I honestly don’t think I collect anything but I won’t be shocked if I do collect stuff and just don’t realize it. I still absolutely love CDs, I guess I do collect people’s physical mixtapes. I still have KashDoll’s first Mixtape, K Camp’s, and so many others. I want to collect vinyl records and movie posters.
Photo: Aznvisuals
Advice is so hard to give everything starts to sound cliche and underwhelming. But I’ll say remember you’ll have bad days and you’ll have really good days remember the good days on the bad days. Yes, the odds are against you but you can beat the odds. Brag on yourself, tell everyone what you do, connect with people who do the same thing as you, and help others while helping yourself.
Photo: Shotbybrandon
I honestly can’t name a successful moment because any movement forward is successful to me. It’s not one thing for me. Any completion of a project I’ve dreamed of, loved on, and was able to complete is a defining moment for me. Producing and Directing projects I love are successful moments for me.
Photo: Donradical_
My biggest concern for the future is being able to financially complete projects. I don’t have a studio backing or a wealthy family, dope if you do. I want to be able to entertain, inform, and be impactful in the form of film for years to come. I pray I’m always able to get impactful content completed and to the masses.
Photo: Aznvisuals
A defining moment whew these are some real real questions. I feel like it’s so hard to pick one cause everything really has been proven to be a step forward. If I were to really pick it would be me completing a documentary that I did about DJ’s. The documentary was an idea that I wanted to execute years ago but wasn’t able to, years went by and I was able to get it done. I’m thankful for my community because they were the support and helping hands that helped it manifest. So keep us in your well wishes as we currently are submitting to film festivals.
Photo: Shotbybrandon1
I always wanted to be in entertainment. At one point it was singing then rapping. My mother exposed me to film and music, she documented so much and it was natural for me to document as well. I loved being able to tell a story, film is my heart, it’s my passion, it’s what I want to do no matter what. Being a Producer and Director keeps me going. It’s something I love without question.
Photo: Aznvisuals
Right now, I am creating a drama/experimental iPhone short film for NYU Tisch x Yellowbrick Film & TV Industry Essentials Program, and currently writing a short horror screenplay. People can find more of my work and reach out to me on my website: https://www.dianaforonda.com
Photo: Indigo Media Works
I collect movie tickets. When I was young, I enjoyed going to the cinemas and watched a lot of movies with my family and friends.
Photo: Ana Murphy
Seek discomfort, get out of your comfort zone, and take opportunities you get. Don’t stop striving for your dreams. Attend networking events! Find a film gig through Facebook, NYCWF, NYWIFT, or through your colleagues. Start working as a Set PA and work your way up! It’s all about hustling and getting your foot in the door.
Photo: Abigail He
After graduating from Hollins University in 2017, I had a successful film festival run with my dark comedy short film, “Attachment.” In addition, I’ve worked as a freelancer for various film crew positions such as sound operator, producer, AD, 2nd AC, and a Set PA. During the pandemic, I am remotely judging six film festivals, working part-time as a film transcriber and CCO (Covid Compliance Officer), working on my iPhone quarantine micro-short called “Challah For Caroline” and receiving awards/selections for my LGBTQIA+ short script, “Chasing Love.”
Photo: Ed Shin