As Mental Health Month unfolds, Urban Visionary Films is set to release the poignant and timely film, A Life Unwritten, a project deeply personal to its writer and star, Will Thompson. Inspired by his childhood friend’s experience with bipolar disorder, the film aims to spark a crucial dialogue about mental health and resilience. In this interview, Thompson shares his insights into the making of this impactful film.
The Source: “A Life Unwritten” is being released during Mental Health Month and aims to spark a conversation. What specific aspects of mental health and resilience were you most intent on exploring and bringing to light through this film?
Will Thompson: My buddy, my childhood homeboy, has bipolar disorder. He’s the inspiration for the movie. He’s a cool, fun loving guy, people think he’s crazy, but to me, he’s just the same hilarious dude. I wanted to tell a story about how we’re all different, we all struggle, and we all matter to each other, and people love us in their own way. Whether we know it or not, because sometimes it’s not evident.
You not only wrote but also star as John Avery. How did embodying this character, who is central to the film’s exploration of mental health, deepen your understanding of the issues at hand, both as an actor and a writer?
I’ve always had an understanding of mental health but to actually dig in and do the homework as a writer was eye opening and to ingest it as an actor and allow it to take over me mentally, physically and emotionally was a very energetic yet overwhelming and sad experience. I went through a lot to prepare for the role, from watching interviews to talking with people who live with bipolar disorder.
You’ve had experience in mainstream television with shows like “The Chi” and “Chicago Fire.” How does telling a deeply personal and potentially challenging story like “A Life Unwritten” compare to your work in episodic television? What unique opportunities and challenges did it present?
For me I can’t compare the two, they’re apples and oranges. They’re both fun experiences and it’s something I passionately love but film is life. The main difference between them is that I finance 100% of all the film’s I do and tell stories that I feel good about. Whereas in all the TV shows I’ve done I played a role in someone else’s vision and I was happy to be a contributing person and blessed to have had the opportunity.
Urban Visionary Films is releasing “A Life Unwritten.” What is the core mission or vision behind your production company, and how does this film align with that vision? What kind of impact do you hope your company has on the industry and audiences?
The core mission is to tell amazing stories and work with amazing people who are just as passionate. The impact I hope to have on the audience is to leave them with a unique experience and a piece of art that’ll last a lifetime.
Beyond the release of “A Life Unwritten,” what are your future aspirations for using your platform as a filmmaker to continue contributing to conversations around mental health or other important social issues?
I just want to tell great stories and create beautiful art for all to enjoy.