Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacia Crawford.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stacia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a Director/Writer/Producer currently living in Atlanta. I started off my career as an actor in my teens. In my twenties, I grew impatient waiting for someone else to create work for me, so I formed SaigeBelle Films in 2006 with the intention of producing and writing my own projects. By that time, I had already written and produced a handful of short films in NYC and felt that producing was a solid career move, to accompany my acting. By 2017, I made the jump to directing films and television, all the while still continuing to act in all of my projects.
Most recently, I directed two thriller feature films and several episodes of two true-crime television series. As a producer I helmed five feature films with Mar Vista Entertainment, in addition to several independent feature films. Prior to narratives, I co-directed/produced various unscripted series for NBC/Esquire, The History Channel, A&E, AMC, Spike, Logo, Pivot, Blaze TV, MTV; along with several web content shows, most notably My Space. As a writer, I have written two novels (Kit Ten, The Space Between), several screenplays, and co-created four original dramatic television series, (Driving Under The Influence, Wildcatters, American Caesar, Senescent) all currently in development.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like everyone else, there have been times in my career where I’ve wondered if I’m on the right path, doing the thing I’m meant to do, because sometimes the struggle to complete a project is so real. The dominoes have to fall in precisely the right way, at the right time. There have been so many uphill battles, but eventually there always comes a resting plateau, and if we’re lucky, a modicum of success. Every industry is difficult, and the Film Industry is no different. Our work is rarely consistent. Our lows tend to be rock bottom and our highs soaring, so I think the most challenging part is managing the stagnant times, and keeping the ego in check during the high times. However, opportunities are endless; storytelling alongside incredible creatives and seeing it all come together in the form of a touching story on screen is well worth it.
SaigeBelle Films – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The root of my company name means “wise, southern women.” Hailing from the South, I’ve always had a soft spot for Southern Gothic stories, ones full of nuanced depth. I’m interested in people’s journey, but moreso interested in the impetus and grit of their path. I’m also very analytical by nature and come from a law enforcement family, so Crime/Thrillers interest me. But sometimes I jump to the other end of the entertainment spectrum and work on Holiday movies.
Having both an acting and a producing background, I come to directing with the best of both: a balance of right-brained creativity and left-brained sensibility. I consider myself an esoteric storyteller; visuals are stimulating yet layered with deeper information, and performances are nuanced yet strong. I work well with actors because I’m one of them, I speak their language. I’m also a very budget friendly director. I know how hard a producer’s job is to keep a film on time and on budget, and I come to a project with a myriad of creative options. It’s up to the above-the-line to set a good example. I like to give back to young filmmakers. I typically work in conjunction with a local college, having students intern on set in exchange for class credit. So many aspiring filmmakers don’t know where to begin, or what their interests truly are, until they’re in the fire. I like to give them a place to work their goals, in an environment that will be educational yet understanding, while they see firsthand the dedicated, hard-working crew members honing their craft.
How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
Success is working when you want, on what you want, with whom you want. To me, that means telling a story that moves me, with people that inspire me to be a better raconteur and a more well-rounded person. I am attached to direct a couple of films slated to begin in late 2020/early 2021, which I’m excited about. Also, keeping the faith that exciting projects are lining up; not knowing what’s coming next, or who I’m going to work with, is always thrilling.
Continuing to direct narrative films and television episodes is my main focus. Continuing education is part of my plans for the future as well. Listening is imperative: listening to my peers’ stories of success and failures, listening to my acting partner in a scene, listening to my mentors’ cautionary tales. And continuously studying: watching as many films as I can, appreciating the varying forms of storytelling, attending Q&A’s after screenings, hearing other filmmakers’ experiences and how they liken to or differ from mine. When you know yourself within your craft, you are empowered. When you accept yourself, you are invincible.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.SaigeBelleFilms.com
- Email: SaigeBelleFilms@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @StaciaCrawford
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staciacrawford13/
- Twitter: @Stacia_Crawford
Image Credit:
Mike Moon; Ashly Covington; Rebecca Kuzma
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