The film industry is competitive and often hard to break into; however, with great determination and confidence in yourself, you can do it. You can be great at anything you put your mind to. Don't believe me? Then listen to some influential filmmakers who came to Western Washington University and shared a few inspiring words during a director panel discussion on, "Female Film Directors: Breaking the Celluloid Ceiling," on October 17, 2015.
"Never give up and don't let negativity bring you down." -- Avielle Heath
Avielle Heath began as an Art Director at Hand Crank Films in Bellingham,WA, and she worked her way up to become a producer. Additionally, she is the founder of the Bellingham Film Festival. She has advice about staying positive in a negative place. The film industry can be a very negative one, but do not let the negativity weigh you down. Heath believes that “The best thing to do is to brush it off, move forward and understand your goal is to produce that next thing. Keep focused on the next thing.”
“Believe in yourself and believe in your vision. Believe that the decisions you make are correct.” -- Ariadna Ochrymovch
Ariadna Ochrymovych has been in the film industry for over 25 years. However, when she began, there were people who tried to hold her back. On one of Ochrymovych's first films, the camera man would try to order her around. He would say that there was too much light or it was too dark and time to go home, because he did not think she knew what she was doing. But Ochrymoych held her own. Her advice to young filmmakers is “to believe that you know what you are doing. Even though you might be nervous about it or you might have trepidation, just go ahead and trust yourself.”
"Stand by your vision and uphold it." -- Leslie Ann Coles
Leslie Ann Coles has directed many films, and is the founder of the Female Eye Film Festival. As a festival programmer, Coles encourages people to "just do it. Find someone who supports your vision, and pull together a crew and make your film." People may try to change your vision or make it their own, but you have to stand by what you believe in.
"No excuses. Don't give yourself an excuse to fail or not succeed." -- Mel Damski
Mel Damski is a producer and director for many films and television shows, such as "Psych." Damski's advice for young filmmakers is “no excuses. Don’t give yourself an excuse to fail or not succeed. Don’t use your gender, your race, or your ethnicity as an excuse.” Damski believes that you can succeed if you have talent. “Do not forget that there are many paths to glory." Damski goes on to say that if you want to be a director, you do not necessarily start as a director, but be open to all the opportunities and all the other jobs in the industry that might eventually lead to directing.
"Believe in yourself." -- Heidi Kumao
Heidi Kumao’s film "Swallowed Whole" was featured at numerous film festivals, and she is known for her unique artistic perspective. Beginning as a chemistry student, Kumao realized her true passion of film and photography late into her college career. Kumao's advice is to “believe in yourself, but the fake it till you make it kind of thing.” Kumao believes that confidence is key to succeeding. Act like you know what you are talking about, and eventually you will get to this point that you are the confident person.
