GS: What was the inspiration for your film?

AJ: The homeless.

GS: When did you conceive the idea for your film and how long did it take before it was realized?

AJ: In 2007, I had an encounter with a homeless man that changed my life. Afterward, I began working on a novel about my encounter, entitled “My Name’s Lyman,” which I eventually adapted into a staged musical (2014) and then two short films. The goal of my work has been to put a face on the homeless, to take away the stigma that surrounds them and inspire people to see a reflection of themselves in every homeless person they meet. The tag line of my movies is: “Every homeless person has a story. This is one of them.”

GS: What was the most challenging aspect of working in a short film format?

AJ: In 2007, I had an encounter with a homeless man that changed my life. Afterward, I began working on a novel about my encounter, entitled “My Name’s Lyman,” which I eventually adapted into a staged musical (2014) and then two short films. The goal of my work has been to put a face on the homeless, to take away the stigma that surrounds them and inspire people to see a reflection of themselves in every homeless person they meet. The tag line of my movies is: “Every homeless person has a story. This is one of them.”

GS: What was the most challenging aspect of your production?

AJ: It’s so important to have a strong story arch in your film, but that is made more complicated by the abbreviated time allotted with short films. You risk rushing the moments if you don’t plan carefully, and it’s hard to leave beloved footage on the cutting room floor, but unfortunately, it has to be done.

GS: Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?

AJ: Sticking to budget! I gravely underestimated the amount of food necessary to feed 40 cast members and 10 crew. Fortunately, Costco was close by. But next time, I plan to make sandwiches at home and fill baggies with chips and pretzels. Still delicious but at half the cost!