changing lives : DOCUMENTARY

Written By Scarlett Islas

FROM VISION TO REALITY

THE JOURNEY OF 'CHANGING LIVES

Changing Lives: The Acting Class That Changed Everything marks a significant milestone as my first film project. While it didn’t fully capture the story I envisioned, it became a crucial stepping stone—a way to explore the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to heal and connect.

This documentary offered an opportunity to dive into the profound impact of acting and storytelling. Though mistakes were made along the way, they shaped my understanding of how to share voices authentically. I learned to embrace imperfections and uncover the truths that make stories meaningful.

Through dedication and effort, this project achieved professional recognition. Changing Lives earned official IMDb credit and was successfully distributed on Amazon Prime Video, allowing its message to reach a wider audience. These achievements reflect the importance of the story and the dedication it took to bring it to life.

While this project is just the beginning, it has set the stage for something greater. I plan to revisit this story with a director’s cut, bringing deeper focus to the themes of healing, transformation, and the power of storytelling. The lessons learned from this journey will guide me as I shape the documentary into something that fully reflects my vision.

CONCEPT & VISION

WHERE THE STORY BEGAN

My journey into film started as an actress, and during my time in acting school, I witnessed the incredible process of individuals discovering their voices through the art form. It was like watching myself all over again but through someone else’s perspective—seeing how acting could affect and transform everyone.

With Changing Lives, I wanted to capture that same magic: the moments when vulnerability and courage intersect, and individuals step into their truth. The foundation of the documentary was built around exercises like Breakthrough and Talk to Someone Dead or Alive—designed to create emotional connections and unlock hidden strengths.

As a first-time filmmaker, I poured my heart into shaping this vision. It wasn’t just about storytelling; it was about honoring the courage it takes to share one’s story and the profound impact acting has on personal growth.

FILMING

CAPTURING RAW, AUTHENTIC MOMENTS

My journey into film started as an actress, and during my time in acting school, I witnessed the incredible process of individuals discovering their voices through the art form. It was like watching myself all over again but through someone else’s perspective—seeing how acting could affect and transform everyone.

With Changing Lives, I wanted to capture that same magic: the moments when vulnerability and courage intersect, and individuals step into their truth. The foundation of the documentary was built around exercises like Breakthrough and Talk to Someone Dead or Alive—designed to create emotional connections and unlock hidden strengths.

As a first-time filmmaker, I poured my heart into shaping this vision. It wasn’t just about storytelling; it was about honoring the courage it takes to share one’s story and the profound impact acting has on personal growth.

Post-Production

Editing Changing Lives was an emotional and eye-opening experience. It was about more than just assembling footage; it was about finding the heart of the story and ensuring each participant’s voice was heard.

Drawing from my own journey as an actress, I sought to create a narrative that reflected the growth and healing I saw in class, both in myself and in others. This phase was where everything came together—transforming raw moments into a cohesive story that highlighted the beauty of the human spirit.

Though it wasn’t perfect, the process taught me invaluable lessons about the balance between technical precision and emotional storytelling. It has inspired me to revisit this project with a director’s cut that dives even deeper into its themes.

From Vision to Reality

“Changing Lives” was more than just our first documentary—it was a leap of faith.

It marked the moment we stopped waiting for the "right time" and chose to believe in ourselves, trust our voice, and create something that could speak to others. It wasn’t perfect, but it was powerful. Every frame, every stumble, every moment behind the lens taught us more than any classroom ever could.

This documentary was a stepping stone—a reminder that the only way to grow is to begin, to show up, and to dare to push beyond what we thought we were capable of.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support that’s brought this story to life, and we’re proud to say that our very first project is now available to the public.

🎬 Watch or support the film here:

Thank you for witnessing our beginning. Whether you're a fellow creative, a future collaborator, or someone seeking stories that matter—we’re just getting started.

Scarlett Islas
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