(Dis)honor among thieves

To work with Garett is to engage in an automatic elevation of one’s artistic sensibilities. To say iron sharpens iron would be a disservice to the creative friction that results from such a privileged collaboration. His cinematic tools are forged with philosophical wisdom and artisanal labor of love that are rare in an age of microwave content-creation.

There are career-defining moments in time that we look back on in the twilight of our career with great fondness, able to truly appreciate the trajectory and the course-correction of a single decision. I will never forget the first time I read the script for Rules to Rule. With only minutes to spare, I planned to peek at the opening sequence before I rushed out of the house. I couldn’t put it down. It is an absolute page-turner from start-to-finish – a well-paced, entertaining venture into a world of crime with colorful and conflicted characters guiding the way. I found myself quickly immersed, intrigued, and invested in the fates of this crew. And every time I guessed an outcome, my assumptions were shattered with surprises. I knew immediately that this was a special project. It was an honor to be trusted with a role in breathing life into the idea.

As a first-hand witness for over 13 years of friendship and collaboration, I can attest that Garett possesses an infectious commitment to the craft of filmmaking. It reflects in the performances of a brilliantly curated cast and the professional execution of an inspired crew. When I look at the final Rules to Rule product – this charming blend of crime, thrill, action, and comedy – I see a vision ushered seamlessly into existence with the grace of a seasoned veteran. I see a masterfully woven story that graciously gives breathing room for all the alchemists involved to lend their authentic movie magic. I see meraki – the totality of Garett’s essence infused into the work – with all his love and affection for crime and its stylistic sub-genre blaxploitation on full display. And most significantly, I see an evolving Writer/Director, whose presence and gravity in this industry is undeniable. The film community is fortunate to have Garett and I am grateful to witness his journey up close. On behalf of the cast and crew, thank you for being an exemplary steward of your dreams.

Onward and upward.

– Rennard Westley II, Producer