Higher Ground

Fifty-eight-year-old Randy Whitehall got his nickname “Derby” by placing a $300 trifecta bet at the Kentucky Derby horse race thirty years ago. A horse named “Higher Ground” was the winner. Finishing second was “Dancing Kat,” with the final odds at 33-1. The horse finishing third, named “Rye Toast, was an even bigger longshot at 55-1, making the trifecta a record payout. Derby won a small fortune, and then found investors willing to take a chance on him to start his company called “Odds on Favorite Productions.” Since founding his company, he had produced formula movies that became box office smashes, with very few “flops” and generated millions in revenue thereby making his shareholders extremely happy. Derby wasn’t always crazy about the movies that his company produced, but felt he knew what themes best played out on the big screen to a paying public, all based on what had worked before. But then he met Lia Summers. She was a forty-year-old fledgling writer who walked into his office with less writing experience than most who had preceded her, but she held a confidence that was both engaging and intimidating to him.

Lia had been writing for years and had published a few short stories in various print magazines. She had written two screenplays before; her writing often centering around heroines who were playing an underdog. This script was no different, except this time, she felt more confident. This was the first time she had won the Screenwriter’s Guild yearly contest, where based on the script, the winner would receive a ½ hour time slot with a movie magnate in order to have the opportunity to “pitch a script or movie idea.” Lia, dressed in a silk and woolen blue suit, sat in the reception area waiting for the door to open for her 2pm “pitch” time. As she waited, she was tapping the right heel of her black vintage oxford shoes, as she tried to calm her nerves and keep her focus on a meeting that could catapult her into the movie–making world she longed to be a part of. Right on cue, Derby opened his office door and welcomed Lia to his posh studio. She came into his office and immediately sat in the leather chair across from his large oak desk facing a window that lit up her face while it backlit Derby.

“Thank you for this opportunity,” Lia spoke first, setting the tone.

“You earned your spot here Ms. Summers, the competition you won is not an easy win. You competed with many other screenwriters whose scripts often don’t get a second read, partly because they often give up if their script was passed over in this competition,” Derby pronounced, although he knew that box office gold was rarely discovered through this competition.

“Oh, I will not be giving up on my screenplay, no matter what happens here Mr. Whitehall,” she spoke, smiling while pushing her brown shoulder length hair behind her ears, as she added…” this movie theme is way past its time to be made.”

“Well, Ms. Summers, you have roused my curiosity…let’s proceed with hearing your pitch here.” Derby was taken with her enthusiasm, but never expected that her unusual theme would engage him personally.

Lia looked at her notes one last time, looked up at Derby and spoke.

“My movie script is about a woman named Joanna who goes through a very powerful, life-changing experience, proceeds to write a movie script about it and then attempts to get the movie made by pitching her idea to a big-time movie producer.”

“So, am I to take it that I am playing the role of the big-time movie producer in your movie or are you just describing your moment here?” Derby said smiling, confused, but rather amused.

“No, not you personally, unless of course you are an actor as well, and want to play the part. But the movie producer I mention in my pitch here is definitely part of the storyline and is a part of what gets played out on the big screen,” she stated affirmingly.

“Why is it that the producer becomes part of your storyline?” Derby questioned.

“Well, women rarely hold the position you hold in this industry. Respectfully, Mr. Whitehall…I know I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. I am a woman writer with a woman’s story to tell, albeit my character’s story could potentially appeal to male viewers as well…. not to mention that the storyline could help all humanity. Part of Joanna’s story is getting the people who are in ultimate decision-making roles to listen and produce this genre of movies. You and I know that the number of scripts written or produced into movies by women is miniscule.”

Derby listened intently as Lia spoke but wasn’t sure where the movie plot stopped and where this writer was just giving her personal commentary on the movie business. “I’m getting the impression that your character “Joanna,” is actually you or at least your alter ego?” Derby suggested.

As Derby shared his observation, Lia had an awareness of her own. As the meeting unfolded, in her excitement to share her story she noticed that her body had shimmied closer to the edge of her chair. Purposely, she leaned back in her chair, and got quiet for a moment. Derby paused and let her catch her breath and then proceeded.

“Please continue Ms. Summers.”

“Mr. Whitehall…I came here to pitch my script, but now that I’m here, I find myself just wanting to have a conversation with you regarding the movie industry. Might I use this time with you as an exchange…maybe, with your help, I will become more enlightened as to why a particular theme sells over another or at least gain more understanding of the status quo in the movie-making world,” she pronounced quite sincerely.

Derby’s eyebrows raised a bit as he spoke matter-of-factly, “well, it’s an unconventional way to use your awarded “pitch time,” but if you think that will be more helpful to you, I have no qualms about continuing to spend our time together based on your mission. Did you have some specific questions or comments you’d like to ask or share?” he added.

