Category: Profile

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

I came in through a side door, I had a career as a designer and art director, with installation art as a side passion. Film brought all of my experience and art together- it was a revelation. Now, almost a decade into it, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Photo Cred: @lindsiefeathers

 

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

So many! But the ones that have changed me the most are the losses. Losing a family member to gun violence has informed my decisions and my storytelling. There’s often a hint of grief in my narrative work.  And because of my situation involved a very specific type of violence that women experience (and I have years of my own experiences to draw on), I also tend to center society’s invisible women. This frame is from BLiP, my film about a grieving homeless woman.

Frame:Laura Long @lauralaynelong as Georgia

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I’m concerned about my kids world- climate change and rising authoritarianism. It feels like we’re at a tipping point. All around us, we see environmental problems resulting in harm to the most vulnerable. My film, The Fetch, explored the effects of water scarcity on women and girls.

Frame: Kathleen Wilhoite @realkathleenw as Daleand Daniel Hugh Kelly as Hem

 

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

Just getting any narrative film completed feels like a success! And every time I screen one of the films I’ve directed for a real audience, it’s extremely gratifying. I’ve also had some great moments when my branded content for companies like Waymo get really positive press. And I produced a web series that won multiple awards and was nominated for a Gotham. Sorry – that’s more than one : )

Frame: Branded spot featuring@tashelldesiree

 

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

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you’ve made it because you’re the only woman in the room or on set. The patriarchy wins when we’re the special exception. Other women are your allies and we can do amazing work together. I’ve been proactively hiring, mentoring and working with more women the last few years and it’s been incredible. This frame is from Safety Work, my current film and collaboration with actor/producer Alyssa Kompelien.

Frame: Alyssa Kompelien @alyssakompelien as Lily

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

People. Film is family.

I do have a coffee obsession that has lead to a collection of indie coffee shop diner mugs.  I even created my own “Lady Lincoln” mugs as our studio swag. You can never have too many mugs, right?

Photo cred: @brymiller808 Lady Lincoln illustration @foreign.gardens

 

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?

We’re wrapping post on the latest short film I directed and will be submitting to festivals soon. Safety Work is centered on the invisible woman of the #metoo environment. I’ve got a feature script in the works and am working on new commercial projects with my production company, Lincoln Street Studios.

Cherylisaacson.com, lincolnstreetstudios.com

IG: @Cherylisaacson

Twitter: Cherylisaacson

Photo cred: @tina.ratliff

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

I couldn’t find working class queer women making films about working class queer lives.

Photo: My current headshot

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

Early in my activist life, I organized with a former member of the Weather Underground, who taught me that white people must support radical Black organizing even at risk of their lives.

Photo: Parody movie poster for my parody of Carol

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I see the resources of this abundant magical earth being hoarded by the powerful few. I really love being an earthling.

Photo: My action figure (of myself)

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

Having my work included in a touring program of films that highlighted the intersection of disability and queerness.

Photo: A still from MY AUNT MAME (my most successful movie so far)

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

If you’re just starting, make your movie your own way. If you are already, find others and together disrupt the status quo every way you can.

Photo: Another still from MY AUNT MAME (note foil balls on console TV antenna)

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I try to have as few possessions as possible, so what I want most are opportunities to be in communities of cultural resistance.

Photo: My crusading action figure pointing out steps at a NYC subway station listed as accessible!

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’m working on a film about a refugee family fleeing the civil war in Sri Lanka, and learning television studio production.

Here is a trailer for my parody of Carol (using the actual trailer audio!)

https://youtu.be/75F1SFoC2CI

I regularly update my website with screenings and news at

.dykeumentary.com 
IG & Twitter: @Dykeumentary

Photo: A still from my current project about a refugee family fleeing Sri Lanka’s civil war

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

Why did you decide to get into this industry?As a child, I wanted to be a writer. My mom gave me a love of words — she was a poet though she never pursued it. We’d trade books, primarily crime novels, back and forth, and discuss them at length. She gave me The God of Small Things by Arundathi Roy (which is still my favorite book) and I tried to write stories in Roy’s style. My stories weren’t very good! But my love of words took me to London where I studied English Literature at King’s College London.
When I arrived in London, I was completely lost. I started searching for a tribe and unexpectedly found it in my university’s theatre society. I had never even seen a play. Theatre was nonexistent in the UAE and all I had seen were crude, garish high school musicals. One of the first plays I saw was Red written by John Logan, and it changed my life. Instantly, I decided that I wanted to be a theatre-maker. I threw myself into the student theatre world and within a year I was directing plays and interning with wonderful theatre directors.

