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

Hi Chelsea, what do you attribute your success to?
There are a few things. I’m a big believer in kindness. There isn’t enough kindness in this world. I make a point to learn everyone’s name on my crew and would say hello at the start of our day and say thank you at the end of it. They are all there to help me execute my vision and I wanted them to all know they were appreciated. I also never gave myself a Plan B. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a director and I just kept pushing forward. I never gave myself and out or a “backup” plan. I never let myself think “what if this doesn’t work?” Perseverance was key.

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.
Since I was 10 years old I wanted to be a director. I went to a small film school in the Midwest and had my sights set on Hollywood. After graduation I was lucky enough to land a job at The Montecito Picture Company where I was the assistant to the VP of development (Ali Bell). I had never been an assistant before so Ali patiently taught me everything I needed to know. After about 2 years working for Ali I had an opportunity to be Judd Apatow’s assistant. I worked for Judd for 2 years as well, helping on films like Funny People, Get Him To The Greek and Bridesmaids. However, in my heart I knew comedy wasn’t for me….horror was! I left Apatow Productions and went to work for Jason Blum, as his executive assistant. I was finally working in the horror genre! I worked for Jason for 4 years and was involved in over 25 Blumhouse films. I was lucky enough to meet so many incredible filmmakers that I admired and I learned so much. When I was ready to leave Blumhouse and venture out on my own as a director, Jason suggested I should direct some short films for CryptTV. I ended up doing 4 short films for them, which helped me get representation. I continued to send scripts to Blumhouse for their consideration and they read ALL THAT WE DESTROY and said “this is the film we want to make with you.” It’s very rare for a company to see a former assistant as anything other than an assistant…but Blumhouse saw me as a director and wanted to help get me to the next level. ALL THAT WE DESTROY was shot in 2018 and came out on Hulu as part of the INTO THE DARK series in May 2019. Then, I directed my 2nd feature film, SATANIC PANIC, in October 2018. It played in over 25 film festivals, which was amazing. It’s now available on VOD, Blu-Ray and VHS!! I guess the big lesson there is a patience. I also made a point to never compare my journey and my path to anyone else’s. I just kept pushing forward. It took me 10 years to get my 1st feature made…and then I made two in one year. It was overwhelming but incredible. I’m currently working on several projects and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely LOVE living in LA. There are so many incredible shops and restaurants. I live in the valley and I love Magnolia Park. There are so many wonderful shops there. Some of my favorites are Dark Delicacies, Bearded Lady Vintage and Oddities & The Mystic Museum and Audrey K Boutique. I could spend all day walking around Magnolia Park. I’m also a vinyl junkie and love shopping for records. Some of my favorite spots are Freak Beat Records, Atomic Records, Sick City Records, Permanent Records. Cosmic Records, CD Trader, The Last Bookstore and Timewarp Records, to name a few. I love art and go to The Broad, MOCA, The Getty, The Brand Library and LACMA any chance I get. I also love smaller galleries like Hyaena Gallery, Sugarmynt Gallery and Black Sheep Gallery. Obviously going to the movies is one of my favorite things too. My favorite theatres are The New Beverly Cinema, The Egyptian and The Aero. I used to live in Venice so I love walking the Venice Canals, followed by a drink at Townhouse or anywhere on Abbot Kinney. There is so much great food in LA…that is a list miles long, and I love food. However some of my favorite spots are Bill’s Burgers (best burger in LA, hands down), SugarFish, The Local Peasant, Sushi Katsu-Ya Studio City, Guisados, Gjelina, The Butcher’s Daughter, Ernie’s Mexican, Tar & Roses and Grand Central Market, to name a few. I feel so spoiled to live in LA..so many incredible places!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are almost too many shoutouts to list them all! My parents are my biggest champions and have always supported my need to be a filmmaker. They are both artists so they know what it’s like to be a creative and the struggle that comes with that. I would also give a shout out to Ali Bell, who gave me my first job in Hollywood and Jason Blum, who helped bring my dreams of being a horror director to life. Additionally, Adam Robitel, Leigh Whannell and Chris Landon who have been incredible mentors. Last but not least, all of the incredible women in my life…my coven…they know who they are.

Website: https://vimeo.com/user20364304
Instagram: @ChelseaStardust
Twitter: @StardustChelsea

Image Credits
“Slashback” (Personal photo) photo by Sean Keller, courtesy of Bearded Lady Mystic Museum “At The Camera” photo by Mark Evans