"A Modest Suggestion"

I don't want to dwell on this moment for too long. There is a lot of work to do in the days, weeks and months ahead. But I don't want to let the moment pass me by, either.

The ink is now drying on a joint venture agreement between OxRock Productions (which is now an LLC) and Mark Jaffee Pictures, LLC. We're making a movie.

"A Modest Suggestion" is a feature-length, ultra-low-budget satirical comedy about anti-Semitism: Four men in suits sit in a boardroom, pondering the next item on their agenda: "Should we or should we not... kill the Jews?" It's all based on the hysterical stage play by the very talented Ken Kaissar (he and I worked together to adapt the script for the screen).

The deal with MJP is primarily, but not exclusively a financing deal, and it's a significant one. In addition to the necessary capital, Mark is contributing over two decades of experience in media production (though his background is in high-end Madison Avenue commercials and the such, at quite a different scale than this project)

We're going in to production in October, and aiming to have a finished product by year's end.

This is a major step for me, and I've worked very hard to get here. But it is not an end by any means. In many ways, this is the beginning that I have been waiting for, the moment when I can truly feel that what I'm working on is a part of my future, not merely a training exercise for it. As far as my 'filmography' goes, it wouldn't surprise me if it really starts here, with this endeavor, with this film.

But of course, it's more than a little useless to ponder my own legend. Much as I'd love to write it, my story will be revealed to me on its own terms, and in its own time. Now that the financing for "A Modest Suggestion" is secured, I can start to do the work I have been dreaming about. I can start to direct the film.

As always, there's no way to get here from there without the many helping hands along the way. And from here to the next place will require just as many more. I feel great about getting here, but humbled, too. To all of you who have pushed, even just a little, to see me succeed, my gratitude is inexpressible. I hope you'll be satisfied with the meager and occasional "thank you" that I can proffer now and again.

But no, this is not, nor should it be an Oscar acceptance speech. This is a moment not about the past, but about the future. It is about a film that has yet to be made, that I must bring to life. It's a big responsibility, but I'm thrilled to tackle it. What a ride, and it's only just beginning.

-Arnon