After graduating, I returned to the UAE, hoping to find the same support at home, but the dearth of an art world or theatre scene startled me. A traveling short play festival had come to Dubai, and I tried to get involved. But the plays chosen were safe, orthodox and restrictive. I realized that even though I loved theatre, it simply didn’t have the same authority that film had in the UAE. I wanted to tell stories that pierced the echo chamber, stories that were dissenting, dangerous and open-minded, but theatre just wasn’t the appropriate medium for this. The UAE has strict censorship and blasphemy laws. Plays need physical, tangible, private or public spaces. This means they can be shut down, the lights can be turned off, the audience can be kicked out, the venue can be locked up. But in the UAE, because of the internet, films have always found a way to subvert the public’s consciousness.

I had almost completed my application for Columbia’s MFA theatre program, and then changed my mind at the last minute and applied for the MFA film program instead. This was the beginning of my career. I still adore theatre and would love to return to the medium, but I haven’t regretted changing my mind even once.

 

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

Failing out of high school and getting kicked out! I had performed fairly well up until the 11th grade but in my final year I completely checked out. I had become disaffected by the Catholic school I was in. I started to feel suffocated by the rigidity and myopia of my education, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I was a disobedient, rebellious teenager and I think the administration was looking for a reason to be rid of me. At the time, it felt like my world had ended. My parents were dumbfounded and disappointed – convinced that an undergraduate degree was now out of the question. The day I got my grades, my sister and my brother-in-law took me to see a film to cheer me up. My sister said to me that in five years I would look back and recognize that this was a defining moment and that I could only go up from here. Five years later, I had graduated with a BA in English from King’s College London. I had won the Jelf Medal at graduation, the most prestigious award an undergraduate student can win at King’s. I had been accepted into the MFA Film program at Columbia University. And I was about to move to NYC to begin my career in film.

Photo: Phumzile Sitole & Yanna Buttons in LostFound by Shakti Bhagchandani

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

I worry that I will lose myself to the privilege and egotism of this industry. I love cinema and this career means the world to me, but this is a seductive, insular and self-centered world. Sometimes, I have to step back and remind myself that filmmaking is a privilege, not a right. Spending so much time behind a camera warps your perspective on the world. It can disconnect you from people outside of your echo chamber, and make you forget that filmmaking isn’t the only instrument you have to inspire. You can volunteer, donate, fundraise and do a number of other things to make a change in this world.

 

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

Objectively, it was probably attending the Sundance Film Festival with my short ‘LostFound’. But on a personal level, it was telling my cast and crew that we had been accepted – that this film we made with no money, no help, no insurance, had achieved this wonderful thing. We had made something out of nothing. All that passion, hard work and hustling had paid off. Telling them this was an incredible feeling.

 

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

I hear women in film calling themselves ‘female filmmakers’, and I too instinctively call myself that, but I think we need to stop. We are not female filmmakers, we are just filmmakers. Men do not need to qualify themselves as ‘male filmmakers’. We shouldn’t have to, either.

Photo: Sasha Rubanov in How to Make a Bomb by Shakti Bhagchandani

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I collect an odd hodgepodge of things – historical, curious treasures. I have an old signed sketch by Daniel Johnston, a signed copy of ‘The Americans’ by Robert Frank, a signed Martin Parr photobook, a signed deed by Frederick Douglass (from when he was the Recorder of Deeds), a banned Pakistani children’s book called ‘My Cha Cha is Gay’, a first edition of ‘A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’, a first press of Bob Dylan’s ‘Times are a-changing’, a signed ‘Path to Power’ by Margaret Thatcher, old New Yorker and Time magazines, propaganda magazines, old records, things like that. I am actually a hoarder – something I get from my dad who has collected old stamps his whole life.

Photo: Olivia Washington in LostFound by Shakti Bhagchandani

 

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 am preparing to make my debut feature!

www.shaktibhagchandani.com

IG: @shaktibhagchandani

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

It’s a joy to me every time I get to be on set, collaborating with creative individuals to create a film! I want to use film to bring people closer, make them see wonders, feel, touch, and experience moments that makes us human.

 

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

I’ve always known that somehow, sometime I’ll be going out from Malaysia to pursue something deeper. But I never knew what it was until 2016 when I had to self taught myself camera usage for my job. I felt really natural with the camera, as if it was in tune to my soul! I was still doubtful then because I wasn’t ready to pack and leave. When I traveled solo to Australia, the journey activated a switch in me! The desire to pursue film was so strong, that I decided to go for it. So, I flew to USA.

