Creativity and Success

by Heather on September 13, 2010 · 35 comments

*Soul-filled Guest Post*

with Melora Hardin & Gildart Jackson

Melora Hardin and Gildart Jackson are an inspiring couple: a husband and wife team, parents to two beautiful girls, and BOTH talented actors and creative artists (in addition to acting, Melora is a singer, and Gildart a screenplay writer). They have each found success in commercial projects, including Melora as Roxie in Broadway’s Chicago and Jan on The Office, and Gildart as Gideon on Charmed.

But when it came to a self-created project that was close to their hearts, they chose to circumvent the mainstream… They released their independently made film, “You” on the internet in 2009, along with a tour of the USA where they created community events around the beautiful message of “You.”

Melora and Gildart’s unstoppable courage, is helping to pave the way for other artists to harness the power of both the internet and community to bring their creative dreams to fruition.

NOTE FROM MELORA:

“A Family Film made by Family…”

Recently I was a part of the huge studio engines that so successfully brought Hannah Montana and 17 Again into the public consciousness.  Our release of [the independently made film] You is miniscule in comparison.  It’s just us!

We made the film in 18 days with our own money and in our own home as well as many locations donated by friends and family. Though it was fast and furious, we were determined to make it a good experience for all and Gildart and I frequently scrambled eggs in the morning (while simultaneously getting hair and makeup) so that everyone would have a hot breakfast! Other friends brought their signature dishes for lunches and dinners.

YOU is my directorial debut and it is quite a family affair!

  • My husband, Gildart Jackson, wrote it, I directed it, we co-produced it and both star in it.
  • Our children are in it, my parents (my Dad is well known character actor, Jerry Hardin) as are our good friends (who are fortunately also wonderful actors) Brenda Strong, Joely Fisher,Allison Mack and Amy Pietz.
  • One of my best friends, Paula Cole, wrote the title song and lots of other great musician friends gave YOU a fabulous soundtrack.

Gildart and I were asked by famed independent film agency Cinetic (John Sloss’s company) to be one of the first feature films released and distributed over the internet. Most people believe that what happened to music on the internet will happen to movies and Cinetic recently started a new division of their company to be at the forefront of this seismic shift.  You was officially released on Itunes® and Amazon® on May 8, 2009.

The You journey was overwhelming at times but it’s also tremendously exciting to be one of the pioneers of releasing a film on the internet when everyone thinks this will, ultimately, be the future. By word of mouth, over the internet, we are attempting to make our movie The Little Engine that Could.

Needless-to-say a lot of heart went into making our film, and I am so proud that audiences seem to be moved by the story, leaving the film, inspired to call their spouses or loved ones to say “I love you”.

Watch the trailer for “You”

Written by Gildart , directed by Melora, and starring both along with close friends and family:

About Melora Hardin:

Gildart and Melora on the set of "You"

Perhaps most recognized for her portrayal of Jan Levinson on the hit NBC series The Office, Melora Hardin’s impressive career spans a variety of mediums, including numerous television series, films, live concerts and two CDs. In 2009, Melora starred in two feature films, 17 Again opposite Zac Effron and Hannah Montana: The Movie. Her other big screen credits include Thank You for Smoking, 27 Dresses, The Comebakcs, The Hot Chick, Soul Man, and Absolute Power. She also made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago in 2009, and played Fantine in the August 2008 Hollywood Bowl concert rendition of Les Miserables.

http://melora.com

http://twitter.com/melorahardin (Yes, Melora tweets!)

About Gildart Jackson:

With acting credits that span stage and screen, Gildart Jackson is most often recognized for his role as Gideon on Charmed. Other notable TV roles include Jackson Palmer on Providence and Simon Prentiss on General Hospital as well as guest appearances on Stargate: Atlantis, Las Vegas, and CSI to name a few. Theatre roles include Trigorin in The Seagull, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Adrian in Private Eyes at the Old Globe. An accomplished writer, he is extremely proud of collaborating with his wife Melora on his first feature film, You. He is also quite proud of their previous collaborations: Rory Melora (7) and Piper Quincey (4).


  • http://www.BigDreamProgram.com Alex Baisley

    Hi! So pleased to 'meet' you :) Congratulations on your heart-warming success, and brave new way of getting this done and out there.

    My question. I'm SO curious… Gildart… you are a creative man. You must have a whole smattering of creative ideas milling around at any one time. What made this one stand out strongly enough to run with it and give it a whirl? How can really smart people sift through all the ideas they have to decide on something to jump in to?

    Thx!

    Alex Baisley

  • Sue

    Hi, Melora and Gildart,

    I loved your movie YOU, and I continue to be inspired by both of you. It takes enormous courage to branch out in a new direction…to take the road less traveled. How do you handle the often well-meaning, but fear-based, comments from people who would prefer to see you take the 'safe' or mainstream route?

