Life & Work with Stacia Crawford of North Carolina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacia Crawford.

Hi Stacia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I like to say that I came out of the womb knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life – to have a career as a filmmaker. The dream started as an actress, but always ended with directing. When I was in my early twenties, I moved to NYC with $300 to my name. I had no idea how challenging the artist life would be, and I’m thankful for that, otherwise I might have let fear stall my journey. I ended up staying in NYC for almost a decade, and that time was spent immersing myself in education, mostly writing and taking acting lessons. Due to frustration over the limited roles I was auditioning for, I began writing screenplays and producing my own projects, with a tribe of like-minded artists. We had such creative muscles and drive, we just wanted to work it. With a few credits under my belt, I moved to California, followed by Atlanta, where I started working with a small studio producing films that premiered on streaming channels. In 2017, while producing a film, my supervisor asked me what I wanted to do next in my career. I had always wanted to direct, but I felt I needed to study more, as I wouldn’t get a second chance to make a first impression. A colleague (a DP) gave me a supportive nudge, and I finally had the gumption to say it out loud – “I want to direct.” I was then given an opportunity to bring forth a project. I was grateful and enthusiastic to showcase my talents as a director – and I’ve never looked back (even through Covid and the writer/actor strikes). I still produce and act on occasion, but directing fills my heart. It allows me to combine my experiences, from both in front of and behind the camera, to shape the words on the page into visuals on the screen. It’s very hard work, but so fulfilling. I also found a love of teaching acting workshops. Working with the next generation of filmmakers is inspiring, and I learn from them as much as they learn from me.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of breaking into the Film Industry isn’t an overnight success story, it’s more the opposite for most artists. Every city I lived in, at every stage of my career, I’ve learned something new about the craft, the people, the business, myself. Every project brings along with it a “well, I didn’t know that could happen!” event, along with triumphant moments. When I started in the 1990’s it was encouraged to pick a lane and stay in it, whereas now, being a multi-faceted filmmaker seems to be the best fit for me. Also, back in the 1990’s the inequality and injustice for women was a genuine obstacle that I had to navigate gingerly. Luckily, the film industry has changed over the decades, for the better in that regard. I often say “You meet the same people climbing the success ladder that you do falling down it,” – watching others in their climb, or fall, has helped shaped some of my choices. Also acknowledging what isn’t working, and my part in that, and then changing my perspective or my hold on the outcome in order to realign has been a great life lesson. The hardest part of getting a film completed is finding the financing, and the no’s along the way can be defeating. But as tough as it has been at times, I can’t imagine being anything else than an artist, a creative, a storyteller.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love catching one of my movies on television, randomly. All the memories of making it come rushing forward. I’m probably the worst person to watch it with though, as I tend to have commentary on each scene, (“Oh, that day was…” etc.). One of the most meaningful projects that I directed was, “Hidden in Plain Sight” (Netflix). It was my first feature as a Director, and I loved every moment of every day on that set. I also consider “A Unicorn For Christmas,” (Hulu) as one of my most prized projects. Everything about that film – from the words on the page, to the cast (and animals!) on the screen, and crew behind the scenes – was doused in love and the magic of Christmas. Entertainment Weekly included it as one of the best holiday movies to watch on Hulu – two years in a row! In addition to directing, writing, acting and coaching, I’m also an Intimacy Coordinator for TV shows, a much-needed position in the film industry and I take pride in that work. There are a few projects that I’m excited to be directing this year, and I’ve just completed writing a trilogy series, “Kit Ten”, which I hope to turn into a television series. And I’m always looking forward to what’s next to arrive on my filmmaking journey.

What matters most to you? Why?
Having a strong support system. Knowing there will be extreme highs and lows, and that most artists live in the midsection of unpredictability, which can be an incredible space for learning. Having integrity in the workplace. Knowing that communication, comfortability and consent is key on set. Listening to colleagues and scene partners. Leading with peaceful strength, not ego. Loving the art in you, more than you in the art. Realizing that rejection is just redirection. Practicing genuine kindness and gratitude. Knowing that if you don’t invest in yourself, you can’t expect anyone else to. Giving yourself an opportunity for a win.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.StaciaCrawford.com
• Instagram: @StaciaCrawford_Filmmaker
• LinkedIn: Stacia Crawford
• Youtube: @StaciaCrawford_Filmmaker
• Other: https://www.SaigeBelleFilms.com