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Meet Elizabeth Blake-Thomas of Mother & Daughter Entertainment

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Blake-Thomas.

Elizabeth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Before making the jump into film directing, my journey in the entertainment business began in London where I was a theatre director for ten years. At the same time, I was accompanying my daughter Isabella, an actress, onto her sets. In 2011 we made the move across the pond to Los Angeles and everything snowballed from there.

Unlike many creatives in the entertainment industry who say they will do something but then are unable to follow through,I am all about completing my promises.

I said I would be a film director, so I am.
I said I would make movies, so I do.

When investors were limited, I did not let that deter me. I pushed hard and was able to raise 1.5 million dollars in funding to continue making movies. When that funding ran dry, I gave my own savings to continue making films. Just since 2016, I have now directed (as well as produced and often written) eight feature films, multiple short-form projects, and a variety of award-winning short films. The year 2020 is in no way slowing down, with at least four feature films on my slate, all under the banner of my production company Mother & Daughter Entertainment, which I founded with my daughter Isabella. I also have multiple contracted directing jobs in the works. Personally, I love to stay busy, so working on set wherever and whenever I can is key. Like I love to say, “I can sleep when I’m dead!”.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Although I have been fortunate to experience many smoother sections along the way, my road to today’s success has been rough. First off, being a woman in the entertainment business already comes with its own struggles, but I have remained persistent, proving my talent and truly knowing that I am capable. For directing positions in particular, women and minorities still struggle to get those jobs, despite the fact they would bring unique, crucial perspectives to behind the story and lens.

I have used my tenacity to push through times when some have said they would help and/or mentor me, but then never following through, even when I’ve politely kept on them. Due to these challenges, I have had to really rely on creating my own success. As previously stated, when I have had trouble securing funding, I dipped into my own pocket to continue being able to create and work on my craft as a director. To put it simply, I have, in all senses of the word, invested in myself. When others may not have been willing to “take a chance” I have had to take a step back and simply find a way to continue moving forward without them.

To add another layer to my story, I am a divorced single mum. Isabella, my teenage daughter, is a TV/film actress. Being a single mum comes with its own struggles, but Isabella is absolutely phenomenal and a young woman who I am extremely proud of. Moving from London to the US also added obvious distance from family and friends back in England. The large time difference is an adjustment, but I know that Isabella and I are where we need to be.

I am constantly networking with some amazing artists. The entertainment industry, with all its struggles and hardships, is still so inspiring to be a part of. Seeing billboards as I drive, picturing my latest project up there, fuels me to keep pushing. Traveling to different parts of the country and world, exploring new landscapes, always inspires me to imagine what projects I could film there. Knowing how hard it is in the industry, I try to mentor other female directors and filmmakers whenever I can. Whether that is over coffee, on a phone call with someone in a different state, or even an impromptu chat in the grocery store aisle, I always try to send the elevator back down. Knowing that everyone has struggled along the way, why not help where I can and alleviate the struggle of those looking for help and mentorship.

As you might guess, my schedule is often jam-packed in order to keep my momentum driving, but as I’ve said, “I can sleep when I’m dead!”

We’d love to hear more about your work.
“Mother & Daughter Entertainment” (MDE) is an entertainment company that I founded with my daughter Isabella when we had no investors, yet wanted to continue making content. We invested in our passion of filmmaking and started MDE. At MDE, we develop, create and produce entertainment, with three branches: “Mother & Daughter Film” (MDF), “Mother & Daughter Music” (MDM) and “Mother & Daughter Publishing” (MDP). Our company is motto is “Making Content That Matters,” putting focus on entertainment (whether film, TV, music, books) that change people’s lives. This change could be through a comedic release, an emotional connection, even a call to get up and take action.

In 2019, MDE also expanded and welcomed in another real-life mother/daughter duo to our team! Taryn Corbett-Kinney stepped in as Company CEO/President, and daughter Chandler Kinney paired with my daughter Isabella to be Co-Creative Directors. Aside from being a founder, I have taken on the position as Resident Director with MDE.

At MDE, we also focus on making content that parents can watch with their kids. A great example of an age-appropriate film that still raises awareness in our audience on a real-life issue is our latest short film, UNSEEN. Inspired by true events, UNSEEN follows the story of a small-town girl (FOX Empire’s Rhyon Nicole Brown) as she makes a simple social media mistake, leading her down a dangerous path, bringing to light the role technology plays in the facilitation of human trafficking and child exploitation.

Unlike many human trafficking films that focus on the graphic reality after one is trafficked, at MDE, we wanted to tell the story of a real lure tactic that traffickers use in today’s world. By focusing on the events leading up to being trafficked, UNSEEN avoids the use of graphic images and can instead be used as an educational tool for teaching kids what to look out for to try and stay safe. Due to the film’s main purpose of spreading awareness, we have made the film available for free on multiple platforms. (https://youtu.be/7KzrOmdwXGo and https://www.motheranddaughterent.com/unseen)

Another example of content we create is our current feature film “Evie Rose,” which is in the post-production phase. During the holidays, best friends 100-year-old Evie Rose and 15-year-old Charlotte reminisce on the beautiful memories of their friendship, but this Christmas is not as joyful as the past. Charlotte remains by Evie’s side as Evie Rose hangs on for the final day of her life. The heartwarming tale of “Evie Rose” is a film that children and parents alike could watch together to gain a better understanding of grief and loss. The film highlights the unusual friendship that defies the boundaries of age, yet can not avoid succumbing to the reality of sickness and health that accompanies getting older.

Our team at Mother & Daughter Entertainment is unique, for we are a core group of actual mothers and daughters. Being in the film industry, women are also still the minority in many positions of power, so our company is vital in changing the averages. We strive to tell unique stories from new voices, always being open to working with new creatives in the industry!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My Daughter Isabella Blake-Thomas – The one who has been with me the longest on my journey in the entertainment industry is my wonderful daughter Isabella. She is incredibly strong, and together we have navigated the turbulent waters of the entertainment industry.

Sean McNamara – Sean is a phenomenal director who has mentored me in so many ways. He was the one who told me “You should be a director.” When I asked him “How?” he simply replied with, “Just say you’re a director.” This small confidence in itself shifted my entire view and jumpstarted my career as a film director. He has mentored me through countless projects, also helped to produce a few along the way as well with company. A true friend.

Autumn Essie Bailey-Ford – Autumn is a producer in the industry and she has been so amazing. Having the support of another female filmmaker is quite hard to find in this industry, so Autumn’s support has truly been phenomenal and refreshing.

Larry Shapiro – Larry is a manager at one of the larger management agencies in the industry, Luber Roklin. He has been such an amazing mentor for me, helping to steer in me in the right direction for my career. He assists me wherever I can, also being a producer on past films of mine. Above all, he is also an amazing friend who is beyond supportive of my career.

Cindy Cowan – Cindy is a powerhouse in the industry, has been working for large production and distribution companies for a while now. She is always there to give advice or a helping hand when I need it. Cindy was actually an executive producer on my child trafficking film UNSEEN. She is so kind and I am honored to have her as a mentor.

Pricing:

  • “Filmmaking Without Fear” – Book and Online Masterclass Course pair ($249) – available Mid 2020

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Carina Jean Miller
Jena Willard

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