    Warmly,
    Sue

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Melora and Gildart — I am excited to host you here today!
    I love this topic and am thrilled that people will get to share in your wisdom about CREATIVITY.
    I always remember something that Melora said in 2009 to a group of us coaches who were discussing the frustration of marketing and business…and she pointed out that it's the creative artists in our society that are often PAID THE MOST (and that maybe we needed to tap into our creativity a bit more…and stop being so “mental” about it all!) And I loved this, because it's true — just take a look at tv, movies, music…and you see there are many highly successful individuals who are using art to create a successful career. But we so often only consider the “struggling artist” when we think of a career in the arts.

    Would love to know more on your thoughts of how to walk the line of a successful artist (vs. struggling) and how much you need to concede to what people want to see, hear, read vs. what you want to create.

    love, h

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Hi — this is a comment for all people coming to blog today. If you'd like to have your “photo” with your comment — simply create a profile with Disqus (http://disqus.com). It's free and easy. You will then be able to use that profile at any blog that has disqus comments.

    cheers! Heather

  • Melora and Gildart

    Hello everyone! Melora and Gildart here. We LOVE Heather and we're so happy to be online and able to answer any questions you might have. Keep 'em coming.

    Sorry but we're on west coast time and it's been hectic waking and getting the kids to school but now that's done we'll be checking here periodically throughout the day and letting you know your thoughts.

    Have a great day and we'll e-speak soon!

    Melora and Gildart

  • Gildart

    Thanks Alex, and you're so right, it's tough to know what to work on. For me, with YOU, the key was that I didn't think. I just wrote. And out it came. It made everything much easier. Turn the old noggin off and go! Not as easy as it sounds but it was definitely what allowed me to write and then pursue making YOU. Gildart

  • Gildart

    Hello Heather. We're so happy to be here with you.

    And that's a huge question you raise! One I (Gildart) am continually wrestling with. Struggling or suffering is always bad. I wouldn't suggest doing that. I think the key is to have fun. Go for it! Not worrying about the outcome. All difficult things to do, of course, but with me I've found that if I look for the fun and dive in the rewards are always there, not in the same guise as one might have expected or wished, but they are there.

    Looking forward so much to the day! Speak soon. Gildart

  • Gildart

    Sue, I'm gonna let Melora handle this one cos it's more up her alley, but thank you so much for watching YOU and thank you for all your uncluttered encouragement. Gildart

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    I love that guidance. So true — the struggling is always a sign that we've gotten off track.

    Looking forward to today too!! Wonderful to have you both here.

    Very curious to know if you two are working on another collaboration together?

  • http://www.TheManifestationMaven.com Kimberly Schneider

    Hi Gildart and Melora! I was just thinking of you two how fun that you are doing this blog. Thanks for taking the time. OK here's my question….I often find myself with so many ideas, projects, excitement about possibilities that I exhaust myself trying to do everything. It's as if I'm afraid I'll die before I get it all done..there is just so much I want to express and so much of life to live. The two of you are so highly creative I wonder if you ever deal with this and how you discipline yourself to complete a project and see it through (and what do you do to satisfy the other pieces of you that are screaming for an outlet in the meantime) Congratulations on the movie YOU. It is so beautiful…a gift to the world.

  • Karen

    Just a great big hello and hug to you both from me! So happy to see you here, and just love reading the comments and questions.
    And as you know, I am a big fan of YOU (and you guys too;)!
    Thanks to you, and Heather too, for being great sources of inspiration!
    Much love, Karen

  • cherrynorris

    Hi Melora & Gildart,

    Great seeing you here! Congratulations again on the success of YOU. Such a beautiful film.

    My question is simply this: How do you do it all? How do you combine your creativity … acting, directing, writing … with productivity, profitability, managing a family and having a fullfilling lifestyle? What are the key elements you have in place to keep your family in balance?

    Keep up the great work!

    Love, Cherry

  • Gildart

    Yes. It's a musical!

  • Susan G.

    I am a journalist, hoping to make the transition to fiction writer. What advice do you have for sticking with a creative project (like your fabulous movie, “You”), keeping the enthusiasm and productivity going when there is no boss waiting for your project on the other end? Too often, I find pressing deadlines (with bosses waiting for work) or other responsibilities (I'm raising two children, too) derail me? What made you really stick to completing “You” and realizing that wonderful dream? Thank you!

  • Gildart

    This is like old home week. What is old home week by the way? Is that an expression or did I just make that up? Love and love to you, G and M.

  • Barbara

    Hello Melora and Gildart and Heather, too!
    It's great to see all of you on this blog. I love You (and you) The story of the way the film came together with the two of you along with family and friends contributes so much to the story itself and is such a shining example of collaboration at its best (I imagine). Would you comment on how this level of collaboration has impacted your creative expression since making the film?

