of Damien Giglietta, George Davis, and Peter McIntosh. They came on board as producers and allowed me the use of state-of-the-art equipment which as a first-time film makes no one is ever afforded and I am beyond blessed to have their support. Having that behind you is something that cannot be put into words.

During production, what scene (that made the cut) was the hardest to shoot?
Leigh Smith (LS): In terms of the hardest scene to shoot for me as both the actor and creator I would have to say the goodbye scene between the two leads was hard in terms of emotional vulnerability. Again, as the story was so personal this goodbye for me in terms of story was so significant as I could completely connect with that sense of loss and farewell. The hardest part is when you would give anything to hold onto something but at the end of the day, you have no control over it.

Is there anything about the independent filmmaking business you still struggle with?
Leigh Smith (LS): I love the art of independent filmmaking and I am blessed to be able to continue to learn from the best. My crew was nothing short of exceptional from all walks of life. When everyone agreed to come on board and give their time I was overwhelmed. This sense of community and love is something that I think is unique to independent filmmaking.  I don’t think there is a struggle when you have this kind of support and I look forward to continuing to learn.

Where do you think your strengths line as a filmmaker?
Leigh Smith (LS): Personally, I believe my strength as a film making is my passion and drive. I work consistently on all aspects and this for me is my greatest strength. I also believe in giving back so whatever I can do to propel others I will go above and beyond to ensure that they are awarded. Everything I do is with pride and love and this I believe is where I stand out from others.

How important is marketing? Do you think a project can make any dent without it these days?
Leigh Smith (LS): Marketing is hugely important for exposure and getting your stories out there. Articles such as this by the awesome Indie Activity only escalate a project and it is so humbling to be able to get our message out via platforms. In addition to this social media is also very important and I am once again endowed with a fabulous producer in the form of Mary Anne Niceforo who continues to do this – follow us @sacrificeshort!

Can you tell us about your marketing activities on the project – and how it’s gone for you? 
Leigh Smith (LS): We have social media across Instagram and Facebook and the response has been great. My producer is fantastic and I have also had the chance to learn a lot about how this works. We also have been entered into many festivals which is a great marketing vice and this is supported by the fantastic Australian Film Fund Alliance – again funding and source not many short filmmakers are afforded.

What do you hope audiences get from your film?
Leigh Smith (LS): Above all, I hope that audiences walk away realizing that in any form of relationship regardless of anything sacrifices are universal. Many people are unaware of the sacrifices people make for the greater good and what they leave behind in the face of doing so. I also hope that the message of love in any form is so beautiful. When two people love each other nothing else matters and this transcends all else.