Meet Emma Mcateer | Film Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Mcateer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Is “People” too cliche of an answer? A friend once told me “everyone has a story and everyone deserves to be listened to” and I think about that all the time. Taking it a step further, it would be where I’m from – Ireland. Our culture centres around oral storytelling, and has for centuries, it is the Land of Saints and Scholars, after all, and so I like to believe it’s in my blood. There are so many incredible stories from home that I would love to tell on the big screen. Shining a light on underrepresented voices inspires and motivates me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an admirer of all things film related but I am specifically a Film Producer, from Derry, Ireland, but now based in Los Angeles.

My first love has always been film – my friends have referred to me as “the cinephile” for as long as I can remember. Maybe it was because of the seemingly constant rain in Ireland, but my sister and I went to the movies at least twice a week growing up. We literally saw every movie that came out and that was a great education.

I acted a little growing up – mainly theater and extra work but I loved every second of it. I like to think of my second home being the Foyle School of Speech and Drama, where I studied after school on Fridays for many years. However, until a few years ago, I didn’t think I could actually make a career out of it. I started my undergraduate studies at the London School of Economics but quickly realised it wasn’t for me.

I was then fortunate enough to be accepted to transfer Yale University where I completed my undergraduate degree in Economics, while also taking as many film classes as I could. As soon as I graduated from Yale, I started driving out West to Los Angeles to begin working at Sony Pictures Entertainment. I’ve been working in the Worldwide Theatrical Marketing division for two and a half years now. I am so grateful for the opportunity and experience of working at one of the major studios. I have learned so much about this industry and all the behind-the-scenes. There’s also a certain magic to studio lots that I can’t quite explain – it’s an inspiring place to be.

However, my art mainly comes from working on as many productions as I can, in my spare time. From short films to music videos to commercials and beyond! The first film project I undertook was in my senior year at Yale when I began making a documentary about my hometown, called The Knot. It was an honest, apolitical look at a very important period of history. I truly felt the support of the whole town behind me and I am so indebted to everyone who helped out and told their story.

This year I have produced multiple short films and music videos. We just finished shooting a short film, called Canyon Road, that will hopefully be released at the end of the year. I actually wrote it with my best friend from college, as well as produced it. So I am extra excited about that one! Like most of the projects I undertake, it it story drive and dialogue focused, highlighting human stories. At least those are my favourite type of movies.
Additionally, I am actively producing another short film, an action/thriller feature film which will be shot in New Mexico in March, as well as an incredibly powerful documentary.

What I love about Producing is that it can be anything and everything – every day looks different. It’s the perfect job for me because I love being involved in all aspects of a project: the business side and creative side, from casting, to fundraising, and so on. And when you’re on set it’s really about keeping things moving and lending a hand to any department that needs it. It takes hard work but it pays off.

I am only starting my career and have a long way to go, but what has always remained true is that I am blessed with the wonderful people around me. Friends have now become collaborators and coworkers. My advice to anyone starting out in the industry is to meet as many people as you can. Once you find your tribe, everything else falls into place. Everyone has a story and everyone deserves to be listened to.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh EASY – I’ve had the pleasure of doing this many times! Starting in the West Side maybe at Gjusta Grocer for some breakfast and then a walk through the Venice Canals and along the beach. We would then make our way up the PCH to explore the Santa Monica Mountains/ Malibu Creek State Park… some of my favorite places in the world! We would then HAVE to eat at The Reel Inn. Another fun day would be in Downtown, we would ride the legendary Angel’s Flight, visit The Last Bookstore, and of course try a variety of dishes at Grand Central Market. I will always choose to spend a night out at BreakRoom 86 – the 80s themed speakeasy. I have never had a bad night there, and always meet someone interesting! Lastly, my favorite place in LA, albeit touristy, is the Griffith Observatory. The most stunning views of the city in my opinion and you can feel the cinematic history as you walk around. These are only a few suggestions… I’m still exploring the city. You could never be bored here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My surrogate family here, my friends. Being so far from home isn’t always the easiest, especially at this time of year, but I have been so blessed to meet incredible people who inspire me every single day. So this is for them! They know who they are.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16073046/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_mcateer/