When I saw an e-mail in my inbox from someone I haven’t seen since I was about 16, a sense of nostalgia kicked in. Sometimes just seeing a name brings back so many memories. And this person brings back some of the best; a recall to the days when my friends and I would be at rock concerts nearly every weekend and had such a carefree sense of self. I didn’t have an inkling as to what I’d end up doing with my life, but even in his teenage years he seemed to have a strong sense of purpose; as though he always knew where he was headed.

That being said, my old buddy, actor Chris Mollica, wrote that he and a group of artists created “Freeport,” a short film that is navigating its way into film festivals…but not without our help. For the first time Pro Diligo is posting an artists call for financial support. Click on the image to watch Chris’ video (be sure to donate if you can!) and then read a bit about his life as an artist.

In his own words:

“I’m writing to encourage you to come be a part of an artistic revolution. The short film Freeport is almost completely finished and ready to hit festivals, but we haven’t the money to get it out there. Why is this a “revolution?” Freeport is a work of love. Every artist, from the actors, to writer, to composer, to post production technicians worked for absolutely free. It’s an honest story about caring, friendship and the most awkward party ever thrown. It’s a return to storytelling. It’s a return to the independent of independent film.”

1. What was the first creative moment you remember?

When I was in second grade or so, I had this fantastic dream. Waking I felt the need to write it out and share it with people. Ashamed, or perhaps scared, I watered down the story and then recoiled at the actual work that went into writing something. The final story, “Kokomo,” (too much Beach Boys I believe) was a page long and really just a pale imitation of the vivid dream I’d had. I think that was also my first taste of the joy and fear that sometimes surrounds the creative process. My dreams are no less vivid these days. I also no longer censor them.

2. Where did you grow up and how did you wind up where you are now?

I was born in the lovely suburbs of Long Island, schooled near the majestic gorges of Ithaca, forged in the fires of the Independent New York City theatre scene and am now set free in the absurdity of the Los Angeles film world. My heart, my want to create and the persistent nature of my dreams haven’t let me stop or stay put for very long. Satisfaction for me is a song by the Rolling Stones.

3. What performance, song, play, movie or other work of art had the biggest influence on you and why?

Shawshank Redemption. I watched it alone when it first came on VHS. When it was over, there was no doubt, I was going to be an actor.

4. What is your ideal creative activity?

Acting. In rehearsals. Being on set. Being on stage. The give and take with the director and the other actors. The world of constant discoveries and inspiration. There is nothing more invigorating.

5. How do you begin your day?

Without coffee…if I’m lucky. A heaping bowl of a cereal that has a cartoon character on the box. Sadly, these days with a pesky need to “improve myself,” a run. Submit to casting calls and prepare for any auditions or work I have that day…if I’m lucky.

6. Have you ever had to make a choice between work and art? What did you choose, why, and what was the outcome?

A little over a year ago, I had the most amazing day job that a struggling actor could ask for. Three hours a day, one hour of that for personal creative work and a great wage. Unluckily, it was in real estate. When I was informed that this dream could not last, I had a choice to make. I could run back to the world of food service that I’d escaped to much joy earlier that year, find a part time job that helped to keep me afloat or use my savings to truly make a go for it. I chose the second option, which slowly revealed itself to be the third. For the first time, I called myself an actor instead of an actor/writer or a “I hope to be one day.” It transformed my life essentially. I started to take myself and my work more seriously. People approached me with parts. I began to feel comfortable in auditions. My own work flourished, improved and reached audiences. Currently, I’m still in that wonderful state of limbo where two consecutive phone calls reveal I’m on avail for a national commercial and my phone service is about to be turned off, but I couldn’t be happier. I am an actor.

7. When you work do you prefer the process or the result?

Both. Art, as I believe it to be, is made to be shared, otherwise, it exists in a vacuum. Fireflies destined to die in a jar. I’m only now getting acclimated to the climate of filmmaking. For years, in theater, you’d rehearse a show, which in itself is magical, then you’d perform it for an audience. The response is immediate of course. You had an experience together, for better or worse. You got them or you didn’t. The shooting process is a fickle mistress, often taking a rehearsal feel. Try everything, give options. The editor will suss it out in the end. “Freeport” is the film real film project I’ve seen from beginning to end. It’s a marathon compared to the theater sprint. I’ve been in this mindset on and off now for four months (and that’s short by many film standards). I’m exhausted, but, wow, seeing the project come together from the collaborative input of so many artists is an absolute wonder. Now, the new joy is to watch an audience discover it.