Life of Kyle Prohaska

I feel a little unproductive lately.  I have some packages I need to ship out overseas but I’ve yet to get those out.  Perhaps I’ll feel better once I do?  Every day feels like I’m trying to catch up.  That’s not a fun feeling so hopefully Wednesday is a better day where I accomplish some stuff.  I got some emails from some pastors in KY, KS, ON, TX, OH, MD, and MS about watching the film via the screening room so they can decide on whether or not STANDING FIRM is something they want to show to their congregation.  I’m hoping for many more to sign up and show the film.  It’s going to be very cool to see how many churches in the next 6 months end up showing the film.  The fact that every single sign up or inquiry about them are from varying states tells me something.  I guess I’m doing something right…we’ll see.

I thought a lot today about what I would make next if I had the chance to.  I’ve had some story ideas rolling around in my head and fleshed out one, but I’m not sure if it’s the direction to go in.  There’s another idea cooking that me and Denise talked about a lot today, and it has potential.  I just want to get this film out and selling before I cloud my mind with something else.  There’s so much I need to do better next time around and it’s going to be a far more difficult process next time.  While talking to a friend the other day on the phone, I spoke about the need to have a real budget next time.  As surprising as it may seem, Standing Firm didn’t have a budget.  It was money spent over a long period of time to gather equipment, and spend more and more money as time went on.  Various expenses in the tens of thousands that eventually ends up at X for the cost of the film.  That’s basically how things went, and now next time around I have a good idea of what something will cost, and that’s a good thing.  Something I have to have next time in the budget is a slice of the pie for me.  That could be taken the wrong way I suppose.  However, anybody who wants to see another film from me will probably understand that they take countless hours of time over a long period to develop, shoot, complete, shop around, distribute, and market something…and not only does it not come that cheap to actually do, but paying those who do it is a must.  If I even do half the jobs I did on Standing Firm on the next film, a decent portion of that budget (for staff) will need to come my way.  I can’t make another film if I can’t support myself, an eventual wife or family, etc.  It’s out of the question.  Nobody can live like that, so next time being able to pay myself to make the film (not just get something IF it sells) will be mandatory.

I’m working on the bible study guide for the film as well.  Two of the portions are completed, and many more to go.  I’m guessing 8 total, which is a good amount without going overboard.  There’s a lot of layers (message wise) to Standing Firm and it’s hard to pick which things to focus on.  Also on the 8th of August I’ll be presenting the church screenings and the film itself to a group of local pastors.  I’m extremely nervous and have yet to put together anything to give them or present.  I’ve been swamped.  Prayers for that are appreciated.

Lots of other irons in the fire, and the film is only 20 days from release.  The boxes for the church screening kits have arrived, the posters should ship to the house on the 6th, and everything else is here and ready to go.  I just need to get some adhesive labels and things should be ready to rock.

Be in prayer about foreign distribution as some are ready to go and waiting on their materials from me, and others are in progress/negotiations.  So far it looks like it’s possible we’ll not only be in the US/Canada but Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America, the UK, and if I play my cards right even the Asia market.  It’s a lot of emailing and talking with folks and stress can be high at times, but hopefully we’ll get there.  If not then that’s ok, nobody can say I didn’t try!

Also I’de like to share my heart for a moment. One of my greatest worries for the next few months especially, is the recognition, thanks, and praise that COULD come from the films release.  Just locally I know that there will be a certain amount, and I’m thankful that those who live here and have been waiting are excited for the release.  However, I need prayer to cover me in these times.  I don’t want to be presumptuous on what the film could become or what kind of recognition it could get, that isn’t what I’m trying to do.  I’m just worried that if God chooses to Bless it in such a way, that I will get pigheaded, prideful, arrogant, egotistical, etc.  I’m terrible at taking compliments.  Online and email it’s a piece of cake, but in person it’s a real nightmare for me.  I don’t know what to say, I start to sweat, and it gets really bad really fast.  I say stupid things, and I’m bad at thanking someone back for their thanks (without them feeling like somethings “off.”).  It takes time to cultivate that, and I just want to be in the spirit and not in the flesh.  I want to accept any kind words that come my way with humility and with a fear of God.  Perhaps even mentioning this at all makes me sound prideful, but I’m legitimately asking for prayers about this.  I’ll need help with it.  I don’t feel prepared for it at all.  I’ve been so focused on just finishing the film that I’ve yet to prepare for the waterfall it could bring.  We’ll see…I trust the Lord with this.

Till next time, adios.