We’re so pumped about our conversation with Elizabeth Blake-Thomas. Elizabeth is a Storyteller (TV/Film Director) and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Elizabeth below.
Hi Elizabeth, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Elizabeth Blake-Thomas and I am a storyteller. I am the Co-Founder and Director of Original Content of production company Mother & Daughter Entertainment.
Can you give us a brief update on your last year as a filmmaker?
2020 brought some interesting shifts for many, including myself, but one thing that did not slow down for me was my creative workload. I shifted my energy and flow to accommodate the current circumstance and rather than cease work altogether, I honestly doubled my production rate! In 2020 I shot two feature films, a horror in March called “Death Link” and a romcom in November called “Will You Be My Quarantine?”. I produced two short documentaries, one inspirational and one environmental. I also created and currently host the entertainment podcast “Filmmaking Without Fear”, and wrote and published a book as well of the same name for indie filmmakers, available now on Amazon. In 2020 I focused on creative outlets that I could realistically control and safely achieve during such a whirlwind of a year.
Having now directed 7 feature films, 3 narrative shorts, and various other media projects over your career thus far, what is the next step for you as a filmmaker?
The word I love to constantly use is “elevate”. I’ve grown immensely as a filmmaker from my first project to my latest feature, but I’m always looking to get to that next stage, to grow even more. The problem I am running into now is being stuck on this middle level. I am too experienced for filmmaking grants or programs through Sundance, etc that would get my foot in the door of bigger rooms; yet I am not established enough to be given a shot on a studio or network set, even though I have put in plenty of hours to know what I’m doing.
Thinking outside of the box, how do you believe you can elevate from that middle stage?
I believe the only way that not only myself, but also all fellow indie filmmakers, can elevate from this middle stage is to collaborate together. We need to connect, giving first time opportunities, and then actually turn words into actions. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met in this industry who talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk. That was why I actually created my production company Mother & Daughter Entertainment. My daughter and I wanted to make films, but no one else was coming through quick enough, so we just did it ourselves. That is how I have made as many films as I have. I didn’t just wait around on empty promises, or get stuck on projects that never moved forward. I made things happen. At Mother & Daughter Entertainment we have taken on interns over the years that have been phenomenal. They also all happen to be young filmmakers fresh out of school, who had no professional experience prior, but I have found that they are the hardest workers for they are just grateful and immensely eager to learn. An added plus to interns, is that they often bring fresh new perspectives and ideas that teach me something new as well. First time opportunities like this are crucial for all of us indie filmmakers to be able to elevate in this industry. At this time at Mother & Daughter Entertainment, we are looking for fellow filmmakers and established entrepreneurs to collaborate with our team on future projects. We have a large slate of fleshed out, original films and episodics ready to go into production once funding is secured. We have a loyal crew with high-end equipment and are simply waiting for the right partners to help greenlight the next story. This could be anyone from an individual looking to be an exec producer on their first film, to a studio or network connection to collaborate with as a co-pro. Don’t be afraid to reach out to take that leap. If this would be your first exec producer credit, don’t be shy. Our company is established and can’t wait to show you the joys of creating a film.
If someone reaches out to collaborate after reading this article, what are the next steps and what’s the best way for them to reach out if they are interested in collaborating?
Once they’ve reached out, my company and I would present our multi-genre slate of projects to the collaborator, who would then choose which they would like to work on. Once funding is cleared, the fun bit starts! Pre-production can immediately begin, as our company has all the other connections and pieces at the ready. Within 12 months, the collaborator/exec producer will have a finished product, which will then move on to the final phase of sales and distribution. And there is nothing better than after putting in all that hard work, seeing your finished product on the big screen! Red carpet premieres, your name in the credits, being a part of a fun collaboration, creating art. As we’ve all learned this past year, life is too short. Art and media have been a saving grace for many during this hard time. There is always a market and need for good storytelling. Leave your legacy in the industry. Let’s elevate together!
Email elizabethblakethomas.mde@gmail.com with the subject line “MDE Collaborator” to connect on further steps.
Contact Info:
- Website: PRODUCTION COMPANY: www.motheranddaughterent.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethblakethomas
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethblakethomas/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Elizabeth_B_T
- Youtube: MDE: https://bit.ly/3bX3647
- Other: IMDb Page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6230910/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
Directing Showreel: https://vimeo.com/401574242
Image Credits:
Carina Jean Photo, Peter ‘Bob’ White, Duncan Johnson
