Why did you decide to get into this industry ? It’s like that quote from “The Red Shoes” (1948) when Boris asks Victoria why she wants to dance and she replies, “Why do you want to live?” He then replies “Well I don’t know why but I must.” I’ve always had a love and passion… Read More Why did you decide to get into this indu

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 run a blog over at shailyncotten.com where I talk about writing, entertainment, and mental health. You can find me on Twitter @ShaiCotten or Instagram as @shailyncotten. My co-director Jessica… Read More What are you working on next? In additio

@shailyncotten: What, if anything, do you collect? I hoard a collection of gently used and library discard books on my shelves that I still have not read, and tend to decorate them with little memorabilia; colorful rocks from camping trips, dried sprigs of yarrow, or small paperweights picked up in secondhand shops, all arranged in… Read More @shailyncotten: What, if anything, do yo

@shailyncotten: What advice do you have for other women in the industry? Don’t take any shit. I wish someone had told me this a while ago. There’s this temptation to be nice all the time, to be well-liked, because it feels like the diplomatic way to get things done. It’s not. Don’t be afraid to… Read More @shailyncotten: What advice do you have

@shailyncotten: What is a successful moment in your career so far? Optioning my first screenplay has been big for me; I’ve worried for so long that as a woman and a niche horror writer, I wouldn’t be able to sell anything. I’m incredibly encouraged to know that there’s a place for women in this industry… Read More @shailyncotten: What is a successful mom

@shailyncotten: What is your biggest concern with the future? I struggle not to define myself by the work that I’m doing, and so balancing my mental health with my career is a big concern for me. It’s important, especially in our industry, to prioritize self-care, even when it may feel selfish. #thereelwomen #girlboss #women #womenoflight… Read More @shailyncotten: What is your biggest con

@shailyncotten: What’s a defining moment in your life? At fifteen, I finished my first novel manuscript, and that accomplishment has been what pushed me to pursue a career in screenwriting. It gave me the confidence in myself to trust in the fact that with passion and discipline, anything is possible. It truly feels as though… Read More @shailyncotten: What’s a defining moment

@shailyncotten: Why did you decide to get into this industry? There is something about writing that is very isolating. I’ve never seen film in that way. Film is a collaboration on every level of the process; the last level being between the creator and the audience. I want to tell stories that do more than… Read More @shailyncotten: Why did you decide to ge

@reelsoutherncharm on instagram or .@tarainreellife on twitter #thereelwomen #girlboss #women #womenoflight #picoftheday #photooftheday #female #love #film #television #TV #media #art #FilmEquality #womeninfilm #femalefilmmakers #empoweringwomen #womenempower #betterhollywood #womendirect #girl #movies #movielover #create #me #happy #ladyboss #bosslady #girlgang #goals http://ow.ly/i/lIEYq

@reelsoutherncharm: What, if anything, do you collect? I collect old 8mm cameras, kodak anything, posters, and props … I’ve taken (with permission) or been gifted various items from sets I’ve worked on over the years. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to pass these down to my kids or gift them to a museum. My… Read More @reelsoutherncharm: What, if anything, d