As a journalist, I am often given the unique opportunity to delve deep into the minds of creators and visionaries who shape our entertainment landscape. Today, I am honored to present an in-depth exploration of "Where Are You?", a groundbreaking film from Verity Entertainment. This movie is not just a tale spun from imagination but a heartfelt narrative born from personal experiences and deep-seated beliefs. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Caleb Smiley, the writer and director, Ben Smiley, the executive producer, and Jeralyn Smiley, the co-writer of the film, to uncover the inspiration, challenges, and creative processes that brought this film to life.

Inspiration: A Tale Rooted in Real Experiences

The genesis of "Where Are You?" is a fascinating journey that began with a student film project. Caleb Smiley shares, "The original idea for the film was born from a student film project. While most of my prior projects were more comedic, I wanted to tackle this genre to prove that I could emotionally connect with audiences in ways other than just comedy." This shift from comedy to a more serious genre was driven by Caleb's observations at his Christian university, where societal pressure on coupling and marriage was palpable. He witnessed friends making regrettable relationship decisions due to this pressure, which sparked the idea for a film that addresses these poignant issues.

Creative Process: Crafting a Story with Real Human Emotions

Caleb's creative process is a testament to the power of authenticity. "The story is based on personal experience as I have always said reality and truth is the best story ever told," he explains. The characters and their journeys are drawn from real-life experiences, making them relatable and genuine. Interestingly, the film initially had no predefined theme; it was the authenticity of the story and characters that organically gave rise to powerful themes, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Overcoming Challenges: A Journey of Faith and Perseverance

Bringing "Where Are You?" to fruition was no small feat. Ben Smiley, the executive producer, recounts the biggest challenge: "Probably the biggest challenge we have faced thus far is finding talented people who believed in the project and had the proper sense of the magnitude that it should have." The journey required unwavering faith, perseverance, and countless hours of prayer to find the right partners who shared their vision. This dedication underscores the film's significance and the emotional and spiritual connection it aims to forge with its audience.

Core Message: Embracing Singleness and God's Timing

The film's core message is both profound and timely. Caleb Smiley articulates it beautifully, "The main message of the film is that God has a plan for you and it is not for anyone else to decide for you what that is." The film challenges societal pressures to marry and promotes the value of singleness, encouraging individuals to trust in God's perfect timing. It aims to inspire young people to resist societal pressures and wait for the right person, ultimately fostering stronger and more enduring marriages.

Character Development: Realistic and Relatable

The characters in "Where Are You?" are crafted with meticulous care. Caleb emphasizes the importance of realism in character development, starting with creating Myers Briggs personality types for each character. "Giving the characters struggles makes the good moments earned," he explains. This approach ensures that the characters are relatable, reflecting the flaws and growth inherent in real human experiences.

Collaborations: A Symphony of Talents

The film's success is also attributed to significant collaborations. The mother-son writing team of Caleb and Jeralyn Smiley brings a realistic and accurate perspective to the lead characters. The partnership between Caleb Smiley and Director of Photography Trent DiGuilio promises to bring the story to life with passion and creativity. Moreover, the producer team of Ben Smiley and Keli Roberts ensures that all aspects of the project are meticulously managed, from casting to budgeting, ensuring the film reaches its full potential.

Personal Connection: A Reflection of Real-Life Struggles

Jeralyn Smiley, co-writer, shares a deeply personal connection to the film's narrative. As a young single woman, she faced constant pressure to marry, a struggle she sees mirrored in today's society. "I want young women that are in Emily’s situation to know that they have hope and strength and can be happy and confident in their singleness and do not need a man to be ok," she passionately states. This personal connection infuses the film with authenticity and resonance.

Audience Reaction: Resonating with Personal Stories

The reaction to the film's concept has been overwhelmingly positive. Ben Smiley notes, "The early feedback we have received is that this story resonates with people’s personal stories." The film's relatable narrative has sparked conversations and reflections on personal experiences, underscoring its emotional and spiritual impact.

Supporting the Project: A Call to Action

For those inspired by the vision behind "Where Are You?", there are several ways to support the project. Ben Smiley encourages, "First thing we would ask is for your prayers of protection, guidance, and shepherding of this project and for the positive impact it makes on peoples’ lives." Additionally, spreading the word and supporting their Kickstarter campaign are crucial to bringing this important film to a wider audience.

Conclusion: A Film with a Purpose

"Where Are You?" is more than a film; it is a heartfelt message to society, encouraging individuals to embrace their journey, trust in God's timing, and resist societal pressures. The dedication and passion of Caleb and Ben Smiley, along with their talented team, promise to deliver a film that will resonate deeply with audiences, inspiring and uplifting them. As we await the release of this remarkable film, let us support and celebrate the incredible talent and vision behind "Where Are You?".

In the words of the creators, may this film "encourage and inspire young people to wait for God and his perfect timing and reject the societal pressures placed on them," leading to stronger, more enduring relationships and a deeper understanding of their worth as individuals.

www.whereareyoumovie.com

www.verityentertainment.com