In 2003, Adams launched his production company Bravado Pictures along with his first original independent film, After the Past. The maiden project, like all of Ash's Future efforts was written, produced and directed by himself, along with featuring Adams in a prominent on-screen role. Here, he was the top-billing star. The movie was co-produced by Oscar-nominated Actress Amy Madigan, who in addition functioned as narrator of After the Past. The plot centered around two brothers, played by Adams and Branden Morgan, who reunite at the funeral of their abusive father. As the story unfolds, they try and come to terms with the death of their mother, the violence that was put on them as children and the damage they are left with as adults. Production was complete by mid-2003 and prior to its official release, set for the following year, the public was given a full-length preview screening at the 2003 Malibu International Film Festival. The audience reaction to After the Past was extremely positive, and it ended up winning the 2003 Audience Choice Award at the festival. Entertainment Today reviewed the film and noted that After the Past was "an impressive debut for Actor/Writer/Director Ash Adams." The movie went on to compete in all other major US film festivals per its official release in 2004.