Q&A With Michael R. Helgens CEO of Media Adventures
Tell us a bit about Media Adventures.
Media Adventures is the Production Company responsible for “Morris”. A short film that explores the long lasting effects of Sexual Abuse in an effort to create discussion and end the cycle of abuse. Too often these events go undiscussed. The villains get away without punishment and leave their victims with a lifetime of baggage to carry.
People need to see for themselves the effects of long term abuse. It’s not graphic for the sake of being graphic, but to get people to actually pay attention and strip away the veneer of, “Oh it probably isn’t all that bad,” thinking that exists. “Morris” isn’t crude or crass for the sake of sensationalism. Those elements are present to properly convey the truth.
People are being abused physically and regularly and it’s not because they want it to happen or they don’t say anything because it feels good. It’s because evil people do evil things and others, often without help, have to endure the consequences.
This film opens a dialog between the viewer and the abused of the world and gives them a chance to say, “I don’t want to be the victim any more. I can overcome this burden and live a normal life. I will be the victor henceforth!”
If we can convince even one person to speak up or end even one cycle of abuse then this film will have been successful.
What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?
We opened the doors of Media Adventures because we realized that our stories weren’t the only stories worth telling. Everyone has a story that bears repeating, a fond memory or important day that demands preservation; they have hopes and dreams that deserve exploration. I’ve struggled with the ramifications of abuse for nearly as long as I can remember. I wrote Morris in an effort to clear my head of my own demons. My business partners and I made Morris and share my story with others in an effort to raise awareness and help others get the attention they need.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
The best part about my job is having the opportunity to speak with people from all walks of life. I get the opportunity to share my story and, in so doing, they generally share their stories with me which gives me the opportunity to point them in the right direction to find help and become the hero of their own story.
What are your keys to making yourself productive?
Making independent films and working as a public speaker requires strong attention to detail and organization. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the help of my amazing business partners (Kevin & Debra Brubaker).
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
My long term goal is for Morris to serve as a lifeline for victims of abuse. I want them to be able to see the film and know that it is ok to speak up. I want for folks who have not experienced abuse to be able to watch the film and understand that this is not a small problem.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
The most valuable lesson that anyone can learn is that you are not alone. When you are a victim of abuse your abuser will try to isolate you. To make you feel like you are at fault. They will do everything in their power to diminish your credibility while taking advantage. It’s important to be able to recognize when this happens and to reach out to your friends and family or The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-4673). Learning that I have the ability to reclaim what was stolen from me and that I can help others do the same has been the best part of sharing my story with others.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
If you want to write you have to read. Read a lot. Read everything that you can. Then write about what is real to you. Even if you are writing a fictional story you have to lend some of your truth to the story for it to feel authentic to the reader. You can take writing classes if you must, but only you can develop your personal style. If you want to speak to others about a topic that is important to you or serve as a motivation to others you have to make contacts with people who need to hear what you have to say. Don’t do any of these things to get rich, but because you want to give the world and the people who live here the tools they need to be the best versions of themselves.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
When I’m not working I’m either hunkered down with a book from the unending pile of books that seems to grow constantly or at the cinema. I can’t get enough adventure on my own so books and film grant an escape and an opportunity to refine my own work based on the experiences of others.
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
Call Me By Your Name, Two Boys Kissing and Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda are three well written books that can give you a sense of different styles of writing. There’s nothing wrong with Stephen King either. I don’t much rely on other writers to teach me to write though. I look to their texts as a way to master crafting a story that will engross and entertain.
