Sacrifice (Maguire, 2018) captures the love story between James (Leigh Smith) and Blake (Jesse Everett) as Blake prepares for his next military assignment. When the story takes an unexpected turn, it becomes clear how even in the darkest times, we must hold on to love. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Leigh Smith (writer, actor) and Jesse Everett (actor) about their film.
Miranda Sprouse: Tell us about your short film, Sacrifice.
Leigh Smith: Sacrifice follows the story of James Hunter and Blake Robinson, two lovers who are entering a new phase within their relationship but who also struggle to make this work within the constraints of their demanding careers. Blake, being in the military, also brings uncertainty and risk to their relationship each time he is taken away from James on duty. Sacrifice is a story of love and all that is gained and lost in its name.
Jesse Everett: Sacrifice is a beautifully written story following the lives of two characters and their struggle for lasting love. It is a journey of love, heartbreak, and, as per the title, sacrifice all from a perspective not shown in the industry, making it a uniquely profound short film.
MS: Where did the story idea originate? What inspired you to make this film?
LS: The story originated from a very intensely personal space. It came from a time when I myself (albeit naively) sacrificed everything that I had for love. Instead of simply succumbing to the failure of this, I used the emotions and feelings at the time and poured them into the script, and James and Blake came alive. The military theme came about from personal research and provided the perfect platform in terms of sacrifices made in the name of love. This, all together, inspired me to create this story.
MS: What challenge(s) did you face while this film was in production?
LS: Apart from the challenge of being a first-time filmmaker, there were numerous challenges. In terms of production itself, I was absolutely blown away by the support I had from industry professionals including assistant directors, unit managers, set designers and a music composer. All involved, along with the rest of the cast, loved the story, and then script, so this challenge was easily overcome.
For me, though, emotionally, the challenges associated with this film were huge. Basing the story on true feelings, it was at times unbearable to tap into those emotions; but I knew that this was necessary to bring my character to life and the story that was needing to be told. As actors, we sacrifice (pardon the pun) for our art and no project has ever taken so much of me as a person and a performer – but the results are beautiful.
JE: There were many challenges for everyone involved in the production of the film; for me, though, the greatest challenge came from character and relationship development. Firstly, as a heterosexual male playing a gay character, it was not without its challenges; however, I am also a huge advocate of love is love, so that challenge quickly became obsolete. The next challenge was relationship development, ensuring the time and work were put into creating a relationship and putting that on screen and doing justice to the story and characters.
MS: Tell us about your characters. How did their stories progress during production?
LS: James is hard work! No question there — ha ha — but I feel at the end of the day his progression comes from a place of becoming comfortable within himself. James loves Blake with every part of his being, and so his frustration comes not from a sense of pride in what Blake does but with having to lose him time and time again.
JE: Production happened so fast, our film schedule was crazy, and we squeezed more in to the production days than any other project I have been a part of, so the characters’ stories progressed very quickly – ha ha. Like most films, we shot scenes out of order, so I wouldn’t say their stories necessarily progressed during production; but what did happen was the chemistry and relationship between characters continued to go to higher levels every scene we filmed. We had such an incredibly tight cast and crew who wanted the mutual goal of producing something memorable, so I think we all grew as individuals and characters continuously throughout the filming process and I think that is evident with what was put up on screen.
MS: Jesse, what was the biggest challenge of taking on the character of Blake? How did you prepare for the war zone scene?
JE: Blake is someone that will always be a part of me; we have a lot of differences but also a lot of similarities. Blake is extremely disciplined, focused, and regimented, which required me to take a very methodical approach to the character development. For me, it was very important I could relate to Blake and what he stood for: he is intensely passionate about what he does and values bigger things in life greater than himself. He is intense and often that intensity leaks out in to his personal life (as seen in the opening scene of the film) yet also soft (as seen in intimate moments with James), which makes him a character of extreme ambiguity. I needed to put in time and effort to connect myself with all that was different about Blake and myself, then marry that in with building a strong relationship with James (Leigh) and ultimately create a three-dimensional character and relationship. Preparing for the war zone scene was a lot of fun; it was a great moment where I got to experience firsthand what it was exactly that Blake stood for. I actually learnt a lot about Blake during the filming of that scene because, once we were out there in that moment of life or death, all preparation disappeared, and it was pure instincts, which was a wonderful experience.
MS: Before the credits begin, the film acknowledges the LGBTQI soldiers in the Australian military who had to hide their sexuality while serving before 1992. What do you think this film would mean to them?
