Meet Stephanie McBain: Director & Writer

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

Hi Stephanie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There was no other option. I lived my whole life in my imagination. It was entertainment that would last all day, sparked by a simple moment. It’s crazy how a moment can have such an impact on someones life, alter their mood or inspire a story. I am a story teller by nature but pursuing a creative CAREER isn’t easy. The industry isn’t all that pleasant sometimes. It was about a year ago when I had to ask myself what my vision of happiness was. See we all have our own vision of happiness and it’s not what society says we should have or a level we need to reach to prove to the world that we can do it, etc. It’s about finding clarity of what makes us truly happy. I realized then that I made the right decision to pursue the arts. My heart is in it. I’m a writer, I’m a director, I’m a story teller and I’ll do it for the rest of my life regardless of it stays a passion or becomes the career I aspire it to be. It’s ironic because when I came to that realization, that’s when the stress and pressure went away and things really started happening for me allowing this to turn into a full time career. Very Blessed. 

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.
I am an actors director. That is super important in how I approach the films I get to direct. I studied theatre and specialized in vocal technique before moving over to cinema studies so I understand that it’s not what you say it’s how you say it. Obviously I’m a fan of holiday films (my last two films were holiday). Yes, they are corny and cheesy at times but I really enjoy the feeling and the message of those films. It’s been my goal as a director to work with the actors, explore the character, find those layers that make the characters more genuine and the film more realistic. It’s amazing how a simple tweak in the delivery of a line can make a huge impact. It wasn’t easy getting to where I am today. I feel like I’ve lived so many lives in the trenches. I pretty much jumped right in at a young age so it was a lot of harsh lessons learned very quickly. It was stressful and emotional, however, I’ve been pursuing the arts for 10 years and only the last 5 have been in directing and writing so I’d say in hindsight I’ve been extremely fortunate and I’m so proud of my projects. Every growing pain was worth it. I am aware of how blessed I am to be doing what I love. Some lessons I learned is that you have to sleep with yourself at the end of the night so if something doesn’t feel right or your character is being compromised I promise you whatever it is…it’s not worth it. Stay true to yourself, a better opportunity will come. As a director it is your vision, however each person on your team in an artist within themselves. Filmmaking is collaborative. People are on your team for a reason. You want their hearts to be in it too and you want them to do what they do best so listen to their ideas. A little trust goes a long way. Always do the best you can do with the resources available and the life experience you have, then you will always have a reason to be proud of what you create. A lot can happen in a short amount of time.

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?
Friday night we would go to eat at Rockwell Table & Stage, see one of their fantastic musical parodies because who doesn’t love a night of dinner theatre!? Saturday we would drive down to Santa Moncia, rent bikes and bike to and from Hermosa pier. It’s a beautiful trip! We’d have lunch, play some beach volleyball, jump in the ocean. That night we need to hit up a comedy club! The Comedy Store, Ice House, Hahas any of them! like I said, life is better with a laugh! Sunday we would have to do a studio tour because we’re in Hollywood. I personally love the Warner Brothers tour and Universal studios. Barneys Beanery for lunch because there is so much rocker and hollywood history there and cool decor. Maybe Monday we could go to the California Science Center, it’s super fun! I love museums. I’d love for them to stay the full week, but I’ve got to get back to work!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Grandma. She was the first person to believe in me and encourage me to pursue my dreams. Her and my mom have really been there through all the ups and downs of this emotional roller coaster of a journey. My dad, because I got my love for story telling from him. We also share a sense of humor that has come in handy. Life is better when you laugh. Kristi Kilday, saw something in me when we were editing my first short film. She went on to become a mentor and good friend. She produced my first two features, guided me through a learning curve of this business and trusted me and my abilities. There are many more people who have crossed my path thus far that I am grateful for. Filmmaking is a team effort. I’ve had wonderful cinematographers, great actors, fantastic producers, talented crew. They all played and continue to play a part in shaping my career.

Website: https://www.mcbainentertainment.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcbainentertainment/?hl=en
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mcbain-a0a16692
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph5cGF1_FP8
Other: https://tubitv.com/movies/553494/a-kiss-on-candy-cane-lane https://tubitv.com/movies/514503/roads-trees-and-honey-bees
Print: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1736168010/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PRFCZ7Y