I remember middle school and the first time I heard of something called the “popular” kids.
Who were they? And why were there so few of them?
Soon, I began to realize it had to do with socioeconomic status – If you didn’t own Polo, no need to apply. There was going to be school elections, so I decided I would run for the one position a sixth grader could run for – Treasurer.
Not quite sure what that position was responsible for, perhaps allocating the nickels collected for milk. All the kids told me that I shouldn’t run because one of the popular kids was running, and there was no way I could defeat him.
For a moment, I agreed and shut down what was sure to be a very harrowing campaign. But then it hit me. These popular kids were very few in number. And, honestly, not very likable. I ran. I won in a landslide.
Beating Popular Kids at Their Own Game
The next year I would be elected school secretary and the following year school president. Those popular kids didn’t stand a chance. I continued that trend all the way through high school – where I was able to add the burnouts (they despised the popular kids) – not because I relished the power (there was none), but because I could not stand the mentality of this group who thought they were better, smarter, more important.
Years later, I would graduate business school from a top university (where I learned very, very little) and law school (where I learned even less). That set me up perfectly for a career in… Show Business!
My beautiful wife has been my partner in crime since 1996. Started the family with identical twin girls (Ariel and Zoey). Followed that up a couple of years later with a boy (Eli). We would go on to have two more. More about them later.
Wouldn’t you know it? Turned out my twin girls could sing. And sing well. Pretty cool if you have one cute kid who can sing, but to have two identical kids who could sing made for some good entertainment.
I took them to the studio and they recorded the song “Rainbow Connection.” It was a good recording, so I shared it with various radio stations. The top radio personality in Detroit picked it up and played it on his morning show.
Soon after the Detroit Pistons called and asked if the girls could sing the National Anthem. They could, and it led to them performing it at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Shea Stadium and Citi Field. Concerts were fun, but we wanted the small screen.
Michigan was offering very generous film incentives So why not make a television show? By that time, their younger brother had joined the group and the three were performing concerts around the country.
I put together a great team and, with no previous television experience, created a national syndicated television show that would run for seven seasons. During the third year, we would have a spinoff and that would run for four years.
Can This Underdog Show Beat Big Bird?
Both shows had a relationship with NBCUniversal. One day I inquired about the Daytime Emmys. I was told there was no chance. We were just a small production company. Well, we did get a nomination. I was in line with John Tesh (he is very tall) at the red carpet. Lost to “Sesame Street” which was sort of a full circle moment. You see, the first show had many meetings with one of the top PBS affiliates. Thought we were going to have a deal.
At the last moment, I was informed that there were concerns. Turns out the three stars of the show were… wait for it… white! Figured it would only make matters worse if I told them they were not only white, but Jewish.
It was all for the best as I found a syndication company that would take the show to much bigger heights. And, years later, several PBS affiliates would actually run both shows.
So this brings me to my most recent project. Remember those two other kids my wife and I had? Well, now it is their turn. Joely is 18 and Phoebe is 12. Joely was discovered after performing at a regional Musical Theatre company.
My wife and I were told we had to meet an agent in New York, who would definitely have an interest in representing her. Sounded like an exciting opportunity. This agent represented many of the biggest stars when they were younger.
After a brief meeting, Joely was signed. A few weeks later, the agent called me and said she understood that there was a younger sister as well. Flew back out to New York.
Another short meeting. Phoebe signed. How exciting is that?
Phoebe had never been in an actual production at any level. Her second audition landed her a director‘s callback for a Broadway show. Phoebe left the audition, looked at me and said about the director, “I don’t like him. He is not nice.” She was right.
Didn’t really matter, as the next day the world shut down for COVID-19. Joely would get pinned to a lead role in a feature film. COVID-19 killed that, too.
Began to realize that callbacks were plentiful, but offers were not forthcoming. I talked to the agent. She told me she was not signing any more white girls. No opportunities for them. Perhaps the first honest thing I had heard in quite some time.
After COVID shut things down twice, it looked like some opportunities might present themselves once again. But then there was a writers strike. And then the actors strike.
So I decided to do the only rational thing – make my own movie.
Lights … Camera … Action!
I have a lot of faith in my ability as a writer. I had a story in my head for a long time. I had two young women who could handle a very challenging and dark role. I had Eli who could create the soundtrack and handle sound.
I had Zoey who was now a licensed cosmetologist, to handle hair and make up and write a song that I needed for the end of the movie. And I had Ariel to be my assistant. I understand the camera and lighting and the iPhone 15 Pro Max now utilized log, so I purchased three of them.
I knew some additional talented actors that I could bring into the production and I had friends (or friends of friends) who owned restaurants or buildings who would lend us whatever space we needed. And I knew I could count on my wife to prepare the most beautiful turkey you’ve ever seen for the Thanksgiving scene.
The movie is called “What Tomorrow Brings.” It is a difficult and dark story that focuses on the impact of suicide on a child. In this situation, the father had passed away years earlier and the viewer learns, early on in the film, that the mom is going away for help.
This leaves the older sister, Clara to care for the younger sister, Ruby. Over a three-month period we watch Clara desperately try to care for and nurture Ruby. But the circumstances prove to great and she spirals. There is no way out.
But here is where I, as a writer, get in trouble. Because in my story, there is a way out. Faith. When I conceived the story, it was not about faith. When it was completed, and I watched it, I realized it most definitely was.
Identity Politics Get Another Closeup
We had a large private screening for the film and I was overwhelmed with the feedback from the audience. Following that, I was very excited to enter the film into many festivals around the country. I had dreams of getting into the top festivals.
But when submitting the film, I would be presented with a series of questions. What is the color of the writer, director and the main cast? What about sexual orientation? Disabilities?
It hit me. The writer, me, is white. My two daughters are white. We also happen to be straight. And, G-d forbid, I (a Jewish boy) made a movie portraying Christianity in a very positive way!
I was doomed.
Rejection after rejection after rejection. Talk about whiplash! We were accepted into the Santa Fe Film Festival, and Joely took home best actress honors! We have been selected for a handful of other regional festivals.
However I realize I don’t share the politics or the mentality of those who decide what films are selected into these festivals. My film is not for the popular kids who have determined the woke recipe you need to follow to be granted entry.
Just as in the past, I won’t accept defeat. “What Tomorrow Brings” is a thoughtful movie. It is sad. It is dark. It is also beautiful. It is about faith. And I no longer get disappointed with the rejections from the film festivals, because I know there is a large beautiful audience, that eclipses all film festivals combined, that will appreciate this film.
Matt Engelbert is the executive producer/director of Ariel & Zoey & Eli, Too and (Daytime Emmy nominated) Steal the Show. He is also the writer/director of the feature film, What Tomorrow Brings. He resides in sunny Southwest Florida. Please follow him on Instagram.