Category: women in film

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

Nothing lit me up as kid like telling a story on stage. I feel like I am answering my highest calling when I connect to others through story, whether that entails giving them a needed break from the stresses of life or simply igniting a giggle!

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

I have chosen to be very candid about the fact that a nose job has been subtly suggested to me in the past. The thought was that it would make me a little more generic and more “sellable.” I said no. I want girls with not so perfect features to know that it’s ok to be themselves – in fact, it makes them WHO they are. A lot of women in this industry (and on instagram feeds) alter themselves, which is ok if that is what they want to do. But I want to stand for something else. 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Meaty roles. For women, they are hard to come by. For every one I have, I feel like I play the wife of a great man tenfold. I’ve written my own web series so that I could play out my comedic chops – next, maybe I will have to write about a great woman!

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

I was nominated for Best Comedic Actress for my web series Transplants and for Best Featured Actress for my portrayal of Norma Jeane in Marilyn! The Musical on the Vegas Strip simultaneously. It was wild be to recognized for TV and theatre alike!

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

You know in your gut when something in a script is pushing your boundaries or not sitting well with you; whether it be nudity, content, language, or simply a vapid female character you have played numerous times before. Do not be afraid to say no. I think we worry we have to say yes to everything, but if we never say no, we can’t direct the universe to align with our truest desires!

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

Hmmm I am pretty minimalistic by nature, but lately I have had such an obsession with wicker + rattan home decor! And pottery pieces. I love sifting through thrift stores for little treasures. 

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 making a marked shift to focus on comedy and creating more of my own content. We are also in the process of pitching our web series to the right production team!

IG: @brittneybertier

http://www.brittneybertier.com
http://www.imdb.me/brittneybertier

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

I’ve been a writer my whole life, but even after ten years writing prose, something always felt off. Then I wrote my first script and it was all over for me- it was the perfect style for me, and I was addicted to the ability to make my work come to life and get to work with so many other talented people to do so.

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

The biggest risk I ever took was moving to New York City for grad school to pursue screenwriting for the first time- I knew no one, didn’t have an apartment lined up until three days before my flight, and had never lived in a city before. But even with the challenges living in this city, I wouldn’t give up the experience for anything.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

My biggest concern for the future is the sustainability of a career in digital media, which is my niche and is an industry changing so quickly that it never seems to settle long enough to make a space for yourself. With algorithms and advertising options redo-ing themselves constantly, it can be hard to have any sort of stability, let alone financial stability.

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

I once got an email from a fan of my comedy mental health web series saying they were going back to therapy because our show normalized it and made them feel like it was worth another shot. My absurdist short form series actually helped someone with a really tough decision; representation matters, and I’m apparently on the right track with it!

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

Making your own work is the most freeing, powerful feeling in the world, and it allows you to learn your leadership style and your artistic sensibility long before the traditional industry path will give you that chance. Make your own work and surround yourself with amazing people and you’ll never feel unfulfilled.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I don’t really collect anything! I’m a pack rat (Marie Kondo would have a field day with me) but there isn’t a ton of consistency to what I’m packing away.

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 spend more time on the work I want to be doing and less time on work that I feel like I should be doing, which in my case means more writing and directing and less producing. I’ve made a lot of things in the past few years, and I think it’s time to slow down and focus on the crafts that I truly want to develop.

The best place to go is my portfolio site- bricastellini.com

IG and Twitter @brisownworld

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

I don’t remember a time when I hadn’t decided to work in this industry. I trained my entire life as an actress so before I figured out that producing was my calling, I was still going to be in the film industry. Even as a young girl, when I wanted to be a “marine biologist” and a “forensic psychologist” and a “lawyer”…my plan was to write myself a TV show where I could play the lead character who was a forensic psychologist with a law degree who dabbled in marine biology on the side….I was always going to be in the film industry. Perhaps I should still create that show. Who would watch it? We will call it “Abigail Ocean, PhD, Esq.” Perhaps it’s an over-the-top half hour comedy…

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

You may have been looking for a defining moment related to my career, but instead I’ll give you one of the most defining moments in my life: meeting my dog. Yes, I’m serious. On January 25, 2010, my friend Cristina forwarded me a list of shelter dogs that had been put on a 10 day hold from death. I “wanted” a dog, but was in no position to get one at the time; I had just started a new job earlier that month and wasn’t financially prepared to take on a new pet. However, as it turns out, I was desperately in need of meeting Bowie that week. He is my best friend and has taught me so much about myself, my will to live and be a better person, and brought me out on more hikes than I can count. He makes sure that after the long days of shooting, I still muster the energy to take him out on a walk. That in-between jobs I remember life is about more than work. He’s been in several of my productions, has followed me from office to office, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll wake up early to take him on a pre-production 4A walk any day!

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

The continued struggle for humanity to realize that human rights apply to EVERY HUMAN…and that we should extend the idea further to the animals and environment. Humanity. Humanity is my biggest concern with the future. 

