Meet Skylar Economy | Film Director & Producer

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

Hi Skylar, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
When I first embarked on this whirlwind journey as a filmmaker, it was tough. After college, I moved to LA to break into the film industry – starting out as a Production Assistant. During this time, I was simultaneously filming my first film in the Bay Area – which I had gotten funding for through grants and Indiegogo. This meant long, 5-to-6-hour drives every weekend from LA to the Bay Area, and back to LA to make it to work on Monday morning. It was exhausting. Not only was I working every day in LA on the weekdays, but I was also working every weekend – I forgot what it was like to have a day off. It turned out to be the perfect recipe for burnout, which unfortunately, the film industry often promotes. After a few months of this, I was beginning to question everything. I watched as my friends from college either pursued grad school or found steady, full-time jobs making an actual sustainable income. Meanwhile, I was making minimum wage (or below), and doing coffee runs for people with the mindset that I was “paying my dues.”

One day, I officially reached burnout. After work, I called one of my friends in tears, thinking that this was the end of me pursuing my dreams in LA. I remember her telling me, “It’s the people who quit who don’t succeed.” And for some reason, those words really stuck with me. It made me re-evaluate everything I was doing. To set myself up for success – and to not quit – meant I needed to start taking care of myself. The work-hard, play-hard mentality just didn’t feel sustainable. I learned the value in taking much-needed breaks from work – and just simply being kind to myself.

Another thing I learned during this critical turning point in my early career was not to compare my journey to others. This was an important one for me. If I truly believed in myself as an artist, success would happen if I didn’t give up. I just needed to understand that success would happen on my own timeline. As a filmmaker, there is no linear path to success – we each will hit milestones within our careers at different points in life. This is something that I honestly still struggle with – I think a lot of us do! I’m always trying to remind myself that my path is my path, and it will never be the same path as anyone else. I just have to keep doing what feels right to me – and this will lead me to whatever I define as success.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. 
When I first decided to make the leap into the film industry, I specifically wanted to amplify and shine a light on the people and stories that you don’t hear enough in mainstream media. During college, I interned at CNN for two summers, and was disheartened by the lack of diversity in stories that were being told. With my film career, I wanted to do the opposite.

The first film I ever directed was From Incarceration to Education (FITE Film) – a short educational documentary about formerly incarcerated students at UC Berkeley and their paths to higher education (shoutout to Shalita, Clarence, David, Richard, and Berkeley Underground Scholars!). The film has been screened around the world at jails, prisons, youth detention centers, college campuses, and it is currently being screened across the California prison network. Seeing the impact this film has made in the lives of those who have seen it has been truly amazing. Many have pursued higher education and are now the people changing legislation and making real-world change.

I’m most proud of the stories I help amplify through my films – and the lives of the viewers who are positively impacted by them. Film is such a powerful tool, and it’s an exciting thing to see the impact that a film can have on an individual, a community, or the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a long list of places to go in LA that is always growing, BUT here are some of my favorite spots:

1) My all-time favorite place in LA is the Museum of Jurassic Technology. As the name suggests, it’s a museum of old ideologies and technologies that were at one point in time thought to be true. I go there when I need any ounce of creative inspiration – or a distraction from life. I’ve brought many friends here, of all backgrounds and interests, and everyone leaves with something to say. I love how it evokes conversation and a memorable, lasting shared experience.

2) Another favorite activity is going to California Market in Koreatown to buy a superfluous amount of snacks, then going to Hollywood Forever Cemetery to picnic in the Garden of Legends. Even better if the peacocks are out roaming around.

3) Favorite food & bars: Guelaguetza (get chapulines!), Crudo e Nudo, Giorgio Baldi, El Coyote, Taqueria Tijuana, NIGHT + MARKET Sahm, Jackson Market & Deli, Cobi’s, Las Perlas, Found Oyster, Zebulon (my favorite music venue), and Coni’Seafood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family! Even when they didn’t necessarily like the risky professional decisions I made in my career, they still supported me no matter what. Their constant encouragement means so much to me. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

I’ve also had so many amazing friends and mentors who made me who I am, and who have helped guide and support me during my lows and highs. Just to name a few: Clarence Ford, Priscilla Gonzalez Sainz, Dave Stark, Taylor Anderson, Taryn Anderson, Samah Dada, Ryan Koehn, Reaa Puri, Sarah Jordan, Mark Berger, Rachel Hiraoka, and sooo many more amazing people!

Website: www.skylareconomy@gmail.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seconomy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkylarEconomy