Q: Where do you work/for whom?
A: Aetna Health Insurance/Internal Creative Agency
Q: What is your role/position there?
A: Head of Production
Q: How long have you been working in the industry?
A: 15 years
Q: What jobs, if any, preceded this? How did you make your way to the position you hold now?
A: Many jobs! I began my career working as an assistant on a desk at CAA in the MP Lit Department. From there I held a few positions as a Creative Executive for a few different TV production companies. Lastly – and this is the experience that has most helped me in my recent position – I was a Production Coordinator and Manager on projects ranging from feature films, to short documentaries to commercials (digital and broadcast)
Q: What was the most important advice you have for a filmmaker starting out?
A: Follow your initial interest and passion. It may not be the role or position you ultimately end up in but you will learn what you need to know when you eventually arrive at the place that feels right.
Q: How did you/do you use your time outside of work?
A: Community involvement; mentorship; attending events that happen in real time (theater, dance, other live performances); learning a new skill like editing or photography; working out!
Q: What is something you think would make the film industry better?
A: Work life balance. Which I think will happen as more women enter into positions traditionally held by men; as more men become aware of what they are losing by not being inclusive. And I think this will all lead to more representation behind and and in front of the camera that reflects our true diversity and all the talent we have to offer.
Q: Do filmmakers/creators have any responsibility to culture?
A: Yes. As a person who grew up in the 70s and 80s – I was heavily influenced by the films I saw – it molded the way I looked at people around the world. Much of that content was either problematic or so completely dismissive of all cultures except the white/straight and male cultures. Creators have an obligation to keep their eyes wide open.
Q: Do you feel that being a creative person requires that you give back or tell a particular story or not do something else? Why or why not?
A: Being a creative person is how you experience the world. Physicians, musicians, architects experience the world through their unique POV. Your creativity is how you contribute to the world so it is your responsibility to choose your stories wisely and for the right reasons.
Q: We would like to explore some of the more difficult times that people have had getting into the industry to better understand how to navigate those situations. With that in mind, what failures (of your own) have you been able to learn from? How did they change you and your process?
A: I had a very easy time getting in once I decided to get in. But deciding that took ten years – so please refer to my answer to question number 1! Follow your interests!! It did not take me long to get into a situation where I could follow my desire to “be in development” although I had very little insight into what that entailed. I met the right agent, at the right time, and dug into the opportunity. However, I had a lot of insecurities and instead of trusting people with more experience who knew that I was fully capable of meeting the expectations of the job and that I belonged in the seat they gave to me – I spent a lot of time being anxious. Instead of listening and following the lead of others with more experience and trusting myself I managed to overlook opportunities that may have actually been very fruitful. I took jobs that were not quite right – out of ego and impatience. I also know I lost job opportunities because I did not have the “right” look or attitude. I would recommend taking time; going with your gut; if something doesn’t feel right it won’t be right; and know that each “no” or rejection is clearing the way for the right thing to come around. Opportunity is also what you make of a situation. Just because you won’t work with a hero of yours because of timing, etc. and a million other things, doesn’t mean that you won’t ever work with people who are just as talented and smart, where you feel like you are contributing and who value your time, energy and dedication.
Industry Insights 