James Ward Byrkit

The Journey of A Truly Independent Film that Conquered the World

Gatekeepers seem to run the game, especially for those creative ones that feel there could be a new way of doing things. For filmmaker James Ward Byrkit, the time of “submitting for approval” ended the moment he realized he truly no longer needed permission to create the way he knew he could.

Adopting a completely unorthodox new approach to producing a movie, he shot his full-length feature "Coherence" in five nights in his own house, with no script and no crew. The result was an award-winning international sensation that continues to appear on “Best Of” lists around the world. After inspiring a new generation of filmmakers, the movie now has now been adapted into a live theatrical stage play, continuing its improbable journey into a second decade of influence.

With humor, insight, deep knowledge of the craft and great candor, James shares the story of this remarkable project, from inception to initial release, from improbable execution to overwhelming reception. Along the way, innovators, creators, artists, and dreamers from every sector find something deeply inspiring in it all. Because the spirit behind the making of "Coherence" is the same spark of inspiration that all potential innovators hold.