Category: Profile

@hollywoodrebel_

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

As a kid I always knew I wanted to do something in the arts. The thought of clocking in at a desk job and working 9-5pm gave me anxiety and seemed like such a mundane life. I attended Arts High School in Newark, NJ because I wanted to be an actress. I liked being creative but it didn’t seem like the right fit. My junior year of high school the acting students was placed into a television production class. I nominated myself to be the director of our school talk show and that’s when I discovered my true passion. I liked being the driving force behind the visuals and the narrative. I found myself creatively.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

A defining moment in my life was not a singular event but a series of moments. They followed one after another, kind of like a shit storm. Lol! I was not selected as a NBC Page after cursing during my interview. On Saturday I got into a really bad car accident, my life was spared but I lost my car. On Monday I got fired from my customer service job and 2 weeks later I learned I was pregnant with my first child. I was 24 and looking forward to starting my career. After crying for 30 days straight, I decided that none of this meant my dreams were over and l will continue my journey no matter what.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

My biggest concern for the future is that my Black sons will grow up in an environment where the world still view them as a threat.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

My most successful moment so far is finally producing a documentary on a man who is very dear to my heart. He was my 5th grade teacher and has made a great impact on my community. This politician and his activist father are well known for their progressive ideas and fighting for the people. I originally pitched the doc idea to another production company. That company passed on a network deal because they didn’t offer “enough money” (male egos got in the way). I thought this story would never be told. I’m glad to see it to the finish line and hoping for a Sundance premier in 2020.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

My advice is to always be your authentic self. This industry will make you doubt your creativity, your capabilities and everything else. Always be you and if they don’t offer you an opportunity, fuck em’ and create your own!

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

When I was in high school I used to collect the quarters with the different states on them. I was really into it but it was hard not to dip into my stash when I was in desperate need of money.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

I want to keep defying odds and doing things people believe I can’t do. This industry tries to confine you to a box or a list of credits. My creativity will not be contained. My next project is to use film and create an interactive art experience dedicated to the black woman experience. Also, create a feature film produced by @michaelbjordan my former high school classmate (I hope). A girl can only dream. Lol! I can be found on IG & Twitter @hollywoodrebel_

Reel – https://youtu.be/LussRKJrr9Q

Warrior – https://youtu.be/fIQKqpAgFxA

July 21, 2019
@documinute

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

I was big into drama in high school and in grade 11 my guidance counselor suggested that I go on set rather than backstage. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, but I am also one for trying as many things as possible. For 2 days I job shadowed a friend’s father who is a director while he was filming a series of commercials and I was just hooked. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do in the industry, but I knew this direction was the one to go in.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

I have had a few in different aspects of my life and they mostly center around interactions or memories with other people. In terms of my career, I have almost always just gone with opportunities that have arisen, which on the one hand has meant that I have a lot of experience in many different areas of production and post, but on the other, it made me feel like a Jack of all trades and a master of none. Documinute became a defining moment in my career because for the first time I am doing exactly what I want to do but I have also realized that the years of generalizing have helped me build the skill set I need to specialize and focus on Documinute.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I try (not always successfully) not sweat the small stuff and to also let things happen, trying to control everything is exhausting…but one thing that is really important to me is to get my video project, Documinute, funded so I can make this my full-time job. I love telling stories and I’m hooked now that I have found my thing.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

I’m lucky to have had a few wins over the years but my most recent was actually on a Documinute shoot. I had crammed 11 shoots into 6 days and I was exhausted. I was on the final one with an acapella group. When they started to sing, it just hit me – I was standing there holding out a little lapel mic to record a room full of people, I was exhausted and ready to go home, but hearing them sing made me realize I literally have the best job in the whole world. I get to meet amazing people, I have the luxury of turning off my phone for hours at a time just to talk to a total stranger and even though I haven’t monetised this project yet, there is nothing else I would rather be doing. (I had to look down a lot to hide the tears welling up). There was no accolade or money involved, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and that is a pretty darn successful day at the office if you ask me.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

A male producer does not aspire to be a better male producer, but he does aspire to be a better producer. Start thinking about yourself as a person in the industry rather than a woman in the industry. You are not a female director, you are a Director. You are not a female cinematographer, you are a Cinematographer. I think the sooner we stop making it ‘us and them’, and discontinue a multi-camp divide based on gender, we will normalise the fact that there are people from all walks of life on set and that definitely makes it a better set. While what makes us different is our strength, to continuously point it out is to make it the only thing that differentiates us and defines us. I would rather be known for the quality of my work than the gender I identify with.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I am in the process of trying to let go of collections and reduce the amount of ‘stuff’ I have. I want to collect memories and experiences going forward.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

Documinute is on Instagram: @documinute, Facebook: @documinute, Twitter: @Documinute_SA and YoutTube: youtube.com/c/documinute. Next up is taking Documinute to a full-time job level and releasing two Documinutes a week – meet more people, have more conversations and tell more stories!

