Meet Ella Thomas | Actress, Producer, Advocate

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

Hi Ella, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Roaring Queen Productions came about because I realized that the landscape of the film and televisions industry had shifted radically over the last few years. And while there has been a palpable contraction; there has also been an increased opportunity for independent film makers to create content rooted foremost in storytelling as opposed to chasing an outdated model that has cannibalized the creative process. As an actress, I have witnessed first hand how many of my contemporaries are taking on the mantle of producer and using their unique voices to bring to life stories that inspire them. In order to thrive in the climate that currently exists in the film industry; we all have to embrace being multi-hyphenates.

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.
Ella can currently be seen starring as Naya in “NIGHTBITCH” opposite Amy Adams which is streaming on Hulu. In addition she is also stars in “DEPTH OF FIELD” which is available on Amazon Prime and Apple. KNOW MERCY, the first film which she has produced under her newly formed ROARING QUEEN banner, has just been picked up by Gravitas Ventures for North American Distribution, and premiered at the Culver City Film Festival where it also won the 2024 Grand Prize for Best Picture. KNOW MERCY will have limited theatrical/streaming release in February of 2025. Her second feature, SUCKERPUNCH by NEAL MARSHALL (FLAMING KID) is currently in the development phase.

Please tell us more about your art:
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a part of the storytelling process. Even before I knew that “acting” was the term for this thing I loved to do; I reveled in performing. And I’m continually inspired and excited by the art of film making and the creative process. The artistry present in the industry is so singular and unique yet multi-faceted at the same time.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about:
What sets me apart is that I have my own unique point of view based on my upbringing and that I’m not afraid to ask questions. I will never be self conscious about the fact that I may need clarification, insight or information. Especially as I’ve gotten older I’ve become acutely aware that I can’t learn in a vacuum and there is tremendous amount of talent and support in this industry from which to garner knowledge.

How did you get to where you are today professionally:
I truly believe that I’m where I am today because of the enormous sacrifice my Mother made to bring us to the US when I was a teenager. Her hard work paved the road that I walk on and fuels my relentless optimism. I lost her to breast cancer far to young and I feel like every day that I walk with determined joy … I honor her. That loss also gave me perspective on my own fortitude… I have resiliency born of that pain.

Was it easy :
Easy is a relative. term; especially when compared to other professions. But I don’t think I struggle any more on any less than the next creative. We’re all waiting for our bus. This business does afford me an enormous amount of freedom but I also work hard to create opportunities. In addition I also have a network of artists that are generous in their support. Most of the challenges I face I try to reframe. These days; you need a certain buoyancy especially being part of this industry as a creative and witnessing how the landscape has changed in to something barely recognizable from what it was pre pandemic.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way:
Mind my business and do my work. Everyone has their own race to run.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want to keep challenging the default. There continues to be this pervasive idea about the limitations and marketability of an inclusive and diverse narrative when all the while there are such beautiful genre bending science fiction/dystopian worlds such as those of Octavia Butler to explore. I want to be help create those projects and be a part of the telling those stories such a Cojotes by Norman Lesperance.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would go: The Tar Pits, NHM Gardens, The Getty, Venice Canals, Malibu, The Griffith Observatory, Seal Beach

We would eat: Terroni on Beverly, Great White on Melrose, Dante’s Rooftop, Madeo

We would dance: The Dime, Short Stop, Zen Freeman at The Edition,

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Guidance – Pivot Year by Brianna West
The Inspiration – My Mother and Family
The Motivation – The Dream and Star Trek

Website: http://www.officialellathomas.com/

Instagram: @gaiagurl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-thomas-060748328

Facebook: Ella A. Thomas

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1724833/
https://www.theroaringqueen.com/

Image Credits
Hannah Chung, Alanna Gilbert, Perdell Richardson, James Dipietro