Chasing Fortune

This short narrative that examines the life of a man who may work too much is the third but first “serious” film 17-year-old Santa Barbara native Nathaniel Grotenhuis, who attends Santa Barbara City College.

How did you develop the story?

Interesting enough, I came up with the idea by wondering what coma patients thought of as they slept. An original draft of the script had Jake wake up to find he had been in a car crash. However, I realized that would be a little anticlimactic. I also wanted to shape the story so it could portray a good moral. I feel like so many shorts are missing these nowadays. 

How do you feel about fortune cookies now?

I’ll never eat one again that’s for sure. 

Where did you find the actors?

Backstage, Craigslist, anywhere we could post. Also, my casting director, Frida Kainu, was a huge help in finding actors as well as extras. 

Do you fear a life of working too much?

No, I don’t. However, I know for a fact many people, especially adults, believe happiness comes from external things, such as work, social status, money, etc. I believe happiness comes from within. 

Any other projects in the works?

Yes! I have another short in the works I will be directing for SBCC this semester. Subject to change, it is about the life of Glenn Doman.