Director: @liinhtrnn, DP: @annvfilms

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Not knowing where I’ll be! USA is truly my home now and I’ll be devastated if I have to leave my friends whom are very much like my family here. Though I may worry about that, I’m learning to take each day one step at a time and see what unfolds for me.

 

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

I just finished wrapping a MFA Thesis shoot! It was my first full length shoot that I DP-ed for. It was also the first time that I have creativity over pre-production to production. And one of the best crew members I can ever ask for!

Director: @zuckertalert | Prod: @iammaalikfalsetto

 

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

Be “aggressive” in learning! A friend told me this once and I repeat this to myself every time I’m fearful! Say yes to a job even though you don’t know how to do it, only then you are forcing yourself to pick up that skill. Many times you’ll feel “weak” because you’ve to constantly ask for help from others, but that doesn’t make you “weak”. It just shows that you’re a team player, and no one works alone in this industry!

Photo: @lydiarosa15

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I collect postcards and posters. Sometimes I give them away randomly to show my friends appreciation from my heart!

Director: @akshibly

 

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’m going to focus more on sharpening my skills for roles in the camera department. I would love to do more 1st AC, 2nd AC and Cam Op roles if possible!

You can find me on instagram @annvfilms
And my website for more projects: www.voonann.com

Photo: @_blackunicorndp

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

Film is a unique, and seemingly serendipitous at times, opportunity for me to do multiple things that showcase my skill set and nourish my soul. I’ve been a visual artist since I was old enough to hold a pencil, have dabbled in performing arts for much of my life, and have been a freelance professional makeup artist for several years. When offered the chance to work on my first film shoot–a female-directed music video for a band of bad-ass women–I jumped at the opportunity, and immediately felt like I was in my element on set. There’s also something incredibly rewarding about collaborating with fellow creatives, being a piece of a bigger puzzle, and then months later enjoying the fruits of your collective labor when it’s released for the world to see.

Photo: Me doing last looks/touchups on a 2016 music video shoot with artistic director Lauren Bruno of Shape Agency looking on.

 

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

That’s a tricky question for me. My life has been full of defining moments, some tragic and some fortunate. It is this unique combination of factors that has molded me into who I am today, for better or worse. Losing a child in 2008, followed by ending an abusive marriage the next year, is ultimately what forced me to reassess everything and take the leap into a creative career. Another big one was my first film shoot. It was the first time I remember feeling so competent and engaged in a work environment.

Photo: A photo taken by Sandy Allen of nowilaymedowntosleep.org in the hospital the day before my 5-month-old died in 2008 due to complications from bacterial meningitis.

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

My current goal is to generate a comfortable enough income to spend more time traveling and adventuring, less time worrying. Stability, both financial and emotional, is sort of a holy grail for artists, entrepreneurs, and single mothers. Given the state of the economy, and the fluctuating nature of film work, finding a sustainable system that works for me and my family has become my primary concern for the future.

Photo: My first time taking the family on a real adventure! Long overdue.

 

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

I worked on a film this year that’s going to Cannes! That’s super exciting. I also got to spend two weeks filming an episodic series with an awesome cast and crew of friends, directed by super-talented Emily Hagins, and that premiered at SXSW which was cool. I’ve gone on to work with many of those same crew members since; it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Photo: Hanging with wardrobe and hair friends on set of the “Hold To Your Best Self” shoot, written and directed by Emily Hagins aka Cheesy Nuggets.

 

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

We have to stick together, and within our respective roles we must try to create opportunities for other women to contribute and get involved. I was fortunate enough to get my foot in the door because another woman believed in my abilities and took a chance on me. I try to do the same for other skilled ladies whenever possible, and am forming wonderful alliances with women in my local film community.

Photo: Women in film! BTS on set of Cold Open by Emily Hagins. Pictured here are makeup, wardrobe, production designer, and PA crew members. We always make it a point to document and celebrate working with other talented lady friends, especially when the boss – Emily, not pictured – is a trailblazing young woman.

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I collect art supplies and makeup! It’s an expensive habit, but proves useful more often than not. Also Batman memorabilia/toys/art.

Photo: Just some pics of my mess in action.

 

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?