July 21, 2019
@theesselacquah

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

I am passionate about film.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

Making pictures come to life.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Opportunities.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

Directing my debut short film.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Work hard and be best at what you do.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

Not sure.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

Preparing for my next film.

Facebook as Sandra Essel

IG: @theesselacquah

July 21, 2019
@juliamanis26

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

The silly answer? I saw “The Mummy” hundreds of times as a child and wanted to be just like Rachel Weisz. The serious answer? I’ve loved movies my whole life and have always wanted to tell stories.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

Getting into the prestigious BFA program at my dream school — USC.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Longevity in my career.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

Having the first film I wrote and produced premiere in two film festivals.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Tell your authentic story — don’t change it for anyone else.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

Books!! It’s always been a dream of mine to have a huge library in my home.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

Producing and acting in a short film that I wrote — “Mel and Ruby.”

www.juliamanis.com

IG and Twitter: @juliamanis26

July 21, 2019
@rachelannmullins

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

I didn’t. It decided to work on me.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

I woke up half drunk in Cannes after a wild night at the festival. I needed to get my Prada shoe from across the room and didn’t want to get out of bed just yet. The only thing within reach was a champagne bottle to which I used to nudge a Gucci belt closer to me. Then tossed the buckle end of the belt across over to the shoe and drug it back like a couture Macgyver. It worked and that’s the very moment I figured out my true purpose in life. #thereelwomen #womeninfilm #hollywood

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Getting everything I want to do done before the next trend comes along and ruins it all. #thereelwomen #womeninfilm #hollywood

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

I’ve been working for 18 years so there are many but 2 most recent are pretty amazing. Acting wise I got to do a scene with Jon Lithgow and it was magical. On the producing side I’ve been able to ask for more money and get it without question.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Keep going and be about your business. No single person has the power to make or break you except you. #thereelwomen #womeninfilm #hollywood

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

Chanel, Hermes & Louis Vuitton.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

I want to do more of the same but get more time efficient in the process.

I do a weekly show on Public House Media called #NoFilterFriday where I discuss all things #Metoo from inside Hollywood. You can download the podcast on iTunes, Iheartradio, Spotify & Google Podcasts.

IG: @rachelannmullins

Twitter: @rachelamullins

July 21, 2019
www.ksimic.com

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

My favorite part of film school was editing. I sat by myself in the dark and spliced the film strip together with tape. Then watched the results fly past on the moviola. I had created meaning. I was hooked and determined to do this for a living.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

Listening to the Clash’s “London Calling”. I played it over and over again. It gave voice to my frustrations as a teenager and my uncertainty for the future. But it also confirmed for me that the last thing I wanted for my life was conformity. I wasn’t gonna work for the clampdown.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I fear for this country, for the future we inflict on the entire world. I fear that a large sector of voters have been fooled. Their worst demons have escaped and I don’t know if we can put the lid back on, let alone change their minds. I fear that Trump has ruined us in irreparable ways.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

Working on the Emmy winning “Witness: Katrina” and being forever changed by the images I saw.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Trust your unique voice. Your voice may not be the loudest in the room, but if you remain sensitive to the footage, the choices you make will give voice to many more than just your own.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

It used to be records. But now it’s outdoor plants in the spring.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

I have a television series I’m working on now that will air on the Travel Channel in March. I’m also in a new town, Austin, where I hope to find new filmmakers to work with.

www.ksimic.com

July 21, 2019
@kimquydang

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

A couple of years ago, I was an assistant professor in applied mathematics at Yale. I realized I was about to become a mediocre researcher and (or because I was) an unhappy frustrated lonely person. Joy and inspiration were gone, routine set in. I thought of all the friends I have in arts and film and how much I enjoy being around them, so I decided to start over. The first movie I produced called “Everything is Wonderful” can already be bought on Amazon and iTunes!!

