Business Sense | Head in the clouds

I have always been a dreamer. Thought of all kinds of crazy ideas growing up. Wanting to do more than just what already existed. The theater and then a career in film did not help the situation. Adulthood helped calm some of that down as I learned that dreams were inspiring but not always realistic.

Or are they? Ten years ago, I dreamt about someday throwing a festival that celebrated region’s part in the epic series Star Wars. It seemed like such a huge feat but the constant nag in the back of my head would not let me stop thinking about how the redwoods of the area were the filming location for “Endor” in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” Budget, lack of staff, no idea how we would execute such a thing held me back. New hires, funds, and encouragement by agencies getting wind of it help light a fire. A collaboration with the city of Eureka and the Sequoia Zoo Foundation for a May the 4th event in 2022, was the final nudge we at the film commission needed. Now, with our co-producing team (thank you, Tiffany Miller Designs), Measure J funding, and support by both counties, we finally have reached for the stars to make this dream come true.

There have been challenges. Limited time to execute is one of them. Hurdles and workarounds have needed to be addressed. Protecting Lucasfilm intellectual property is a must. Hoping that we have workshopped it enough weighs on us. But when we hear the excitement from a true Star Wars fan, see the eyes light up of those who are full of creative ideas, and layout all the activities, events, and fun to be added on a map, then we are in awe of the magic of what once was just an idea. A dream.

Will there be mistakes? Probably. Will we need to put out fires, make quick changes, or make improvements? Of course. It’s our first time out the gate. However, all of that aside, we are not letting it stop us. We have now created something out of nothing. What once did not exist, now will happen the first weekend in June of this year.

By the way, there is room for all on our journey, the Forest Moon Festival. Everyone can participate. From brick and mortars to popups to government and quasi-government agencies. Just reach out and we will tell you how. For those who want to attend, then keep refreshing our website (www.forestmoonfestival.org) because we will be updating/adding until the festival days are upon us.

But enough about us, the real question I have for you is… what have you dreamt about doing or adding to your business? What have you thought was too big or couldn’t be done but it begged to be focused on? Is there a way that you could take a step closer? What is stopping you and what hurdles could you overcome?

Remember, it took us 10 years to get here, many discussions, and even delays (thank you, pandemic). But here we are just the same. Fulfilling a dream.

Cassandra Hesseltine has been the region’s Film Commissioner for the past 12-plus years. She hopes for the festival to be an annual event adored by all.