What follows is the genesis of this project:

ZORAN: This project came at a good time. Less than 3 months ago a film I had been working on fell apart.  Everything seemed fine until the human factors became too much, and, after only few sentences of basic disagreement it was over.  Eager to continue working on a meaningful project, I called Mark.  He and I met while working on an interesting documentary about a creative group of poet-philosophers traveling around the western United States.  We were searching for a way to finish that film, and it, too, was becoming complicated by factors beyond our control.  

But I had this idea and so, without thinking, I said to him: "I’d like to make a documentary about someone who became successful in an unconventional way, someone who changed his or her life drastically midway to find success and happiness.  Do you know anyone?

After a brief silence, Mark answered.

MARK:  I do.  I know two guys -- John Connors and Terry Sanders. John was a college roommate of mine.  Terry was one of my best friends in high school.  I've always thought of them as the most successful people I know because they did it in such a unique way. They both turned it around, followed their hearts and did it their own way, but for the benefit of other people. 

John is a Harvard grad who threw away a business career to coach Brazilian Jui Jitsu and MMA.  He runs a successful gym outside of Boston.  Terry went to jail for almost 8 years for armed robbery, gets out and becomes a successful salesman for Coke.  And then decides to become a preacher who rehabilitates prisoners.  He now runs a very successful church as well as a government sponsored program for non-violent offenders.  

From here on the conversation was fluid.

ZORAN: Let’s start with John. Can you call him?

MARK: Yes. Will get back to you soon.

JOHN: When Mark first called me and asked if I wanted to be the subject of a film concerning an unconventional definition of success, I was of course flattered but I also had my doubts if I qualified as a model of success. I certainly have had my ups and downs in life, and I ponder regularly, if not daily, the question of what is a life well lived?

Quickly enough, I saw the film as an opportunity to help others, challenge myself and further define a well lived life. So far the filming as been an adventure into my inner world and coincidentally has taken me half way across the world.