We were lucky to catch up with Emily Zercher- Brady recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
So, I am currently in post production on a feature film that my husband and I are doing together. It’s called HACKED: A DOUBLE ENTENDRE OF RAGE FUELED KARMA and it is going to be a WILD one! It’s been a whirlwind of a project for so many reasons – One, it’s based on a true story of how we had our downpayment for our first home hacked, so it’s our way of seeking revenge in a fun creative way (legally!). The log line is- “The first ten minutes of this film are based on true events, the rest is what we wish we could have done to that bastard”. It’s twisted and hilarious and has been a cathartic experience, because it truly was exhaustingly painful to deal with the whole scenario (we dive into the nitty gritty in the film, so I’ll spare the specifics for now, ha!), so getting the chance to take matters into our own hands was therapy, in and of itself.
But then, during pre-production, we found out I was pregnant! WOOO! Time was very much of the essence to complete filming by the time the newest addition entered the world, but then… The SAG strike happened, and we were at the mercy of sooo many obstacles – One of which was to obtain the SAG interim agreement so our union actors could work. We were for sure tested on numerous levels. With each twist and turn, we grew more and more certain that this project was exactly what we needed for a myriad of reasons, but mostly because we got to surround ourselves with some of the greatest people and turn a really crummy situation into a creative outlet. In doing so, we got to hire some of our friends who were otherwise jobless because of the strike. It felt very much like a win-win and will forever remind me of how important it is to keep going… and I’ll never feel more badass than I did producing this film about my rage-fueled vengeance all while VERY pregnant :)
Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a film producer and work on various live award show productions as well as work as a booker for high end events through a company called RUNWAY WAITERS. I very much love the chaos and creative problem solving that goes hand in hand with production and managing talent- There’s nothing quite like it. It’s both fulfilling and grueling, and the uphill battle at times feels more like a naked climb up Mount Everest, but in the end, it’s always SOOOO soo worth it and you have a piece of your blood, sweat and tears forever embedded in a project. I joke that I’m a masochist because the more intense a problem is to solve, the more I enjoy it. I love a good challenge and like to use humor to make the pandemonium feel a bit more enticing.
**Now I am hoping that I am not egging on the universe to only throw me insane curveballs and problems — Please don’t.. Yes, I love a challenge, but I also VERY MUCH love when things run smoothly**
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Ooof, ok, so…as stated before, this last movie, as magical and wonderful as it was – It did not come without it’s fair share of pre-production chaos and hurdles to jump over. Again, I was pregnant during it, so that added to the mayhem, but the list of problems to solve was plentiful – Budget being cut in half weeks before filming, losing a starring actor just days before shooting, a SAG Strike happening and many other things… Many tears and yelling into the void took place (especially by yours truly who was woozy and emotionally driven) -BUT, BUT! We persevered… and had little signs along the way to keep us going.
My husband, Shane and I, the morning after we had a major budget crisis hit were so ready to throw our hands up and give into the self doubt, but Shane was like- Let’s join the early morning dog walk with the neighbors and just forget about the film for an hour… I hadn’t been sleeping and it was 5am and I couldn’t stop crying – I was so distraught and 3 months pregnant, but I begrudgingly agreed that I’d go. It’s the same route every single time- about 3 miles long. Our dog, Ralphie Rose, all of a sudden started to just want to lay down- she’s never exhausted, but for some reason she was this morning; So, we separated from the crew and took a shortcut home. Not even 20 steps later, did I step on a $20 bill just laying there in the middle of the road. We picked it up and took it as a sign from our loved ones that have crossed the rainbow bridge- Money is coming. That was just one of so many signs that pushed us to keep going- We ensured a forward momentum was always in motion and reminded ourselves of our purpose each morning- We make films because they’re fun, the goal is always to have the most amount of fun possible. We would drive to set and blast the song “Overcome” by Nothing But Thieves and feel invincible. The goal in everything we do is to have a great time and the fact that we got to do that and have so many incredible people by our side, really makes all of the obstacles feel like badges being collected along the journey.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Honestly, I know so many people in this world that are disgustingly talented and if I could find a way to give each of them a sliver of a stage to showcase it, then I’d feel accomplished. The joy of someone in the arts being seen is so magnetic- it’s like a dose of serotonin to the heart to recognize someone’s true potential and see them utilize their skillset so passionately and unapologetically. I’m not talking about just the performers, but the DP’s, sound technicians, production designers, HMU, SFX, the list goes on and on…. So many people pour their heart and souls into their craft and never get the true appreciation they rightfully deserve.
That serotonin to the heart absolutely drives me… The gratification of seeing everyone come together to create something that feels bigger than themselves – there’s no better feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9162463/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_3_in_0_q_emily%2520zercher
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerchinator/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Breathing-Happy-Shane-Brady/dp/B0C54M66FF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TH3SLLTF6WLD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FV322VOi38cpkpZKrvdAbLdbh_q76UNJlcW5g7CT7Eu8NPHwbCOu92GtCRA0E9fMgAx18o5DQdo9jw9E2af-hsyUM6YB9y0luiYSDX3sQRgx3ZbY-zITrrp0k8e35wJ2_JxcM0qW9qiC10bS2VHff9pqwlk5xSQTTWK3IxS2CWoN45kdqhJzzoyOMPJrp5IGAP8_mic_Wbir5iacUgcjq7f5VTeqkpex7Qa9ApAAJV4.JRHZdKOSMRPZIamPo4ramf0bbqw7m0dPUt74U3TnprE&dib_tag=se&keywords=breathing+happy+film&qid=1720826248&sprefix=breathing+happy+film%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1
