We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Eberbach recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley , thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?
As a female filmmaker and production company owner I have to communicate with many different personalities in a creative field daily. A lot about communication is listening and choosing when it’s time to have the attention. I lead at my best when it is with kindness and authority. I maintain my strong vision while combining that with other people’s ideas. In the 20+ years of working with people with unique strengths and talents, I strive to get those aspects of each person to shine. Good communication is everything. When people feel like they are part of the team and conversation, the best projects are made.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I started my production company Burn One Productions in 2005, specializing in film, video, print and post production services. I formed and funded the company by selling T-shirts with our brand logo on them to save money for small video and photo shoots. Once I got a big enough sample of work I began getting clients to hire my company for their projects. We have since grown exponentially and specialize in films, music videos, and brand content. I am very excited for a new sci-fi thriller film that I directed/wrote/edited to come out this spring called “Redo”. We are also currently in development on two feature films. Outside of my business I recently joined the board of directors for Southern Coast Academy, a program empowering the next generation of student athletes to become leaders on and off the court.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
To become a full time director, I worked in almost every department on set first. At the time it was the best way to make money and stay on set as I was learning. Understanding first hand-cameras, production design, script supervising, production, etc made me comprehend all the nuts and bolds of making movies. My biggest advice is to orchestrate a plan to work in your field until you reach your dream job. Stay the path and challenge yourself as technology and society evolves. Find the courage to learn as much as you can by doing. You learn what to do and what not to do when it’s your turn to be in charge.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents always showed genuine interest and support in my creative goals. Their encouragement is unmatched. I moved across the country from Michigan to Los Angeles when I was 19 dreaming of filmmaking. They were always the first people to remind me never to give up when it got scary or hard. From a pure foundational level, they have watched almost every movie and tv show out there so I was watching lots of movies as a kid. I also got my first 35mm photo camera when I was 8 years old because my dad is a collector and loves garage sales. I used our home video camcorder to make full films in my back yard at a very young age. My parents nurture my creativity and are still my biggest supporters. I feel lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.BurnOneProductions.com
- Instagram: @burnonepro
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-eberbach-368b9826/
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