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

Hi Chelsea, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Vague Pictures is a boutique film production company that my husband and I founded in 2018. We started in documentary filmmaking, but since then we’ve branched out into narrative and commercial work as well. We do end-to-end work on projects; everything from creative consultation, pre-production, production, and post production.

Filmmaking is a risky, expensive business. I’ve never been a ‘5 year plan’ or ’10 year plan’ type of person. Decision making, for me, always comes down to, ‘Does this feel right?’ It’s more instinct driven. Growing up as a surfer, I learned to never walk away from good waves. If there’s good waves I’m diving in head first, if there’s not I’m going to go check another spot. That’s sort of how I move through my life and career. I thrive on change, and so I’ve always been really flexible and willing to throw myself into projects if it feels good. We’ve shot projects all over the world, including New Zealand, Mexico, Iceland, Japan, and London.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While I was an undergrad at NYU, I double majored in broadcast journalism and cinema studies. I always thought of journalism as my “serious” thing and the cinema as my “fun” thing. It took me years, but I eventually figured out that I could combine the two by creating documentary films. I learn the most by doing; getting together with friends and making work and figuring it out. There’s always growing pains when you’re learning. I’ve had the great privilege of having supportive, creative friends to help me along the way. Filmmaking is rooted in community and it’s important to nurture that community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live at the beach in New Jersey now, but I still spend a lot of time in NYC. A walk around Washington Square Park, stopping at Bar Pitti for pasta and the Angelika for a film is my idea of a great day. Frankies 457 in Cobble Hill is where we were married and it’s still one of my staples whenever I’m in the neighborhood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sebastian Slayter. My husband, my business partner, and the person who taught me so much about all aspects of filmmaking. We love talking about films, filmmaking, and art over dinner. He’s patient and kind when we’re on set working together, and he’s always super supportive of my creative work.

Website: https://vaguepictures.com/

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