Today we’d like to introduce you to Orion Monroe.
Hi Orion, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The entertainment industry has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started working as an actor in community and professional theatre in my teens. In adulthood, I transitioned to community theatre administration, I formed companies in Indianapolis, Louisville, and Xenia.
I have written several plays and short screenplays over the years; however, after completing the latest screenplay, Butterfly, MMH Productions attracted global attention. This is largely a result of the completion and premiere of a proof of concept short [Butterfly Short]. This short film won 45 international awards and attracted people from all over the world to the Butterfly Project.
Butterfly is the story of a young man who is accused and convicted of a sex offense by his ex-girlfriend. Fearing conviction, he agrees to a plea deal for a lesser charge. This film documents his journey through a skewed legal system and his struggle with putting his life together as a registered sex offender and convicted felon. Although the work does not serve to discredit the severe global problem of sex crimes, it does bring forth a conversation about the minority of cases where the accused is a likely victim of circumstance, opportunity, and inconsistency in public education about abuse.
Professionally, I have worked for many years in the field of forensic mental health. I wrote the feature film screenplay in 2020 during the pandemic. Although it is not representative of a specific patient, the work is a culmination of many experiences and stories that have been a part of my professional journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This project has not been a smooth road. The largest barrier had been convincing people to read the work. The topic, by its nature, made people nervous.
Fighting the assumption that the film is a misogynistic attempt to discredit women was tough. Luckily, several high-profile women and men read the script after the release of the short and found it to be an important narrative for contemporary culture.
We all know someone who has been affected by this. We have heard so many stories from everyday citizens since the release of the short film. The global market is supportive and I am so grateful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MMH Productions?
The company was established to provide a voice for edgy independent films tackling significant social injustice works. Since its inception, we have developed relationships with filmmakers from every genre and work to help with short script production, distribution, marketing, and publicity.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I am hoping that a part of the industry will continue to focus on helping to create relevant social dialogues. I believe that audiences are growing tired of boilerplate, cookie-cutter entertainment. People are eager to discuss problems with the current structure. Film is a great way to open discussion. We can talk about a film. This conversation can open the door to communicating openly about a need for change and public education.
This is evident with the success of many series and films depicting the “other side” of social profiling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.butterfly-movie.com
- Facebook: facebook.com://butterflyfilm2021