@jenheartsart on Instagram is where I’m most socially active. My plan is to continue doing makeup, FX workshops, design, art department, and my part-time fitness jobs for the foreseeable future, while working in the background alongside my female film friends to organize and push for Austin to incentivize industry work and support women in the arts. #cantstopwontstop

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

Because it completely consumes me! It’s hard to imagine ever doing anything else. Ever since I was a little human I’ve been infatuated with writing, making short films, and performing. Performing is really what ignited me actually getting into the industry, then once I stepped behind the camera there was no turning back. I took my deep love for storytelling and began to transfer it into the digital space.

 

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

When it comes to being a comedy writer and director I would say it was any time I was watching SNL as a kid. SNL ignited my curiosity towards comedy in the digital realm. After this excitable feeling festered in me for years I decided to pursue comedy writing and performance in Chicago at CCC. It was there that I really honed my comedic voice and what it would look like to be a comedy writer and director. These years in Chicago, and the years just before in high school- where I was experimenting with short films and scripts, were really the moments that defined how intensely I would pursue this wild dream of mine.

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

My biggest concern regarding the future has nothing to do with me alone, and everything to do with our society and current state of affairs. Things are scary. But all we can all do is put our best foot forward and try to work a little harder. I’m always worried that I’m not doing enough, but then friends and family around me remind me that I’m always overextending myself. It’s important to have people around you to remind you of your efforts. Take a step back, breathe in, and embrace the moments. It’s the only guaranteed thing.

 

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

Having my web series featured on VICE Magazine as a queer web series to watch. That was really exciting and so unexpected. Someone sent me the link and I was shocked. It felt so good to be recognized for the work I was doing. Another successful moment was receiving my first check for a writing job. That felt incredibly good, and made me feel successful. Success to me is getting to write for a living, so anytime I am getting closer to that… I feel like I’m living in the next successful moment.

 

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

Create your own content. Don’t wait for someone else to green light you. You can green light yourself. You are only ever one second away from deciding to take your film career into your own hands. Get a group of film friends together and decide to make something. We all can’t wait to see it. #womensupportingwomen

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

For a while I collected shot glasses from different places. Then I realized I don’t like to drink very much. Then I transferred to collecting movie poster coasters. I love pulling them out when someone needs one. I also like to collect vintage trinkets. I’m a low level hoarder, but I’m working on it. Watching Marie Kondo reminds me that I should be collecting less, and giving away more. One thing I can’t ever seem to get rid of for good: old footage. My Lacie and G-Drives do not thank me.

 

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?

Continuing to find work as a screenwriter. Manifesting my own destiny: I want to be a writer’s assistant on a television show. I want to keep growing and learning from those ahead of me.

I do have a website! http://www.charlottekennett.com – You can also find me on Facebook as Charlotte Kennett. And of course I’m on IG and Twitter as @charlotte.kennett! Please feel free to watch my web series too on http://www.youtube.com/c/sleeplate – I’ll have another web series up on that channel this fall.

T: @charcharlayne

IG: @charlotte.kennett

Charlotte Kennett- LGBTQ Writer & Director www.charlottekennett.com

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

I love telling stories.

 

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

Getting to shoot my film back home for the first time.

Photo Credit: Andrew Ellis

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Not being able to tell enough stories.

Photo credit: Chuyao He

 

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

Consistency.

Photo Credit: Chuyao He

 

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

Just do it.

Photo Credit: Rolando Pérez Montes

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

Decorative plates from Spain. Although I just came back from India and added one from there to the mix.

 

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 just premiered a film I wrote and directed titled MARÍA about the mental health deterioration in PR after Hurricane María, specifically the increase in suicide rates. I’m also finishing up a short form biopic/documentary on an Indian American female rapper who embodies the successes and the hurdles of being a bicultural female artist in a male dominated industry. You find me on IG as @zoesj_ My website is www.zoesj.com

Photo Credit: Lauren Sowa

IG: @zoesj_

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

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to perform in some way, whether that be as an actor, singer, or dancer. I truly can’t imagine doing something else and being as happy as I am working in this crazy industry.

 

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

Moving across the country at 18 to study at my dream school The Boston Conservatory.

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Not getting too caught up in wanting to get there. It’s important to enjoy and live in this moment. That’s what I will reminisce about once I get to my future, so I want to make the present worth reflecting on.

 

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

Producing and co-starring with my fiancé in the short film “Into Light” this past January.

 

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

Be you. Someone is looking for exactly what you bring to the table, so don’t try and be like someone who is more “successful” than you. You are enough.

