I shot JACKPOT! in one continuous take with just one other person—cast and crew included—using my iPhone. This wasn’t just a creative choice; it was a necessity born from a desire to strip filmmaking down to its bare essentials and to challenge myself in ways that traditional filmmaking wouldn’t allow. We may have taken the “independent” in independent filmmaking a bit too literally, but that was exactly the point.

I took on many roles—writer, director, lead actor, set decorator, and prop master—while at times stepping in as the camera operator, alongside my producing partner, co-actor, and sound mixer, Jason Edwards. We both wore multiple hats, embracing our limitations and turning them into strengths. We wanted to prove that you don’t need a big crew or expensive equipment to tell a compelling story. The decision to shoot the entire film in one take wasn’t just about style—it was about capturing the raw, unfiltered reality of the narrative, and the relentless pressure the characters face. This approach demanded precision, coordination, and trust, not just between Jason and me, but within ourselves.

As an artist, I thrive on the repetition that leads to mastery—getting those reps in until I become a Zen master at any task. But growing up, I had to earn my upgrades. "Practice enough with this, and we'll get you a good one." The motto was always, "The player makes the shoes; the shoes don't make the player." That same determined grit and proof of commitment to my craft is what I wanted to demand of myself as a filmmaker. But getting those reps in as a filmmaker often gets thwarted by the increasing costs of raising production quality. I asked myself: What story could I tell that wouldn’t just be acceptable but actually enhanced by minimalism? What project could push me to grow exponentially by executing my ideas without relying on a large team or expensive resources?

The story of JACKPOT! was the perfect fit. It’s a narrative about the sudden acquisition of wealth and the illusion that more is always better. Just as the characters in the film are forced to confront the pressures and pitfalls of having more than they need, I, too, faced the pressures of filmmaking with limited resources. The film’s minimalist approach wasn’t just a budgetary decision; it was a thematic one. It allowed us to focus on the essentials: the performances, the pacing, and the story itself.

In a world where bigger often seems better, JACKPOT! stands as a testament to the power of less. It’s proof that creativity thrives within limitations and that sometimes, the most dynamic stories can be told with the simplest tools. This film reflects my belief that you already have everything you need to succeed, and that true independence in filmmaking—and in life—comes from knowing how to make the most of what you have.