We asked experts from a broad range of industries to open up to us about things they know about their industry but that we probably don’t and we’ve shared some of those responses below.

Maria Capp | Independent filmmaker: Director, Writer, Producer, Teacher

There are many things about the independent filmmaking industry that outsiders are probably unaware of. The one thing that stands out to me as I stand here and reflect on my beginning journey 7 years ago is that this is a long, ardous, and very individual journey. No two paths are the same. There is no such thing as an overnight success either. A long journey: it takes years of consistent discipline whether that’s writing everyday, attending networking events and seeking out like minded industry professionals willing to “pay it forward” or simply creating, creating, creating content. An ardous journey: it’s hard. And there are some good days where you see the light; you see the result of your consistent work ethic only to wake up another day with another tall mountain to climb. An individual journey can only be explained from my point of view. Everyone’s journey is unique. For me what has served me over the last several years is to be patient, polite, professional and persistent. These four P’s have served me. This is NOT an industry for folks that believe it is an easy industry. This last year alone, I have worked a B job, worked on other’s IP as a producer, line producer, and production manager, written three feature scripts, found a sales / distribution partner for two feature films, two projects selected in a film festival, continually developing IP, screening other’s IP for potential option and so on. What drives me on a daily basis is the faith and commitment from my partner and husband to see things through and the clear vision of what I where I see my production company and where I see myself as a storyteller. I am inspired by Jane Champion’s Academy Award win at the age of 70 +!. Read more>>

Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani | Producer & Filmmaker

How intense and hard everything actually is. I think people get a little lost in the glitz and glam of this industry and kind of believe that it’s pretty easy to make films and different kind of content. It’s actually pretty challenging and every project has it’s quirks. I don’t want that to sound discouraging though, quite the opposite. I think the reason why I love this industry so much is that on every shoot you learn something new. It keeps you on your feet and it affirms my belief in how awesome and creative this industry can be. It’s pretty fun being a producer in this industry too because you meet so many cool people and you really bond over so many different creative aspects of a project. While it’s a tough place to be in, it’s worth the camaraderie, self-growth, and obviously the final product beit a film, a commercial or any other form of branded content. Read more>>

Jake Taylor | Actor & Server

Getting pinned for a project is the most nerve-wracking experience. You audition a few times put your heart into the scene or commercial only to find out there are three others pinned waiting on the edge of your seat to find out if you are going to be on set the next day. It was eye opening the first time. Read more>>