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I keep cards (thank you/birthday/congratulations) in a box on my bookshelf.

 

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 just finished writing my first short film, and I am taking the first steps towards producing it.

http://www.sarahbusic.com and http://www.facebook.com/sarahbusicactor

IG: @sarahbusic

TW: @sarahbusic4

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

I’ve always loved story telling whether it be dramatic, comedic, suspenseful, period or contemporary. As a teen in Australia I studied with a drama teacher who encouraged me to read all the classics. I trained as an actor at theatre school and was then fortunate to put myself through a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre and art by booking acting gigs on television and film. I left Sydney to work in the industry in the UK and Europe prior to coming to the US. Writing screenplays and plays has also been hugely important to me and I’ve returned to Europe often to film as well as attend many Film Festivals with my films.

Photo: The Aerial Girl

 

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

More than one defining moment! Living in London as a very young actor with no family or contacts was challenging, but I managed to work frequently on stage and some times TV. Also going to NY to study with great teachers and soak in the beautiful yet often harsh reality of life as an immigrant in NYC and forge ahead there with my acting. The third defining moment was when writer Terri Sissman asked me to help adapt and consequently, direct The Aerial Girl, a film she wrote as a play. Terri saw a play I wrote and directed for a festival at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollyood. Although I’d written and acted in films, I’d never directed one, so I was grateful that she gave me a shot. We labored over every detail for The Aerial Girl and it was well worth it. I’m proud of it and the experience tested me in more ways than I ever imagined. The film won a bunch of awards and screened at nearly forty festivals worldwide.

Photo: Opening night, NYC International FF.  Screening of The Aerial Girl

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

My biggest concern? Where do I start! On a global level, I’d say poverty and climate change. We’re also going through huge upheavals politically, not just in the US but in many countries. I believe that however we’re able to as story tellers, affect and educate, entertain and inspire, is of paramount importance.

Photo: On location with THE AERIAL GIRL with Joel Stoffer and Sarah De LA Isla

 

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

Adapting my play, Chasing Chekhov and starring in the film version shot in Prague and Pasadena. A period and contemporary story combined, it won the British Academy of Film & TV Arts/ Los Angeles ‘Best Film’ and ‘Screenplay’ award at the Member’s Film Festival. My film company, VisionFire Films, which I’ve run with my husband Peter Sands for a number of years, produced the film with Peter directing. Then I’d say the awards night at La Femme Film Festival in Beverly Hills where The Aerial Girl screened. Patty Jenkins was awarded for her phenomenal filmmaking career and a few minuted later I was surprised to win the Filmmaker Honorable Mention Award. I met amazing women that night and it was great to have a chance to chat with Patty.

Photo: Shooting Chasing Chekhov in Prague

 

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

My advice would be not to wait for opportunities as they may not knock! If they do, great- grab them- but if not, make your own way. As a member of Alliance of Women Directors I see more and more women getting our there and making it happen, however difficult it may be. It’s so inspiring. Seek out great stories however you can, whether you direct or produce someone else’s script or write your own. If you’ve just started to write, be prepared to rewrite…. a lot. Really hone the script and go over it assiduously. Have readings! Gather actors to hear it out loud until it’s ready. Find supportive groups to help achieve your goals.

Photo: With Rutger Hauer and Peter Sands for screening of Chasing Chekhov at I;ve Seen Film International FF, Milan

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I’m not a big collector as I tend to clear spaces often in my home. I like to de-clutter as it clears my mind. I guess I’ve collected a few paintings and photographs over the years. I also admit to having a fairly extensive movie DVD collection which I don’t even need as everything seems to be on Hulu, Netflix or Amazon Prime!

Photo: with Ronnie Marmo and Lisa London at Garden State Film festival, NJ, with Finding Momma

 

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?

You can find out more about me at http://www.annasimonescott.com;

My company’s website: http://www.visionfirefilms.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annasimonescott Instagram: Annasimonescott8

Currently I have three projects. With my film company and partner Peter, I recently wrote and starred in a TV spec pilot. Post is almost complete so we’ll be pitching and hopefully shooting more episodes in the near future. I’ve written a feature to direct: Tough 2 Love and I have a stage play, The Grass Couch, which was developed by a Broadway company and is moving to next phase of production.

Photo: Picking up the Filmmaker Award for THE AERIAL GIRL, La Femme Int. Film Festival

Photo: with actress/director Tasha Smith and Patty Jenkins taken of us on the awards night at LA Femme Film Festival  back in 2011.