We can only work bit by bit to combat the negativity in the world though. That’s one of the reasons I love filmmaking and storytelling. We have the opportunity to both open eyes to the realities of the world and create new worlds that help us to escape reality. 

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

Receiving the countersigned contract for our first production for apparentlyjack LLC. Even if there had never been another (thankfully there have been), I felt like I had accomplished something that I had always dreamed but at the same time was so scared to pursue. It was a really exciting moment. 

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

Lift up others around you. Champion the other women who are trying to make it in this industry, not just yourself. There are enough jobs to go around, help one another out…and don’t stop with other women. Champion people of color, LGBTQA+, differently-abled, those starting over in their careers who might be older than who you would expect to be just starting out…the best content comes from true collaboration, at an intersection that looks like the world around us. 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

What, if anything, do you collect? I used to collect Funko characters, but recently gave them away to a friend’s son who is also a collector. I did keep my Monty Python French Taunter though. 

Not on purpose, but I have a rather large collection of lanyards from every event and red carpet I’ve ever attended. 

I suppose what I really collect is art. I live for a good gallery wall, so my house is filled with framed art I’ve collected over the years from galleries, etsy, flea markets, vintage magazines, photos I’ve taken…I even bought one off a lady taking an art class at a co-working space once. A fantastic watercolor of Mark Zuckerberg testifying in front of congress. It has definitely served its purpose as a conversation starter.

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?

Our company instagram is @apparentlyjack, and my personal instagram is @jquelinedalunde. 

Right now our company is focusing on the development of one feature film, three television/streaming series and a short film. Up first is a web series called “Mixed Nuts” written by a very talented actress and screenwriter named Annie May Gay, followed by a short film that I penned myself! Both are filming in August/Early September and I can’t wait to get it into production!

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

I always wanted to tell stories visually, whether through the medium of television, web, or film. As a kid, my nature was to sit back and observe people and places, and to think a lot about what was going on for them. I was terrible at traditional “art” but had a deep instinct to create that felt stifled by colored pencils and paint and whatever my art teacher was yelling at me about. I’ve always loved stories. All of this lent itself to mulling and daydreaming and ultimately re-creating scenes in my mind. When I graduated from college in 2009 and moved home in the middle of the recession, my home state of Ohio received a tax inventive for film production. So while I chose visual media, film production chose me.

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

Moving home to Cleveland and starting to work in the film industry there as opposed to in one of the “big cities” was an unexpected and defining moment in my life. If there hadn’t been a tax incentive, I think there’s a good chance that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to pursue this industry at all. Again, it was the heart of the recession and really experienced people were taking demotions just to stay employed. I can’t imagine having moved to NY or LA at that time and competing with industry veterans for PA work. I’m really grateful that I was able to build my resume at home and for the experiences and opportunities that working in Cleveland gave me.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Climate change, of course. It’s the concern of our lifetimes!

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

I was thrilled to Co-Produce the narrative feature film Galveston and the documentary G-Funk. Those both premiered around the same time, so that was a really exciting time for me.

Transitioning into directing has also been an amazingly fulfilling personal success. I was sure that I wanted to Direct but not sure that I was ready, so I had to just take the leap at some point. So far, it’s been incredible. I’m really excited for more directing work in the future.

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

The number one piece of advice I would offer to other woman in the industry is to ask for things. Ask for what you want. I find that women have generally been raised to be more selfless and that this can be tough for us, so I try to remind myself and others of this often. Ask, face a rejection, understand that it’s not personal, and then ask again.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I collect books! I’m always reading three books at a time. I like to keep track of three distinct storylines and to challenge myself to alternate between them fluidly. I’m not sure why it’s three, but that’s my rhythm. My favorite books so far this year are Lexicon by Max Barry and Factfulness by Hans Rosling. The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates is right up there as well. My favorite author is Haruki Murakami. I try to stall myself on reading his books so that I can have fresh Murakami rations throughout my life. I generally end up reading 2-3 a year though- it’s hard to stay away.

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 in post on a web-series pilot that I directed in June, and in prep on a short film I’ll be directing in August with @apparentlyjack. In terms of longer-form content, we’re currently seeking funding for an incredible feminist horror comedy. I’m also deep into research & development for a documentary feature with Producer Heather Wilk.  I’m on instagram @funkfunkpuddlejump.

http://apparentlyjack.com/katiekoeblitz

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

I always wanted to tell stories visually, whether through the medium of television, web, or film. As a kid, my nature was to sit back and observe people and places, and to think a lot about what was going on for them. I was terrible at traditional “art” but had a deep instinct to create that felt stifled by colored pencils and paint and whatever my art teacher was yelling at me about. I’ve always loved stories. All of this lent itself to mulling and daydreaming and ultimately re-creating scenes in my mind. When I graduated from college in 2009 and moved home in the middle of the recession, my home state of Ohio received a tax inventive for film production. So while I chose visual media, film production chose me.