LS: I would hope this film would mean the world to them, and I sincerely hope that they are seeing it. I would hope this would inspire them to tell their stories and, above all, know that their sacrifices are not being ignored anymore and that they’re getting the recognition they deserve in every respect. It is heartbreaking to think that this was the case and so, if this film in any small part can give something back, then I pray that it does.
JE: It actually gets me quite emotional thinking about how they would feel. I think we as a human race have progressed so much since then, and celebrating individuality as well as the LGBTQI community is so prevalent nowadays, so it’s upsetting to think not too long ago these men and women had to hide who they really were. It makes me so proud to be a part of a film that served a greater purpose than just entertainment; but celebrating all that is great about love and I hope that anyone who watches the film, who has hidden any part of themselves at any point of their life is proud of who they are when they watch it, that would make me so honored.
MS: How has the LGBTQI military situation changed in Australia since 1992?
LS: I believe in this day and age, inclusion and diversity have entered the military ranks of Australia and, from people I have spoken with, this seems to be very much the case, which is tremendous to see. I would hope that this would continue to grow and that films like Sacrifice help to promote this and strengthen it.
JE: I personally know people involved in the military today and they tell me firsthand that the military has evolved so much of recent times and is now a place primarily of acceptance and diversity for all who serve. This is truly profound considering, not too long ago, the military was a place that many people were unable to ever truly be themselves; I feel proud to live in a generation that celebrates all individuals.
MS: Leigh, you have said that Sacrifice is a “perspective that has yet to be seen.” Do you feel that Sacrifice achieved its goal of bringing a new perspective to the world? What sets it apart from other LGBTQI love stories?
LS: I certainly hope that it has. I have received fantastic reviews on the film stating that this film’s perspective has shown such a different view of this love story, which has been told many times before. When we think of military stories, this view point is not one that is known or even comparable. Once of the best comments that I have received is that, above all, this is a human love story and that the LGBTQI message, whilst strong, is coupled with so many wider themes.
This is what I believe sets Sacrifice apart from the rest. It is able to mold itself into many different personal situations.
MS: Do you feel that the love story between James and Blake is relatable to other LGBTQI military couples? Why?
LS: Absolutely! I personally know a military couple who have both said to me this film, whilst beautiful, is their greatest fear in so many ways. I think that the feeling of being torn apart and sacrificing for duty is paramount to anyone in this type of relationship.
JE: Oh, I’d love to think so. Beyond just LGBTQI military couples, I think the love story of James and Blake is relatable to a lot of humans on so many levels. The film being shot from a military perspective aims to encapsulate what it is like for those people, but I believe also stands to relate to anyone who has ever experienced love, heartbreak, sacrifice, or all of the above. At the end of the day, if our story can touch the hearts of even one person, especially that of a military background, then I feel we have done our job and I will be immensely proud.
MS: What do you want audiences to remember most about Sacrifice?
LS: I hope that audiences remember that sacrifices given in the name of love can come from any aspect of life. I also hope that those who have lost or suffered from any sacrifice can take solace in the fact that they are not in vain and that, no matter what, they are to be embraced and validated.
The human heart knows no bounds when it comes to love and I want audiences to take this away and know that they should always follow their inner feelings no matter what the result might be.
JE: What I would love for audiences to remember most is the underlying lessons in Sacrifice – love fully, love unconditionally, and love without limits. I don’t care if audiences never remember our names or the name of the film, but if they remember the essence of Sacrifice, which is love is the greatest experience in life, then I believe the film has been successful.
MS: What’s next for both of you?
LS: I am currently working on a feature film script for Sacrifice, which will allow the complete story of James and Blake to come alive; so that is exciting on a personal level. I also have a feature film out later this year, which I was casting associate and actor for, and is extremely original.
I am also working as producer for a production company and also continue to work with performers through Fusion Studios, which is something I take great pride in. I am also looking to return to the USA for projects that are currently in development.
JE: I’m fortunate enough to still be working on various projects, being involved in many TVC’s, modeling campaigns and still regularly auditioning for Australian and international projects. As always, I will continue to work on my craft and be ready to be a part of more great stories that come along!
Sacrifice is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Author Biography
Miranda Sprouse is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is majoring in film studies and earning a certificate in professional writing. Miranda enjoys watching movies, screenwriting, and film analysis. She hopes to have a future career that combines her passions for writing and film.
