(Jared Becker Headshot CR-Munn Singh)
In any human relationship, there are two stories trying to meld together to make one life. In Sorry For My Loss, up and comer Jared Becker explores what happens when those two stories are at opposite points. While Jane struggles with her mental health and loss of happiness, her long term boyfriend is at a time in his story where everything seems to be going right. This film explores their ability to deal with those differences by focusing on both individual perspectives, a unique undertaking.
Nerd Alert News was fortunate to be able to talk with Jared Becker to explore the film, as well as some of his many other projects.
Nerd Alert News: In your new film, Sorry For My Loss, viewers are able to see both sides of the relationship between Aaron and Jane, one who is at a high point in their life and the other who is struggling in theirs. Where did the idea come from and what made you want to take such a unique approach to telling it?
Jared Becker: I feel that we’re constantly seeing the same narrative of a one-sided story and little to be discussed about the other side of it. It takes two people to be in a relationship so why can’t we see both sides? I’ve seen too many relationships, including my own, where someone is always shut down and not being able to fully discuss their reasonings without being labeled “crazy” or “getting in their head” so I wanted to create a project that allows both people to express their feelings. I also wanted to create this story after watching my best friend go through one of the hardest years of her life. When she would tell people that she chose to love and make herself happy, she was being shamed for it. Mainly because people were expecting this giant blowup argument to make someone leave and that wasn’t the case. It seems as if society doesn’t accept that choosing and doing what’s best for you isn’t enough and it absolutely is.
NAN: Not only are you starring and accomplishing your first screenwriting credit with Sorry For My Loss, but you also co-wrote and performed some original music for the film. How challenging was it to wear so many different hats during the creative process?
JB: I did! This is the first project where I’ve had my hands in so many different creative pots. During the writing process, I just kept thinking, “how can I tell this story better so that people can connect?” I was looking at every avenue that would assist in telling this story and music was always at the forefront. I called a friend of mine, Steven Esposito, who is a brilliant songwriter and producer to ask if he would be interested in just having a writing session to see what happens. We spent a whole day talking about the story, what it meant to me, and why it should be made, and at the end of the day we came up with this beautiful song about knowing when the right time to say goodbye is.
“You can still love a relationship and cherish it but, also know when it’s time to walk away and do what’s best for you.” — Jared Becker, Sorry For My Loss
I would be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging to wear so many different hats. As a writer, I’m constantly worrying about how the story is going to flow, how the other actors are going to portray these real-life people that I based their characters on, and if I told a complete story that others can relate to. I’m very lucky that we had an amazing cast. Claire, Cheree, and Rylie absolutely nailed their parts, and I couldn’t have been happier. They took real-life situations that I went through and created these beautiful moments that are now cinematically written in stone thanks to the astonishing work by our Director, D’Adonis Moquette, and Cinematographer, Joey Katches. Acting in this was tough as well. This role was completely different than anything I’ve done prior, and that character’s mindset was tough to do. It took some time to prep and get ready for that but I know that the audience will love this project. At the end of the day, I’m grateful for this experience and having the support from industry peers as well as the fans who support the film from the start. I couldn’t have done this without them.
NAN: You also worked on a film, Reveille, about what happens psychologically to people who are in the middle of war. I also learned that you were an Intelligence Sergeant and a Resiliency Training Instructor in the United States Air Force. First, I want to thank you for your service.
JB: Thank you for your support.
NAN: Do you see your time in the military and the ability to see that side of things in your life and in your comrades, as something that drew you to this type of film and to the importance for people to try to understand that perspective?
JB: Absolutely. I read about Audie Murphy and his story while I was in the Air Force and it’s just so surreal. So, when the opportunity came up to audition for that role, I just knew that I had to get it. This is a dream role. Audie Murphy and I had a lot of similarities with our careers, so it felt natural. Regarding being resilient, the ability to understand where someone is coming from and being empathetic, I feel, is a very important part of our structure. I always try to have the mindset that people are only doing what they think is best and, for the most part, not trying to intentionally hurt you out of malicious intent. Everyone is just following orders or guidelines so by understanding that I’m able to maneuver any situation while keeping a level head. I think it’s important to think outside of your own box. If you keep the same view on life, then how are you supposed to grow and evolve to become the best possible version of yourself?
NAN: These both seem like emotionally heavy films, and of course you are putting them all together during one of the most emotionally heavy times, so everyone had to be more creative on set in order to be able to work together and keep up morale. Do you think it was more difficult to relate to each other with the Covid restrictions or that going through those changes bonded you together more?
JB: Covid has been a nightmare for everyone. After not being able to work and productions being delayed, I think that we’re all just grateful to be able to come to set and do what we love to do. Our Covid Compliance Officers are doing incredible work to make sure that we’re all safe. I feel we all bonded more because of the experience with the lockdown. We were able to sit around and talk about what we’ve been through and just how lucky we are to be on set. We didn’t get to see each other in person until the first day of filming! We just kept thinking, “wow, this is real! It’s really happening!” I know that I have other projects that are still delayed due to Covid so being able to do Sorry for My Loss was a dream.
NAN: I understand that you already have several other projects in the works. What can you tell us, if anything, about what fans can look forward to from you?
JB: Yea! There are a lot of other projects in the pipeline. The rest of 2021 is booked and next year is off to a good start as well. On the acting side of the job, I’ll be filming a limited series at the beginning of next year for a few months and then I’ll go shoot a new TV series in the summer that I think you all will absolutely love. I learned about this TV series a year ago when I was cast, and I’ve been eager to film it because I love this character so much. The writers on this, Dustin and Logan, are just incredible and have crafted this phenomenal story that is going to do so well. I’m in the middle of writing a feature film that has just been a blast to create and I can’t wait for that one to start production. I have three other features to write that are also in the pipeline.
NAN: What do you hope people will take away from the stories you have created?
JB: I hope that with Reveille the audience leaves with a deeper connection with their emotional intelligence. Know that there are two sides to every story, war, problem, etc. We are humans just doing what we think is best. Sometimes we’re wrong and that’s okay. With Sorry for My Loss, I just hope that people learn to listen to and trust their gut instincts. Learn that setting healthy boundaries is good for you and that you are worth more than letting yourself be constantly walked all over. You are worth every bit of the space you take up in this world and I hope you stand tall. Do not ever let someone negate your success because they say it’s not as impressive or as hard as theirs. Finally, I hope you leave knowing that you deserve the world and you are enough.
NAN: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for us, Jared. I’m really looking forward to watching the film when it is released next year and I wish you all the best.
Please be sure to follow Jared on Instagram for more information on his upcoming projects, and subscribe to Nerd Alert News for more interviews and updates on all your favorites.
Written by Melissa Fudge
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