A Heartfelt Journey Through Sacrifice and Love with “In Sickness and In Health(care)”

A Heartfelt Journey Through Sacrifice and Love with “In Sickness and In Health(care)”

Crystal Myler, the director and producer of the film “In Sickness and In Health(care),” shared the origin of the story that took root in a heartfelt poem written by her anesthesiologist brother, Conrad. The poem, dedicated to his wife Bekah, served as the inspiration for a film that delves into the sacrifices of a family for a thriving career and a couple’s unwavering commitment amidst the challenges of demanding professions.

Myler’s emotional connection to the narrative was evident as she recounted her initial reaction to the poem. “I read it and cried,” she said. Witnessing Bekah’s resilience, managing family events alone and hosting Christmas weeks after childbirth while Conrad was on call, inspired Myler to share this touching story with the world.

The production brought together a talented cast and crew, with Myler expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the film community. From Tyler Keegan convincing her that a short film was possible without initial funding to Kels Goodman stepping in as the director of photography, the collaboration exceeded Myler’s expectations. Shaunna Thompson, whom Myler had envisioned for a key role, eagerly joined the project, contributing not only as the lead but also providing valuable recommendations for other talented individuals, including her daughter Alexa.

“Time and time again, amazing filmmakers and actors came on board and contributed decades of experience to this project” said Myler. “The result was better than I dared to hope for my first film as a director and producer.”

Reflecting on the most challenging part of the production, Myler highlighted a last-minute setback when the original filming location fell through. However, a stroke of luck led her to location manager Lee Steadman, who secured an alternate site just days before shooting began. The replacement location’s unique style added an unexpected layer to the film, turning the house into a character of its own.

As for lessons learned, Myler admitted that setting a self-imposed deadline for the editing process would have been beneficial. The delay in returning to post-production left her fielding inquiries from friends and family, and she emphasized the importance of creating a timeline for oneself to maintain momentum.

“After filming was over, it took me about 3 months to get back to editing in earnest. I didn’t really kick into gear until I’d started looking up deadlines for film festivals I wanted to submit to.”

For aspiring producers, Myler underscored the significance of people skills and problem-solving. Her background in public relations and understanding of behavioral psychology proved valuable in navigating the interpersonal aspects of filmmaking. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive and practical attitude when unexpected challenges arise on set.

“No matter how well-prepared a shoot is in pre-production, unexpected things will happen on set. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed when things go sideways, and to let the stress permeate the cast and crew.  The producers I most admire have an ability to make real-time decisions that solve the problem at hand with a positive, practical attitude. It makes the set a much more pleasant place to be.“

As the film gears up for its debut as an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival from February 12-17, Myler encourages interested audiences to follow her on Facebook @crystal.myler and Instagram @crystalmyler for updates on future projects. Her openness to collaboration and passion for storytelling shines through, making “In Sickness and In Health(care)” a must-watch for those seeking a heartfelt exploration of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of commitment.