25 Aug Two Roads: For the Love of Storytelling

With a slim budget, tight schedule, uncooperative weather patterns and even less cooperative livestock, the making of Two Roads was not destined for smooth sailing. Yet challenging circumstances can sometimes bring out the best in people—especially talented, tenacious people with a shared vision and a passion for excellence.

Fortunately, the Two Roads team was made up of exactly these kinds of people.

My daughter, Georgia Rose Bell, plays Maddy in Two Roads, a short film shot near Shreveport, Louisiana that’s competing for the sought-after Louisiana Film Prize.

When I first got the script for Two Roads after Georgia had been cast, I was thrilled for her to have the opportunity to play an integral role in shaping this story. The best films make you feel and Two Roads has plenty of relatable moments that will tug at an audience’s heartstrings.

While it’s not her first film project, starring in Two Roads gave Georgia the opportunity to experience new things—most notably, lots of open spaces, country air and large (very large) animals.

Allowing your child to ride an enormous bull is not something one takes lightly. But it was clear that Lobo was a well-trained, beloved pet and that Georgia would be safe as his passenger. Of course Georgia has no fear when it comes to pretty much anything (save for winged insects) and she relished the chance to make a new friend and take a daring ride.

Though impossibly small for the scope of their ambitious project, the cast and crew of Two Roads was both experienced and dedicated. Watching their efforts and choices unfold, it became clear that there would soon be something great in the can for which they could be proud.

I’ve had the opportunity to follow my kids to all kinds of sets—from studio-funded TV soundstages to low-budget indie films like Two Roads. At their core, film productions are fundamentally the same at either end of the spectrum. They all include lighting, sound, camera, call sheets, and actors. The difference is resources—indie projects have fewer people, less gear and little to no budget to pull it all together.

So on an indie film set, there are never enough hands to go around. I’ve learned that parents of child actors on an independent set need to be ready and willing to pitch in with hair, makeup, wardrobe, coaching, and sometimes even continuity. Most filmmakers are very respectful that you’re not part of their crew, but do appreciate the help, so long as you’re equally respectful of their leadership role in the creative process.

At the end of the day, that’s what filmmaking is all about—the creative process that enables the artist to share something larger than themselves. I enjoyed being a part of that process with Two Roads. Everyone loves a good story and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to see firsthand how the story comes to life.