Lights, Camera, Action! “On Earth As It Is In Heaven” Wraps (Copy)

On Earth As It Is In Heaven: It’s Twice the Wild Rid!

At Lucky You Films, we believe the best stories are born from the heart of the human experience – and sometimes, the utter chaos of trying to capture it on a shoestring budget. Our latest feature, On Earth As It Is In Heaven, is a prime example of this philosophy in action. It’s more than just a movie; it's a journey—for the characters, for our ridiculously dedicated crew, and ultimately, for you, our audience, who get two wild rides merged into one!

This film is a brilliant collaboration from the talented minds of writer/producer/actor Ben Best (Eastbound & Down, The Foot Fist Way, and Your Highness) and writer/director/producer Kent Smith (The Last Passport, MIKE, and Little Package). Together, they’ve crafted a dark comedy that challenges the very notion of a "road trip" film... by showing you the absurdity of trying to make one.

The premise is double-layered: we follow an independent film crew as they attempt to shoot a profound and poignant film about five longtime friends embarking on a mission to spread their late friend’s ashes. But here's the kicker: the making of this film quickly descends into its own disaster-riddled, darkly hilarious odyssey. From rogue props to unexpected weather, and the general madness of indie filmmaking on a budget, the crew's journey becomes as dramatic and laugh-out-loud funny as the story they're trying to tell. The film's core explores the absurdity of grief, the unbreakable bonds of friendship (both on-screen and behind the scenes), and the sheer willpower it takes to create art when everything goes wrong.

Ben Best (L) and Jonathan Bedford (R) onset of “On Earth As It Is In Heaven”

The Making of a Modern Indie Classic

Filming this project (the one you're reading about, not the one in the movie!) was a beautiful, chaotic, and inspiring experience. Our team at Lucky You Films aimed to capture the raw authenticity of both adventures, a task that required meticulous planning, an enthusiastic embrace of the unexpected, and probably a few extra cups of coffee. The reality of indie filmmaking is often a crazy adventure in itself, and this movie doesn't just show you the story, it gives you a front-row seat to the glorious, unhinged chaos behind the camera. Think of it as a love letter to the process, sprinkled with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

We were blessed with a dynamic and talented cast who brought these characters (both the ones in the movie and the "filmmakers" trying to make it) to life with genuine charm and authenticity. This includes Johanna Jowett (Everything Happens at Once, Little Package), Alicia Fusting (When We Last Spoke, An Angelic Christmas), Patrick G. Keenan (The Blind Side, Homeland), Jonathan Bedford (Evergreen Christmas), MIke Platarote Jr. (Saturday Night, Are you There God? It’s Margaret) and Ben Best (Superbad, EastBound & Down) himself. Their performances are a powerful blend of humor, vulnerability, and heart, making everyone involved feel incredibly real and relatable, even as they face down one absurd, budget-stretching challenge after another.

From the quiet, reflective moments to the uproarious comedic chaos (often happening simultaneously!), we worked tirelessly to ensure every scene resonated with the film's central themes. It's a story that grapples with life's biggest questions—about loss, love, and what it truly means to live—all wrapped in a package that will leave you laughing deeply moved, and perhaps a little more appreciative of the blood, sweat, and tears (mostly sweat, honestly) that go into making an indie film. The dedication of our entire crew, led by the visionary direction of Kent Smith, was nothing short of amazing, creating an environment where a team could come together to tell a story that truly matters, even if the "making of" that story became a story in itself.

What's Next? (Beyond the Double Feature Wrapped in One!)

On Earth As It Is In Heaven is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking – both the kind you watch and the kind that almost breaks you. It's a film that explores grief and friendship in the most unexpected ways, and it definitely shows you the funnier, wilder side of filmmaking when passion meets a tight budget. We are incredibly proud of what we've accomplished.

As we prepare to share this double-feature with the world, with plans for submission to major film festivals, we want to thank everyone who has been a part of this incredible, two-layered production.

Get ready to laugh, to cry, and to be reminded that even in the most chaotic moments (whether they're on-screen or just off-camera), friendship is always the greatest adventure. We can't wait for you to experience this story and see a film that is truly lucky to be in the world!

On Earth As It Is In Heaven - Key Art