    Much love to you both,

    Barbara

  • Gildart

    Answering for my wife — who is busy out getting fitted for a new role she is doing opposite Jimmie Smits on the new NBC series OUTLAW — her secret is her husband. Shh. Don't tell anyone. Love, Gildart.

  • Gildart

    Thank you Kimberly — you are SO sweet. That is such a tough question because I wrestle with that all the time. It also ties so closely, for me, into the whole wanting it to be perfect thing. Being open to whatever feels like is now is the only thing I can say. Of course it's really difficult, but that's what I try to do. Hope you and your family are very, very, very, very, EXCEEDINGLY, well. G and M.

  • http://www.soundbiteshaman.com/ Isabel Parlett

    Hi guys!

    I don't know if I have a question as much as a comment.

    My theme this year is to trust creativity as the source of my abundance, and I know I still face the fear that my creative expression is fun, but it's not going to be valued as much as my delivering practical outcomes and results to people.

    I feel a pull between creating for myself in response to my internal impulses, just because I want to, and listening and responding to the audience and creating in response to that.

    I am planning to create a print of a poem I wrote this year that people seem to LOVE, and making a very small book of poems that came out of me earlier this year and sell those. Eek, I think that will be the biggest step I have made in really coming out as an artist . . .

    What do you find are the keys to nurturing your creativity and making room for it in the midst of very busy lives?

    Any thoughts?

  • http://www.TheManifestationMaven.com Kimberly Schneider

    OK Gildart as usual you see right through me (how do you do that? Or am I that transparent to everyone?) :) We are all well thank you so much. Hope you and yours are also! Hugs to you and Melora, K

  • http://www.roadmapthroughdivorce.com Patricia Thompson

    How do you do it all. How many assistants do you have to help you? I am unually in overwhelm with everything that goes on. Patricia Thompson

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    The insiders true secret to hollywood success…every leading lady needs their own Gildart!

    PS I've been watching Dexter Season #3 — enjoying Mr. Smits in that. Good for Melora!

  • melora

    You definitely need to delegate and get good at that. You need to surrender control over everything and pick and choose the things that only YOU can do. Instead of making a “to do” list make a list of “things not to do”. That'll really help you sort through where you're staying stuck because of yourself.

  • Melorahardin

    that was me, Melora, not Gildart before.

  • Melorahardin

    passion is the key. Kids are distracting of course and wonderful and all those things but, you need to be guided by your passion. If you have an idea in your head that you MUST do something, my experience is it will never get done but, if your being DRIVEN towards something than nothing can stop you. Hook into your passion and let it lead you.

  • Melorahardin

    Love back to you too Karen!

  • Melorahardin

    I think you need to always connect to your own inner knowingness about who you are and what your contributing in your own unique way and then all of that outside input just fades into the background. Always checking in with oneself is imparative and not looking out for a reflection of who you are or who people think you should be

  • Melorahardin

    Thanks Barbara. You were all so supportive of YOU and we were so touched by how it moved you. Our collaboration is in all areas of our lives and continues to expand out into more and more areas of our lives. It was intense and wonderful and we are looking forward to our next film. We hope we will always get better and better at wearing all those hats at once.

  • Melorahardin

    Kim thanks so much. I think whenever you are hearing lots of noisy conversation, like how you need to get more done and do more and you're never enough you need to take a few steps back and realize that that chatter is distracting from the moment and your creative productivity. Try to find ways to clear out your mind so you have room to be where you are and work from there and you'll always get enough done forever

  • http://www.soulfilledlife.com Heather Gray

    Hey Melora!
    Q's for you…
    How do you choose your next projects? Especially if you have several conflicting choices, is there a process you go through to know which is the best next one for you?

    How much does $ play into your choices (if at all)

    And I'd love to know more about the team you surround yourself with too — to get the amount done that you do. One super P.A. or several helpers?

    And do you ever deal with guilt (as mom/wife and career — I'm sure there are times you can't give best to all of it…or can you?)

  • cherrynorris

    Perfect, Gildart! Having a secret husband is a great tip indeed! :) Can't wait to see Melora in Outlaw!

  • Melorahardin

    I feel like you always have to keep reinventing ways to express and fit all that into your lives. I am definitely driven by a need to express and create and I think that need is ever evolving and we all have to honor that as much as we honor the needs of our children. That basic need to create is the thing that gives us fuel for all the other things in our lives.

  • Melorahardin

    Heather thanks so much for having us today and for helping get the word out about our film, YOU. Always much appreciated! Gildart and I had fun chatting with everyone and hope everyone continues their journey for the most creatively successful contribution they can make in the world and in their own lives. Cheers to all of you for pushing the bounderies and stretching into the uncomfortable places to become the best you you can be.

    All Our Best,
    Melora & Gildart

  • Susan G.

    Thank you. That's great advice!

  • http://www.TheManifestationMaven.com Kimberly Schneider

    thanks Melora…very wise and helpful advice! You are right on.

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