In life we most of the time approach the perspective of having to overcome struggles and disappointments, that we don’t tend to notice the easier path. Today I am speaking to a woman that once took the practical path in her career to realize her passion was in storytelling and made the decision to quit her job and dive into the film industry. She is an award winning and very talented filmmaker that is making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Here is my q&a with beautiful Annetta Marion.
David:
Hello Annetta, congratulations on your Emmy and Astra awards. What does it mean to you to have won the awards?
Annetta:
Thank you, David. It’s so nice to meet you. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me, too.
Winning these awards means the world to me!
When making a movie, you’re simply thinking about how to make the best movie you can. Then, when that movie means so much to so many, it’s the best feeling ever.
Especially these awards, the Emmy and the Astra, since our colleagues and peers choose the nominees and winners. NOTHING is better than being recognized by one’s community. Community is queen 🙂
David:
Take me back to the time you decided to enter the entertainment industry. What inspired you?
Annetta:
I didn’t go to film school (or art school, which I originally wanted to do); I went to engineering school instead, like many first-generation college students who decide to be more “practical.”
As an undergraduate, I took an English class with Dr. Lou Giannetti called “Understanding Movies,” which I loved. That class turned me into a big-time independent movie fan. But it never occurred to me that I could make the movies.
I had graduated and worked as a computer engineer when I accidentally directed my first short film and found my life passion. I absolutely 100% fell in love with telling stories in this delicious medium of film and television. I quickly quit my engineering job and started over in the entertainment industry.
And I’m still 100% in love with what I do, just as I was at the beginning of my journey.
David:
What about Michael J Fox’s story inspired you to make the documentary?
Annetta:
It was mostly director Davis Guggenheim’s big vision for the movie that got my attention: a first-person, deeply personal, and deeply moving movie with hope and optimism, with a great score and soundtrack, plus big recreations to boot!
And, of course, who doesn’t know and love MJF as a performer? What an opportunity to get to know Michael as a person and spend a few years with him. I had to say yes!
David:
As a woman in the entertainment industry. How do you rise above misogyny and ageism?
Annetta:
With a smile, my friend, with a smile 🙂
Seriously though, I’m confident that misogyny and ageism exist everywhere, not just in the entertainment industry.
So, I’ve amassed great chops in bravery, persistence, and empathy. I am entirely committed to my chosen life and will not go anywhere anytime soon. Maybe that’s the definition of rising above?
David:
Who’s someone who has influenced your career?
Annetta:
Oh my goodness, David, so many people!
Most recently, I’m so grateful to the talented and experienced directors Laura Belsey, Mary Lou Belli, and Bethany Rooney for their help on my current journey to directing scripted episodic television. I’m also grateful to my director mentor, the fabulous Kabir Akhtar, through the DGA Episodic Television Mentorship program. I’m also thankful to directors Allan Arkush, Rachel Raimest, Tara Miele, Hanelle Culpepper, Martha Mitchell, Jono Oliver, and Nicole Kassell.
Going back in time, I’m grateful to Steve Apicella and Rocky Collins, who hired me on my first gig in New York City; Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar, and Peter Wentworth, who gave me my first line-producing job on a feature film; and Nichol Simmons, who encouraged me to apply to the AFI Directing Workshop for Women … which I eventually got into.
I could go on and on, but the truth is, everything takes a village! Everyone, from the mentors to the colleagues, has played a significant role in my journey. Your support and guidance have been the bedrock of my success. Thank you all!
David:
Is there a particular actor or actors you would like to work with that you haven’t already?
Annetta:
Trent Reznor: I know he’s not usually an actor, but I’m just saying 🙂
Regarding actors, I’d love to work with Carrie Coon. Usher. Diane Ladd. Regina King. Justin Timberlake. America Ferrera. Jean Smart. Christine Baranski. Sofía Vergara. To name a few!
There are so many unique and talented people out there.
David:
What would you tell your teenage self if you could return in time?
Annetta:
That is such a great question, David!
I would tell my teenage self that it would all be OK. I would say that because I didn’t know everything would be OK for a long time. It’s what I’m telling myself now, too, and always, I suppose.
David:
What are some new projects you are working on?
Annetta:
I’m directing and showrunning a new docu-series that I’m SO very excited about! It’s been fast and furious… But I can’t talk about it quite yet.
My latest scripted film, the biting satire “Welcome to Theatre,” has recently started its film festival run. But that’s not all; I’m also in the post-production phase of another project, a spine-chilling horror movie called “Communion.” Stay tuned for more updates!
David:
What advice do you have for people struggling to make it in entertainment?
Annetta:
It is all about community… so find yours. Social media’s a lot easier now, so put yourself out there with what you want while helping others on their journey. Being of service to others is super rewarding and terrific. Join all the filmmaking groups you can find and become the members people can count on. Show up always consistently 100% or as much as you possibly can. Remember – you’ll likely get out of all those efforts that you put into it, so start as soon as you can and give it your all.
Have an open mind and an open heart. Learn everything you can, but pick and choose what works (or doesn’t) for your path.
If you aspire to direct, start directing immediately. (A special thanks to my dear friend and director colleague, Ed Ornelas, for this straightforward advice.) The technology in our pockets allows us all to make movies. So, this weekend, challenge yourself to make a short film with the resources and people readily available to you. It’s a fun and creative challenge I’ve enjoyed many times. So, don’t hesitate-just do it.
David:
Thank you for your time. Do you have any words of wisdom for all the readers?
Annetta:
Be kind, including to yourself.
Learn how to listen, really listen. That can be hard for extroverts like me, but it’s essential.
Practice saying what’s on your mind, including the tough topics, with love and grace. As my new friend and executive producer Caitlin McKinty says, “Clear is kind.”
Learn people’s and everyone’s names and use them when possible.
Understand that there are no mistakes; only opportunities exist to learn and grow.
Overturn every stone and continuously pursue what you want because you always need to figure out where that next step may be.
Thank you, David, for this incredible opportunity! I appreciate it, and it was super fun, too.