The Journey of Bill Mikita: From Attorney to Filmmaker

Bill Mikita’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion. Transitioning from a successful career as an attorney to becoming a screenwriter and filmmaker, Bill’s journey is not only inspiring but also filled with valuable lessons for aspiring writers and filmmakers. In this blog, we dive deep into his experiences, the challenges he faced, and the triumphs he achieved while bringing his film Chasing 3000 to life.

Finding the Spark to Write
The Birth of Chasing 3000
Feedback and Revisions
The Balancing Act of Writing and Law
Overcoming Doubts and Fears
Filming Chasing 3000
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Writers
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the Spark to Write

Bill’s journey began with a personal tragedy that changed his perspective on life. After the passing of his mother from a brain tumor, he found himself reflecting on his own life and aspirations. At the age of thirty, he pondered, “What if half of my life is over?” This profound question ignited a desire to write, something he had never openly expressed before.

With a connection to the film industry through a friend at Disney, Bill took a leap of faith. He visited his friend Rick Haskins, who introduced him to producers, including Barry Bernardi. During this meeting, Bill learned about the two paths to entering the movie business: starting at the bottom or leveraging what he had to offer. With a pregnant wife and two daughters at home, he was eager for a more direct route.

The Birth of Chasing 3000

Bill decided to write a story based on his relationship with his brother, which became the foundation for Chasing 3000. His first screenplay was autobiographical, titled The First Step, and although it was crudely written, it garnered some attention. Encouraged by this initial success, he continued to hone his craft and wrote several more screenplays.

After gaining more experience, he revisited his original story and added a new element: a road trip to watch baseball legend Roberto Clemente achieve his 3,000th hit. This addition transformed the screenplay into a broader narrative, allowing for a more compelling storytelling experience.

Feedback and Revisions

During the development process, Bill sought feedback from industry professionals. One executive at Warner Brothers noted the absence of a female character in the story. Bill jokingly pointed out that his mother served as the female presence, but he quickly realized the need to expand the narrative further.

With input from a young actor and writer, Kristen Unzio, Bill locked himself in a room over a holiday weekend to rewrite the script. They decided to make the trip more significant, transforming it into a three-day adventure across the country. This collaborative effort was crucial in elevating the script to meet industry standards.

The Balancing Act of Writing and Law

During this creative journey, Bill continued to work as a practicing attorney, often stealing time to write on weekends and evenings. He recognized the sacrifices required to pursue his passion while maintaining his professional responsibilities. Balancing family life with his writing ambitions was challenging, but it was a necessary part of his growth as a filmmaker.

He often wrote while his family enjoyed outings, ensuring he found time to develop his craft without compromising family time. This dedication exemplifies the commitment needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting.

Overcoming Doubts and Fears

Despite his progress, Bill faced self-doubt and the fear of sharing his aspirations with others. He refrained from discussing his writing journey with most people, worried they would view him as unrealistic. It wasn’t until he secured funding for the film that he began to share his story more openly.

His journey from a small steel mill town in Steubenville, Ohio, to Hollywood was so extraordinary that even he found it hard to believe. The idea of making a movie seemed surreal, yet he persevered through the challenges, driven by his passion for storytelling.

Filming Chasing 3000

Bill’s film was shot over a span of 28 days, primarily in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. The production process was intense, and logistical challenges arose, especially when doubling locations across the country. Despite these hurdles, Bill remained focused on his vision, determined to bring the story of his relationship with his brother to life.

While the film reflects his personal experiences, it also explores universal themes of brotherhood, adventure, and the pursuit of dreams. The road trip serves as a metaphor for life’s journey, filled with ups and downs, laughter, and tears.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Writers

Bill’s journey offers several key takeaways for those aspiring to break into the film industry:

Follow Your Passion: Bill’s story emphasizes the importance of pursuing what you love, even when faced with obstacles.
Be Open to Feedback: Constructive criticism is essential for growth. Embrace it and use it to refine your work.
Dedicate Time: Balancing a day job with creative pursuits requires sacrifice. Find time in your schedule to write and develop your craft.
Don’t Fear Sharing Your Story: While self-doubt is natural, sharing your journey can lead to support and opportunities.
Stay Committed: The road to success is often long and winding. Stay committed to your vision and keep pushing forward.

Conclusion

Bill Mikita’s journey from attorney to filmmaker is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. His experiences remind us that it’s never too late to pursue our passions, and with hard work and dedication, dreams can become a reality. As Bill continues to inspire others through his work, his story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring writers and filmmakers everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Bill Mikita to start writing?

Bill was inspired to write after the passing of his mother, which prompted him to reflect on his own life and aspirations.

How did Bill develop the screenplay for Chasing 3000?

Bill developed the screenplay by incorporating his personal experiences with his brother and expanding the narrative to include a road trip to see Roberto Clemente’s historic hit.