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

Moving home to Cleveland and starting to work in the film industry there as opposed to in one of the “big cities” was an unexpected and defining moment in my life. If there hadn’t been a tax incentive, I think there’s a good chance that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to pursue this industry at all. Again, it was the heart of the recession and really experienced people were taking demotions just to stay employed. I can’t imagine having moved to NY or LA at that time and competing with industry veterans for PA work. I’m really grateful that I was able to build my resume at home and for the experiences and opportunities that working in Cleveland gave me.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Climate change, of course. It’s the concern of our lifetimes!

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

I was thrilled to Co-Produce the narrative feature film Galveston and the documentary G-Funk. Those both premiered around the same time, so that was a really exciting time for me. 

Transitioning into directing has also been an amazingly fulfilling personal success. I was sure that I wanted to Direct but not sure that I was ready, so I had to just take the leap at some point. So far, it’s been incredible. I’m really excited for more directing work in the future.

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

The number one piece of advice I would offer to other woman in the industry is to ask for things. Ask for what you want. I find that women have generally been raised to be more selfless and that this can be tough for us, so I try to remind myself and others of this often. Ask, face a rejection, understand that it’s not personal, and then ask again.

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I collect books! I’m always reading three books at a time. I like to keep track of three distinct storylines and to challenge myself to alternate between them fluidly. I’m not sure why it’s three, but that’s my rhythm. My favorite books so far this year are Lexicon by Max Barry and Factfulness by Hans Rosling. The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates is right up there as well. My favorite author is Haruki Murakami. I try to stall myself on reading his books so that I can have fresh Murakami rations throughout my life. I generally end up reading 2-3 a year though- it’s hard to stay away.

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 in post on a web-series pilot that I directed in June, and in prep on a short film I’ll be directing in August with @apparentlyjack. In terms of longer-form content, we’re currently seeking funding for an incredible feminist horror comedy. I’m also deep into research & development for a documentary feature with Producer Heather Wilk.  I’m on instagram @funkfunkpuddlejump.

http://apparentlyjack.com/katiekoeblitz

1) Why did you decide to work in this industry?

I grew up on a stage. I studied ballet for 13 years and then turned to acting. I’ve also constantly written, short stories, plays, even journaling, my whole life. Film became the natural answer to my creative desire to combine the beauty of movement with the resonance of emotion on a larger scale. Past that, films have shaped my life and our culture from their inception. To be able to reach through a screen and into the hearts of viewers is a powerful thing. I wanted to be a part of that.

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

The day I stopped treating filmmaking as a hobby and began nurturing it as a career. I changed everything about the way I operated. The second I began taking myself seriously, others did too. I found an amazing team and created Twisted Valley Films with my friend and incredibly talented writer, producer and actor, Cece King. Together we chose to bring socially relevant, female driven content to the forefront. Having a specific purpose driving the company has really put into perspective what’s important and what’s not. I take bigger risks because I understand the value of what we’re doing and it’s paid off.

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

The lack of compassion. We are in a volatile state of being, there’s a sense of boiling over and with that comes panic, self-preservation, and neglect of those who are struggling. But with that has emerged a very strong voice, several in fact, of unity, peace, equality, and hope. There’s still much to be done. I do what I can with the films I’m making to give a voice to those that are suffering and shed light on some of the many societal issues that are not being given the attention they need.

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

Last year we released our first feature, The Broken Ones. Multicom Entertainment distributed it and it’s on Amazon Prime currently along with many other VOD/SVOD platforms. Just as Cece and I were bringing Twisted Valley Films into play, TBO was released and it was incredibly validating. We worked tirelessly on it for years and to be able to get it out there, accessible to everyone, was amazing and motivating.

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

There is always another way. If you went down one road and found it fruitless, turnaround and go a different direction. Get creative about your options and do your research. Build a team of trusted people that will communicate triumphs and failures with equal honesty. Prioritize your goals, tasks, and asks. In general, no one wants to jump on a train that’s not moving. So keep moving! Nothing, no part of making a film is easy, so be ready to work. At the same time, when you have an opportunity to rest – rest. Working on fumes is as easy to spot in a colleague as it is on screen.

6) What do you collect, if anything?

I collect films and TV shows. I re-watch everything. I learn something new about the production, the storyline, the editing, etc with each viewing. I will sometimes watch a movie twice in one sitting. And I watch award-winning content as much as I watch badly reviewed content. I learn from it all, what was done right, what worked, what didn’t work, how it didn’t work, etc.
7) Where can people find out more about you on social media? What is next for you in your career?

You can follow my IG @Elyse_esyle. My production company’s IG is @twistedvalleyfilms.com. We just released our short film HERabout a young writer plagued by her fear of rejection after meeting a mysterious woman at a dinner party. We also have two features in development. Dear Jackis about a mother’s journey to heal after the loss of her son to a heroin overdose. We recently attached the very talented Annette Haywood-Carter as the director. When the Sidewalk Endsis about a woman’s struggle to protect her brother after he suffers from a psychotic break. We’re also in talks with some other exciting content. You can find out more on http://www.twistedvalleyfilms.com. Stay tuned!