“Well, yes…. I do. I’m curious why so many movies are made for men or have male themes when 55% of the box office tickets are sold to women? And, since they are the main ticket buyers, why do only 35% of the roles go to women? Even in a best-case scenario where a woman writes the story and a woman holds the lead role, like say the Movie “Wild” … that movie made over 50 million dollars with just a 15-million-dollar budget! Why is it that the industry doesn’t seem to want to repeat that success story very often? Even if all the movie moguls look at is the bottom line, the financial rewards are there! With those kinds of profits, the execs don’t have to be necessarily thrilled with the material content, even though they should be tickled with it for all sorts of reasons.”

Derby listened to Lia and knew she was quoting accurate figures. He was a little embarrassed, but answered, with attempted assuredness holding the same somewhat lame tone he would use when his wife of 25 years would complain about or point out the same disparaging facts. Just like his wife’s reviews on the movies currently being produced, he knew there was truth in what Lia was sharing. But still, he thought…I have certain monetary goals I have to fulfill for my shareholders, as well as my own paycheck. As he sat and continued to listen, he felt an uneasiness in his chest as he tried to come up with the right words to convey some honest feedback.

“Ms. Summers- the movie industry has been through some difficult moments in the last couple of years with Covid, corrupt political agendas and the divisiveness of this social media era. The reality is, I think storylines that are different and reflective of diverse populations or that bring new themes to the fore are now being looked at more closely and actually being sought out by more movie houses.” As he spoke, Derby internally reviewed the risks he had taken in his business…yes, he was looking at more varied scripts, but still figured it was more difficult to be courageous and bet on a different horse at this point in his career.

Lia countered… “How about your ‘movie house’? Has ‘Odds on Favorite Productions’ been mindfully seeking out thoughtful, imaginative scripts that ask their viewers to think critically or act more humanely in a country that many feel is losing its way? I mean, I’m guessing that ‘entertainment’ is the number one goal for a movie script to be chosen for production, but why can’t it be more engaging than that? And why do themes like murder, rape, violence, get lopped under what’s considered entertainment? Why can’t movies be a learning tool doused with fun and information that can both entertain and inform? Why can’t there be more movies that help people to cope with loss or help cultivate empathy?” she calmly asked.

“You may be redefining the role most production companies hold. Schools and universities are for teaching. Movies can be informative, but they are not usually made with that intent,” he said candidly, then added, “instructional films are not usually entertaining.”

“But what about a movie like “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” which did very well at the box office…yes, a movie with some patches of rough and tumble moments, but in the next scene ‘Mr. Rogers’ character made sense of those edgy segments for viewers. His role attempted to teach the audience to listen, to understand, to love - under very painful circumstances,” Lia spoke intently as her eyes teared up while making full eye contact with Derby.

Derby kindly reached over to the side of his desk and pulled a tissue out of the Kleenex box and handed it to her.

As she padded her eyes dry, Lia felt Derby grappling with her emotional response and she was grateful for his ability to stay present with her. “I know I have inundated you with questions and my own social commentary. Forgive me if I have gone on too long here. Let me end by saying… in the times we are living, I feel especially called to speak up. Massive corporations dominate the U.S. media landscape through mergers and acquisitions, while focusing their control on what we see, hear and read. I believe your production company in particular could make a difference in helping those who either don’t have a voice or have a voice but aren’t being heard or seen through the movie industry. I believe deep down you do care about the movies you produce and all the consequential effects their themes and storylines can manifest in our world. Don’t forget the Million Woman March, and the family of women you have in your own life. A record number of women showed up for our country, for their children, who stand strong alongside men - they are an unmistakable force that are demanding box office offerings that will empower their voices,” Lia stated unequivocally while looking down at her watch. “Sincerely, I am very grateful for the time you have taken with me here. You have listened as intently as I spoke. I know that you have many audiences to please as you make decisions around what scripts to pursue. As a businessman you must have so many factors to weigh into the mix. It has to be difficult task, especially if you are taking risks. Please know that I applaud your courage, and I wish your company continued success.”

Derby felt her passion, knew her arguments were strong and spot on. He was very impressed with the fact that she had given up her opportunity of awarded time to pitch her script idea for a moment to speak her truth. He felt her frustration…could relate with it on many levels and felt he wanted to address her concerns in some way. He looked at his watch, looked up at her, and decided to throw her a bone, “Ms. Summers, I have 10 more minutes before my next appointment. Give me a little more of the storyline about your character Joanna…you mentioned earlier that she had a powerful, life changing experience…tell me a little more about that part of your story.”

