Dear Isabel,
Twenty years have passed… how has life been in the film industry? That sounds glamorous to word it like that, but you’ve been at this job for a while now so maybe the shock factor has worn off on everyone you tell your profession/major to. Did you ever go back with Courtney Ware and help her with filming? She was really excited when you visited her the summer before you started college. Have you worked on a Marvel or Disney film set yet? Are the Marvel movies still happening, or did they finally slow down in production? That seems weird to think of right now, but I know it’ll happen eventually.
It feels childish to ask, but is this job exactly what you thought it would be? My first thought after coming up with this question was that it would be an obvious “no,” but sometimes people get lucky. Maybe things finally started working out the way you’ve been wanting to. Now that sounds depressing, but hey, it’ll never be ‘sophomore/junior year of high school’ depressing. That probably seems like forever ago for you.
How is your friend situation? I know with a job like this, friendships are going to come and go, but did you finally meet your people? Has your social anxiety gotten better or worse? I don’t want to be realistic and assume the latter, but part of me wants to be optimistic and hope for the best. After all, it’s been twenty years. Maybe they finally made a better medicine for it.
I know my current focuses are cinematography, screenwriting, and maybe small parts in acting if I get the chance. Are those still the same for you? Have those opportunities come up for you, or did your topics of interest change? I’m going to be really surprised if you say it became editing; I can’t even imagine you being able to sit still for that long. Another question: did you ever get tested to see if you actually have ADHD or not?
I decided to make the calligram for this letter one of my current favorite show photos of from when I was Jo March in Little Women. Do you remember doing that show anymore? I hope some parts have still stuck with you, no matter how immature that sounds to still think about senior year like that. It was your first lead role that you were given right away, not like Maria where you accepted it a month later. I think it really did a number for your confidence. Sure, it was an extremely challenging role, and you knew that going in, but you went in giving it your all. Do the lyrics from “Astonishing” still resonate with you? It’s almost been a year since the show ended, and I feel like they do more than ever.
I want to finish off with saying that I’m proud of you for how far you’ve come. I don’t know if that’s something you hear a lot, but a little reminder every once and a while doesn’t hurt. Go finish that script or whatever you’re “taking a break from,” it’s probably due soon. Take a quick breath before you go, and stay strong. (Is it too early to make a “Breathe” joke?)
Love,
Isabel Fischer (2021)
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