I went to college as a photography and performing arts double major. In my first semester, I happened across a viewing of Miss Representation, which spoke on the absolute lack of women in the film industry. I was incredibly inspired, and realized that film was the logical combination for both of my passions; and so the love affair began.

What are your upcoming and active projects?
I’ve recently been freelancing with a company called Ways & Means, producing some really fun music videos (Girl in Red, Gracie Abrams), commercials (Beyond Meat, Fender), and a super exciting short film, with one of my favorite comedians, that I’m not allowed to talk about yet! I’ve also been producing/co-directing a few music videos with my boyfriend for his indie-rock band, Yony. These short projects are really vital to allow time for my mental health and for writing my Alice series.

What type of stories interest you and why?

I’ve been drawn to comedy for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, I think it’s a lot easier to make someone cry than to make someone laugh, and the world always needs more laughter. I also love a good dramedy or dark comedy, with deep characters, strong narratives, and stories that make you question the world around you. I love seeing a character learn, grow, or change. I want to go on a journey, or laugh, or think, or feel when I watch a movie.

What is your genre of choice?
Comedy, Dramedy.

How are you creating a path for yourself in this industry?

Making connections constantly, learning as much as I can, working hard, and always being nice to everyone. A lot of people compliment my work ethic. It’s something I’m really proud of. So many producers won’t sweep the floor. I’m not saying you should do that if you’ve got bigger fires to put out, but at the end of the night when the PAs are taking out the trash and you need to get out of the studio, you just do what needs to be done. If you’re not putting 100% into everything you do, why do it at all. I also believe it’s important to create a positive environment on set by being kind to everyone. I always make sure to thank each crew member and let them know they’re appreciated. I listen to their concerns. I pay them as much as my budget will allow, and I keep my sets safe. I strive to be a hardworking and compassionate producer and I hope that sets me apart in this sometimes-cutthroat industry.

What inspires you as a storyteller?

Aside from my desires to add something beautiful to this world, or to make people laugh, I’m inspired a lot by personal struggle. Due to lifelong money problems, therapy-level events, and genetic programming, I deal with anxiety daily. I have panic attacks, passing-out episodes, and of course, insomnia. But these issues motivate me. I’m inspired to rise above them, to take away their power, and to laugh at them instead. I want to throw myself and my flaws on screen so that others can hopefully relate, and know that they’re not alone. I’m also inspired by the state of our society. It feels urgent to make good art right now, to add some positive to balance out the negative.

How do you prep for a film, from writing to being on set?

I love producing. It’s like an (incredibly stressful yet rewarding) logic puzzle. I visualize every scene and think of exactly what will be needed to accomplish each one. I also drink a lot of coffee and say goodbye to my social life for a few weeks…

What is the first thing you do when you get a script?
Read it. Then tear it apart. Kidding. (Not kidding). I think it’s an incredibly important skill to be able to take notes, and to give them. Be humble and know that your first draft might not be your best draft. In the scientific field, nothing is accomplished without peer-review. It should be the same for film. I live by the rule of Yes And, and strongly believe in the power of collaboration. It takes a team to make a film. Alice was a 12-page script that went through 20 drafts and found its perfect arc with the help of a few close friend’s notes. And if your vision is strong, notes will only make it stronger.

What are a few lessons you’ve learned from your recent project(s)?
Lately, I’ve learned to slow the hell down and breathe. My old boss used to tell me this all the time (and to double-triple-check my work). I recently started implementing this mindset. Making a film can feel a lot like flying a failing plane. You’ve got to learn to put your own oxygen mask on before you can help others, and you can’t freak out the passengers. You need to remain calm, competent and in charge of the situation, and usually, you’ll figure out that the plane just needed some fuel. Issues are going to arise- that’s filmmaking. How you handle them is the important part.

What practical tips do you have for indie filmmakers (budgeting, marketing, directing)?
Write something you can make!! It’s so easy to get swept up in a grand concept while in the writing phase, but execution is much harder. Start with a simple yet effective idea that you can build upon. I’ve seen a lot of indie filmmakers with multi-million-dollar scripts. But flashy, elaborate, and expensive doesn’t always equal good. Tell a strong story, ideally one that you can make on a low budget with talented friends. Utilize your resources. If you can make something awesome with a low budget, it’ll be easier to find the funding when you’re ready for a bigger project.