A little shocked at his response but tickled… Lia perked up in the chair again, “Oh sure, I’d love to. Many years ago, I had a powerful, life changing experience that inspired the initial part of my…er…I mean Joanna’s story. She was involved with a man for 10 years who did not bring her joy. She was afraid to let go for the fear of being alone and not finding anyone else to be her partner in life. Having this person around that was familiar was easier than having no one… or so she thought. And then something happened. Joanna met a woman of Native American descent who took her on a Medicine Walk. ‘Beauty Daze’ as she is called is known for the brilliant tokens of wisdom recipients of her walks have received over the years. Through Beauty’s tutelage, the sharing of the Medicine Wheel and her explanation of the four directions, Joanna’s experience in doing a walk, alone in nature became her answer in the darkness of not knowing. A short journey brought physical signs of what decisions she was meant to make in her life. Joanna was given insight by the wisdom Beauty shared. Shortly after that experience, she left the man who she did not feel joy with and I continue…err, I mean Joanna continues to use the tools she learned to navigate her life by to this day.”

Darby was curious and now he was the one leaning forward in his chair. "You used the word tools…what sort of tools are you speaking about?”

“I am referring to a way of looking and observing nature that can lend itself to truth and perhaps answers if someone is struggling with their own personal journey or a particular situation in their life. You see, nature can be the perfect mirror and act as a compass to a question we may hold in life. Nature does not analyze or rationalize with us as a person would. It just is. It holds its beauty and truth whether we are able to see the wisdom it is offering or not and it holds no judgement. As she had been taught by her Native mentor, Joanna took her nature walk alone, with no cell phone in hand, holding her question about her relationship while she kept her mind open fully to the ‘signs’ the natural world would offer. The first sign she encountered was a fork in the road. She chose to follow the right side of the fork which led to sign #2 - a red kayak laying on the bank of a lake where she noted- hmmmm,… a boat built for only one passenger! When she walked out on the dock next to the kayak, she noted sign #3 – a rope tied to a rock lying underwater which was tied to the base of the dock. The rock was tied to the dock for no apparent purpose- just like she felt in the relationship. Next, she saw a lone swan swimming out on the lake. Since swans’ mate for life and this swan was alone, she saw this as sign #4. These signs or symbols continued to appear for the rest of her hour walk, and she felt nature, or the universe was speaking to her directly…that her question had been heard and answered. You see Mr. Whitehall- I believe this kind of wisdom is needed today. The earth needs to be seen in all its offerings and it deserves our respect. The appearance of animals and plants can be symbolic to what we need to know at any given time. Given the changes the earth is currently going through, we as a species need to know a lot more to address the crisis of wildfires, flooding, and pollution. To quote the great filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg…’When we fall in love with nature, we will protect her.” Children could use this kind of ‘tool’ to help them appreciate the earth and to help them move forward in life vs. being pulled into various forms of extreme religiosity. We are all on these kinds of walks in life where we are trying to find our way…whether we are aware of it or not. Sometimes it is a matter of sincerely asking for signs and staying present to receive our answers.”

When Lia finished, Derby was still wanting to hear more. Lia’s story had awakened a longing…a need to know more about being more present to his own life and to being conscious of signs he may be being given to navigate his life differently.

When Derby’s next appointment showed up in the reception area- his secretary texted his cell phone to let him know. He then reached out to Lia and graciously shook her hand and thanked her for sharing a story that actually stirred his interest, unlike the many formulary scripts that had landed on his desk. He thanked her for the kind discourse they shared, and the candid analysis of the movie industry’s need for an overhaul and told her he would give her script some more thought and that he may be contacting her in the next few weeks. Lia left smiling, knowing in some way their meeting had an impact on both of them, no matter whether her movie script got a greenlight or not.

That night when he ventured home, his mind was buzzing at the whole encounter he shared with her. He was enlivened by the prospect of being given signs from the universe. It reminded him of a time in his life when he took more chances and followed his intuition. As he thought about it all, he wondered if meeting Lia and hearing her story was a sign directly for him? He stopped his car on a side street for a moment and took a deep breath…. then pondered what sign the universe would give him personally if Lia’s script was the right one to pursue; whether it would be worth the risk of investing in it as a movie? As he started up his car again, and began to drive towards his home, the answer came as a literal sign on his journey. He turned down a familiar street, where a new coffee shop had just been built. Workers were outside hanging the display up for the grand opening – in bold green neon letters the sign read “Higher Ground.” The same name of the horse that came in first when he won the horse race 30 years ago. Derby felt goose bumps down his arm, laughed out loud, while shouting to himself …” what are the odds?!!” He had not felt this way since he placed that winning bet so long ago. As he drove the rest of the way home, he realized that his wife had been planting seeds much earlier in his career that were now blossoming into his new awareness of being a conscious supporter of women’s voices in the movie industry. When he got home, he greeted his wife Dana at the door by pulling her close to his chest as he gave her a twirl. He told her about Lia’s movie script, and the personal sign he had just been given. Then he kissed her and said…” thank you for always speaking your truth and for your patience with me…I am sorry it has taken me so long to hear you and have it register.”

The next day he called Lia Summers. “I have thought about our conversation, and as importantly your script. When I see you next, I want to share an experience I had after our meeting yesterday. The bottom line is...Yes, it’s a go Ms. Summers! Yes, let’s give the world some guideposts… come in on Monday and be prepared to sign a contract- we are off to the races!”