When most people set out to create a documentary, they begin with a destination, a subject, or a carefully structured storyline. But for the production team behind Pure Chance, the journey began in an unexpected way—through a Craigslist ad and an unconventional idea.
What followed was a new take on the traditional travel documentary: exploring fate and what it means to surrender control. As the project unfolded, so did the story itself, expanding from a playful experiment into a deeply human narrative about self-discovery.
We spoke with one of the producers, Charlene Taylor, about how the project came to life and what it looked like behind the camera.
Can you tell us a little about the journey viewers will experience?
The documentary follows cousins Dylan and Jonny as they allow dice rolls to guide their travels across the world, with each roll sending them somewhere new. At first glance, the idea seems simple: roll dice to decide where the journey goes next. But underneath it is a bigger question—are our lives shaped by fate, or do we create meaning through choice?
What begins as a lighthearted experiment gradually becomes something more profound. Along the way, they face physical challenges, emotional breakthroughs, fear, ego, friendship, and questions about identity and control. While the film travels through striking locations, its true story is transformation and self-discovery.
What inspired your team to create this adventure documentary?
Pure Chance truly came to us by chance. In the fall of 2025, Doug Stanley came across a Craigslist ad from two cousins seeking a cameraman to document a dice-led adventure around the world. With a background leading production teams in Alaska on Deadliest Catch, Doug immediately recognized there was something deeper beneath the concept.
Doug stepped in as producer and post-production lead, helping build the team and guide the process. I joined as a story producer and editor, shaping the emotional arcs and narrative structure that emerged through the footage. Most people know me locally through portrait photography—family sessions, headshots, and seasonal experiences like Santa and Easter Bunny shoots. I’ve always been fascinated by human behavior, emotion, transformation, and the stories people carry beneath the surface. Documentary filmmaking felt like a natural extension of that curiosity.
What were some of the most challenging locations or conditions you filmed in?
The environments varied widely, creating constant challenges. Some locations were remote, physically demanding, and unpredictable. Peru stood out as one of the most intense chapters due to altitude and terrain. Across the project, however, the biggest challenge was not any single location—it was the lack of control. Because the dice dictated direction, the crew had to remain flexible, solving problems quickly and filming in constantly shifting conditions.
Was there a moment during filming that surprised your crew?
One of the biggest surprises was realizing the documentary was becoming something far deeper than an adventure story. While early expectations focused on excitement and adrenaline, the emotional honesty between Dylan and Jonny quickly became the heart of the film. Moments of vulnerability and personal breakthroughs happened in real time.
How long did the production process take?
The project began in the fall of 2025 and developed over many months of filming, travel, and post-production. Because the story was not scripted, the editing process became essential in discovering what the film truly was. With hundreds of hours of footage across multiple countries, the focus shifted to identifying emotional through-lines and building a cohesive narrative.
What message do you hope audiences take away?
At its core, the film invites reflection on chance versus choice. It asks whether life is shaped by randomness or whether we sometimes use randomness to avoid responsibility. At the same time, it’s about friendship, courage, curiosity, and stepping outside familiar patterns. We hope audiences leave feeling inspired—and maybe a little more reflective about their own lives.
What equipment or techniques were used to film?
Because production was constantly moving, the crew relied on lightweight, adaptable techniques. A run-and-gun style, mobile setups, drone footage, and handheld cinematography allowed authentic moments to be captured as they unfolded.
What was the most rewarding part of the project?
For me personally, this project expanded my work beyond photography into long-form storytelling. Photography taught me how to capture emotion in a single frame, but documentary filmmaking challenged me to sustain that emotion over time. It deepened my passion for storytelling and reinforced the bond between photography and filmmaking; both are about connection and authentic human experience.
When can we see the finished product?
Pure Chance is still in post-production as we shape the final feature and begin conversations around distribution. We’re in the process of completing the film, developing promotional materials, and preparing it for submission to festivals, streaming platforms, and potential distribution partners.
We’ve already seen early interest from emerging media and streaming platforms, including discussions about the project helping to launch a new adventure and entertainment platform, which has been exciting as the film continues to evolve.
Watch the sizzle reel: https://youtu.be/6V8-JMEH0Bk
@CharleneTaylor.studio
While the film travels through striking locations, its true story is transformation and self-discovery.
Because production was constantly moving, the crew relied on lightweight, adaptable techniques. A run-and-gun style, mobile setups, drone footage, and handheld cinematography allowed authentic moments to be captured as they unfolded.