"Dad I have an idea." Uh oh!

Way back in September of last year I wrote about my daughter's arrival, and how it upended my world. In a good way of course. (Well mostly.)

What I did not share with you at the time was that my daughter arrived in Anchorage with a very specific goal in mind.

Inspired by the tax credits approved for studios making films in Alaska, my daughter decided to come up here and open a film studio.  You heard me, OPEN A FILM STUDIO!

Not only that, but she wanted it to be a "green" film studio.  You know, a film studio that would have the least impact on the environment as humanly possible.  One that would be powered by renewable energy and use several energy saving techniques to keep costs low and pollution at a minimum.

And she wanted to do this at only 23 years of age!

Now it took me awhile to decide what my role in all of this would be. 

Do I endorse her ideas wholeheartedly, and prepare to provide emotional support when the harsh sting of reality ripped jagged holes in her dreams?  Do I try to talk her out of wasting her time on such fantasies and suggest more attainable goals?  Or do I ridicule her for shooting for the moon when she has not yet learned to navigate successfully around THIS planet?

Well I was one of those fathers who always told his child she could do ANYTHING. 

You all know how much I hate being a hypocrite, so really what choice did I have?  I supported her of course. In fact I even suggested some ideas, such as scouting locations for the studio in Palmer instead of trying to buy an overpriced lot here in Anchorage.

I also took her to the bank and sat beside her only to witness her crestfallen face when she was turned down for the loan she needed as seed money.

I went along with her to see a musk ox farm that she thought would be perfect, if she could only talk the owner into FIRST letting her turn it into a studio, and THEN start buying it from him in installments when the money started rolling in. (He did not go for it, but you would be surprised how long  it took him to finally say no to my daughter's hopeful face.)

I helped her to buy a new Apple computer so that she could better communicate with potential investors and build websites.

And I tried to be the voice of reason when she over extended herself, and her own personal cheerleader when she became frustrated, or felt the harsh sting of defeat.

But of course you know how all of this was destined to turn out don't you?  I mean she is ONLY twenty three years old.

Yes, but she is also MY daughter.

Let me introduce you to Glenn Studios.

Situated on a 10-acre site, Glenn Studios Campus is comprised of 4 multi-purpose sound stage areas, eight (8) production offices, and assorted ancillary spaces. In addition Glenn Studios will also feature an on-site gym, cafeteria, indoor parking and a certified(subject for approval) Helipad.

Glenn Studios™ location is 40-45 minutes North of Anchorage on the Glenn Hwy next to the state fair grounds. Hence the name "Glenn Studios".

This location works for just about any scale film that comes to Alaska. This structure has a great deal of appeal as a sound stage. Glenn Studios is also the perfect location as a "base camp" for so many production that film in Palmer/Wasilla area.

Yep, that's her studio alright, and right now there are currently thirty five films that have received the "green light" to start filming in Alaska and Glenn Studios is the ONLY studio that is positioned right now to meet their needs.

I know right?

So currently my daughter is the Studio Production Coordinator, which essentially means she runs the place. And if that weren't enough she is also working two other jobs to make ends meet until they get their first big check, which is made somewhat easier by the fact that she is living with me rent free. (But really how could I NOT do my part to invest in the future of Alaska film making, while also supporting my daughter's dreams?)

As if that were not enough excitement for one household, I also have my daughter's girlfriend, and my newly "adopted" daughter, performing in the local stage production of Tommy.

Bent Alaska has a great review, as well as show times and ticket prices. So if you are in Anchorage and looking for an evening of great entertainment, you would be hard pressed to find anything comparable to this stunning performance.

So if you are wondering how it feels to be the least talented, and potentially least successful, person living in my house, I have to say it feels pretty damn good. Pretty damn good indeed!

So take heed my fellow parents, because there is always the chance that when you tell your child they can do ANYTHING, that they will actually take that as a challenge!  And someday grow up to blow your freaking mind!