I know I could do many things in my life, but honestly, I just want to have fun. That’s why I work in this industry.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

The births of my younger sisters. I don’t have children, but I do know how unconditional love and care feels because of them.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I’m always afraid of the moments (even short moments) when I’m full of fear and concerns. I try to remind myself that these moments are just necessary pitstops on a highway to where I want to go. But I’m horrified of the thought that my car could break down at one of those ugly gas stations.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

I’m in general a very lucky person with many very good friends in the industry, which kind of leads to a lot of successful moments. I’m lucky for example that the first feature movie I’ve ever produced (“Everything is Wonderful”) became such a beautiful charming film.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

What advice do you have for other women in the industry? There’s no advice I could give. I constantly watch and learn, so I can grow.

But a very successful female producer I worked for half-jokingly said once: “If you’re a producer, don’t wait for Thank You’s”. Best reminder to stay humble:-)

Premiere of Everything is Wonderful – photo by Peter Lueders

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I’m crazy about essential oils!

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media? I keep working on studio projects with great filmmakers as I’m preparing for my own projects through my company W Film Productions. I have a couple of scripts on the table I’d like to produce. One of these projects is a comedy called “Edi has a tumor” written by Pia Mechler, who also directed “Everything is Wonderful”.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimquydang/?hl=en

http://everythingiswonderful-movie.com

http://wfilmproductions.com

July 21, 2019
@KelseyHewlett

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

Meryl Streep said it best: “I’m curious about other people… I’m interested in what it would be like to be you.” The art of acting is rooted in empathy. I love wearing someone else’s “shoes” as my own and learning how to walk in them. I am able to experience life, just briefly, from an entirely different perspective. It has made me a much more compassionate human being. It is always my hope as an actor to convey that to others through the stories I tell, and perhaps they will become more compassionate too as they relate to a character’s pain and joy and struggles and triumphs.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

I was raised by wonderful parents and had an idyllic childhood. I was in a life-threatening car accident when I was seventeen, and recovery involved extensive physical and emotional therapy. I suffered a number of injuries that required (temporary, thank God) use of a wheelchair and significant memory loss. While this was a painful time, it was the first time I realized that life is finite and I am not invincible. I determined to make the most of each day and actively pursue my goals. It was a difficult time in my life that I didn’t choose and would never want to repeat, but it catapulted me into a purpose-driven adulthood.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

There is no consistency whatsoever in this business. The pursuit of my goals may mean that I never have the kind of job that provides a pension or a 401k. I’m trying to make wise financial decisions now and save for retirement while I’m young.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

Every actor has a different definition of success, and it is usually rooted in why we chose this career from the start. My greatest feelings of personal accomplishment are not necessarily linked to my most financially lucrative acting jobs. Feeling like I have served the script and the team well and left my heart in a scene is the most fulfilling part of this business.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

There is an unbelievable amount of work involved in both the acting job and the pursuit of the acting job. You will have days that inspire you and days that will break your heart. It is imperative to remind yourself why you’re here and why you endure the hardship of this industry. If you’re here for money and fame, you will never stay. Find what moves you and stay inspired.

In addition, remember that this business is about relationships, so be the kind of professional you would want to hire. Build and foster relationships. Think more about what you can give than what you can take. Find ways to contribute.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I don’t really collect items, but I collect moments. A few years ago, my best friend and I had both separately experienced a really turbulent time in each of our lives. We were both looking forward to New Year’s Day so that we could turn the page on a difficult year. Around that time, I found an article online about making “remember-lutions” instead of New Year’s Resolutions, which most people don’t keep anyway. The idea was to write down every accomplishment over the following year– every moment that makes you feel proud or happy or grateful. Then put those little pieces of paper in a mason jar and watch it fill up over time. Then at the end of the year, read through all of your remember-lutions and be reminded of your blessings. My friend and I went to the craft store and bought a ton of items to decorate our mason jars together, and now every year, we get together and read through our happy moments. I really enjoy this tradition we have because it has shifted my perspective and given me an attitude of gratitude.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

I work hard and take every day as it comes. I used to be the kind of person who had to have a five-year plan and a ten-year plan, but I learned quickly that there is no way to plan ahead for much in this business. I try to be smart and strategic, but no two days are the same and I cannot anticipate the opportunities or challenges tomorrow will bring.

