Meet Maegan La Trese Philmore | Film & TV Producer, Director, Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maegan La Trese Philmore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maegan La Trese, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My production company, Hudson Philmore, started because writers, actors, directors needed a producer type to help them make their work. After a few projects, it became clear I needed to use my physical production experience and start developing intersectional stories. As a person “othered” many times over, Hudson Philmore’s, mission is to make stories that challenge the exclusion in Hollywood the same way Angela Davis challenges the prison industrial complex. Hudson Philmore specializes in womanist, queer, BIPOC, all abilities & sizes unscripted and scripted content. At the end of my career, I want to be a creative producer as well as production services (the old school Hollywood producer) that creatives as well activists bring their projects to find roots.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is womanist. My work is queer. My content is unapologetically black. It is the type of art that has no bounds. I am attracted by stories that speak to humanness. As a person that has had to claim my humanness often, I champion stories that do the same.

I don’t know if this sets me apart as a black artist, but I don’t want to become pigeonholed with only telling stories about my specific culture and race. Don’t get me wrong, I want to champion black stories and will. I want to be the type of filmmaker who can make content like a white man. Free.

Hudson Philmore’s first official project, Agents of Change: Project Polymer, was about a pair of secret agents on a mission to expose the ringleader of an illegal plastic dumping enterprise. The project was produced by Shaan Dasani, Gretchen Wylder & I. It was directed by Jett Garrison. We took a micro budget, created an inclusive set with a principal cast of diverse transactors and produced with environmentally sustainable practices and earned an environmental green seal for the production. Agents was touted as on of the 5 Queer Films to watch at Frameline’s 47th Film Festival, included in NYC climate week and United Nations Climate Conference. Intentional inclusive filmmaking with a political message.

I am most excited about my diverse development slate, my short film, Soul Tie hitting festivals, and learning the various ways to distribute Sarah Kambe Holland’s first feature film, Egghead and Twinkie.

Simply put, I am where I am today because of the Mount Holyoke College alumna network, perseverance mixed with talent, black opportunism after George Floyd’s death in Hollywood, and imagination & hope that is endless. It was not easy to become a DGA eligible UPM, Network Executive while transitioning as an emerging Creative Producer. At first, I did choose some negative outlets to deal with my challenges but my ancestors’ stepped in. The Hudson and Philmore’s reminded me through mediation, silent retreats, journaling, therapy, and exercise to care for me first. So, now when I have disappointments and setbacks in Hollywood. I take time to recharge for me. Recharging brings me back to the zone of I am enough and have a voice that should be heard.

One of the main lessons I have learned along the way is that multi-hyphenate talents shouldn’t pigeonhole anyone. Some of the greatest talents in the industry are quadruple or more types of threats, like me. Singular thinking is deadly for the creative in 2024. Most times you will have to fight to find those who see you, but they are around. Your tribe is out there.

I want the world to know that my production company sees YOU. We will give supportive creative, logistical, and financial business plans around your intellectual property. At the end of my career, I want to be known as the producer where creatives find their roots.

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?

I live in Inglewood… so daily we will hit one of the places Sip and Sonder, Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen, Dulan’s Soul Food, Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, Randy’s Donuts, and Old Country Jamaican.

I also am obsessed with coffee. So, I know all the great places.

Sunday Funday
Brunch at Simply Wholesome in the Black Beverly Hills.
Day to Night Deep House Music Party – Utopia at Mama Shelter in Hollywood

Monday- Korean Town
Hugh Spa- My favorite Korean Spa. We will beautify catch up and cleanse.
Cafe Mak- Coffee/Wine/ Tea and eats open late night.

Tuesday- Beach Day
Hermosa Beach Pier- We would spend most of the day here. It is less touristy with lots of places to eat and drink and enjoy the Pacific Ocean. Cowboy Junkie is an Ohio State Buckeye Barn and Lucky 7 Coffee are walkable from the pier.

Wednesday
We will head to East Hollywood, Silverlake and Los Feliz. I am a blipster.
Ruby Fruit for wine and light bites- The only lesbian bar in LA.
The Vista for a movie.
Fred 62 for food.

Thursday- Black Los Angeles Day
We start the day hiking at Kenneth Hanh Park, seeing the hummingbird garden & Martin Luther King memorial are some of my favorite parts of the city.
Brunch at The Serving Spoon.
The night is spent at the District by GS enjoying live music, libations and food.

Friday- Old Town Pasadena and Driving Tour Movie Studios

Driving up Highland Ave to go into the San Fernando Valley. We will see the walk of fame, Universal Studios, NBC Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, and Nickelodeon from the car.

Once leaving Burbank we will head to San Gabriel Valley and explore Old Town Pasadena. Grab food at Naughty Vegan and make sure to get baked goods and coffee at Coffee and Plants.

Before Sunsets we will head to back to Burbank to dine at the Castaway and enjoy the view.

Please note that my doctors are in Pasadena. Dr. Irina Jasper (Internist) and Dr. Eleanor Leung (OB/GYN). These women are exceptional. They listen to my needs and treat me accordingly. Also Nurse Patty at Dr. Jasper’s thanks for supporting my health in all ways.

Saturday

Brunch at Post and Beam before my friend catches their flight.

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?
I dedicate my shoutout to ALL women. If you are a womanist and want freedom for all women. Holla.

OHIO
The lovely black women who raised me and my friends growing up in the Buckeye State. Anita, Grace, Amanda, and my Aunties, thanks for making me the tour de force that I am today. Hudson and Philmore women made Maegan. Troop 1376, holla back. Chelsea Lou and Danie, shouting you out.

COLLEGE
Mount Holyoke College 1996-2000 thanks for the love, support, inspiration, education, and sisterhood. The debt is worth it. Our alumnae group is the best in the world. Carey Dietrich, shoutout. Robbie McCauley remembering you. We are invincible, Saucy and the rest of the crew.

My current homegirls know who they are, shoutout to you. Thanks for being my chosen family.

Website: maeganphilmore.com

Instagram: @hudsonphilmore

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maegan-la-trese-philmore-7727b1a/

Image Credits
Portraits- https://www.sarahmorales.co