I have found that it is important to have a medium for artistic expression that is a complement to my acting work. I really enjoy performing stand-up comedy, and I am a better actor because of it. I have studied comedy writing, and I have been fortunate to perform at The Comedy Store, The Hollywood Improv, The Ice House, and Flappers.

And regarding social media– I try to stay fairly active on Twitter, so anyone can find me there: @KelseyHewlett

March 2, 2019
@fndcpr

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

I saw and felt the reaction of the crowd to a movie as a child, and knew I wanted to make that happen.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

My mother’s first stroke.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Will I be financially able to continue making films?

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

Getting a distribution deal for CLARA’S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS, and seeing it released to the public. #womeninfilm #thereelwomen #womeninmedia

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

Keep hanging in there.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

Shells.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

The release of PIPELINE, and completion of friends4ever and my WWII documentary, Double Victory: Two Warriors in the Fight for Civil Rights During WWII. facebook.com/DoubleVictory, facebook.com/fndcpr, authorsden.com/faithndeveaux

IG: @fndcpr

Twitter: @doublevictrydoc

March 2, 2019
@Tuff_Waffles

1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

I grew up on Disney and Don Bluth films so I have always been surrounded by animation. Drawing and creating has been a part of my life ever since I was old enough to hold a crayon so I think it was always written in the stars that I would work somewhere in the creative arts, but it was a behind the scenes video for the making of The Lion King that tilted my path in the way of animation. Bringing a drawing to life feels like magic and I had to be a part of that magic. It still excites me to this day and I’m constantly inspired by what’s going on in the animation world.

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

When I was accepted into the CalArts experimental animation program I felt such validation and relief. I don’t know what I would have done if I wasn’t accepted. There wasn’t a lot of animation happening in San Diego back in 2002 and I was really struggling to make ends meet so being accepted by the school felt almost life saving. My future was riding on that acceptance letter and it was a huge moment for me.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I think my biggest concern with the future right now is mostly climate related. I am a huge advocate for bringing awareness to endangered species and how big of an impact losing a species has on the environment. There is this great video by Sustainable Man on Youtube called “How Wolves Change Rivers” which talks about how the ecosystem around Yellowstone Park was balanced when wolves were reintroduced. Everything is connected and we may never realize how integral a species of plant, animal, or insect is until it’s gone and I would like to help curb that loss through my art and research.

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

The crowning moment in my career so far was definitely when I sold a show to #Amazon. Granted we were only green lit through the pilot phase but it was a huge moment for me knowing that I have what it takes not only to sell a series but to run a show. And it got great reviews! Making the Toasty Tales pilot was an incredible experience for me and I’m already back in the saddle pitching new ideas around town.

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

I think the best advice I can give to any female in the industry is never give up. I know it’s pretty cliche but it’s also true. You won’t get anywhere if you aren’t putting yourself out there. You have to embrace failure, you have to love your battle wounds, and you have to learn, grow, and move on from your negative experiences no matter how frustrating or unfair they might be. You also have to be pretty good at networking so if you are shy take a class in communication skills or something because you will have a very hard time climbing an ambitious career if you always stay inside your comfort zone. We need more women creators so put yourself out there!

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I try my best not to collect too many things these days but I definitely have a history of being a collector. The first thing I remember collecting was rocks and I sort of still do this. I don’t know why! Sometimes I just pick up a little rock that catches my eye and I bring it home. Same for sea glass, sticks, pinecones, and other interesting natural objects. I think I am always trying to bring the outdoors inside. I think some people would also say I collect cats, haha. My wife and I foster through the Burbank animal shelter so with the three we already have at home it can feel like there are a lot of cats in the house. We have big hearts though and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

People can find more about me and my work on my website carolinefoleyanimation.com or for regular updates on art related things (and my cats) follow me on Instagram @Tuff_Waffles or on twitter @TuffWaffles. I plan to focus on creating/writing this year and combining my writing skills more with my illustration skills. Along with continuing to pitch shows around town I plan to release the third volume of my comic Tim Town, Illustrate a children’s book I wrote in late 2018, and hopefully publish my endangered species series. 2019 is going to be a great year, I can feel it!

March 2, 2019