We’re looking forward to introducing you to Deborah Hadfield. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Deborah, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Movies are always my way of losing track of time. No matter how I feel gong to the cinema lifts my spirits. If ever I am feeling lost a good film, especially an uplifting inspirational movie helps me find myself want back from anything.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Under the banner of Queen Bee Films I write, direct and produce movies. Our brand is underpinned by creativity, kindness, faith, hope and love. My faith is the driving force of telling stories on the big screen. My USP is I follow my heart even if all the pieces aren’t in place for a project once I commit to it I find a way to make it happen. As a writer of film scripts I adore brainstorming ideas and then exploring how we can make them a reality. As a producer it’s fascinating to build a team and gather the resources to empower them to make a movie that exceeds our wildest expectations. As a director I it is a joy to work with my cast and crew to tell stories that inspire and shine light on the infinite possibilities of life and love.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
As a teenager I worked as an usherette at a cinema. Not only did it give me the chance to watch movies while being paid but it led me to the greatest friendship of my life, Beryl. She became equal parts best friend and adopted Mother. Until her death we shared adventures, the longest conversations and a deep spiritual faith. She supported my dreams and made me believe it was worth following them regardless of the outcome. She encouraged me to pursue education when my family were opposed. At 17 when I left home her support was pivotal in helping me get to university. She helped me see myself in a whole new light. Beryl helped me look inside and see anything was possible. Her faith in me taught me to have faith in myself. We also shared a Christian faith. Her love, kindness and guidance helped me grow into a woman who dares to take the step and trust the path will appear when I do. Also that I could dare to dream with no fear of if they came true.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Losing many people I love has led to the deepest grief. The pain of losing my husband Stephen, Father Robert, best friend Beryl. Nephew Danny and twin brother Garry cast the darkest shadows. On many occasions I lost myself in the grief. Often continuing my life on auto pilot. My brother’s death took me to a very dark place. With the help of my family and friends I started the journey to recovery. But it was making my movie The Chocolate Club in his memory that helped me soothe my soul. The story of how strangers find their way out of the darkness together was the therapy I needed to ease my pain too. Turning that hurt into telling a story of how people help each other was cathartic and inspiring. Telling stories is how I make sense of my life and the world. it brings me joy, light and a sense of purpose.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My husband Stephen and I shared a poem when I studied English as a teenager. Sweetest Love by John Donne spoke of keeping those we love alive in our hearts even when we are parted. It inspired me to write a movie Sweetest Love which tells the story of a Royal Marine Captain and the love of his life Angela. In 2012 I secured 5 million pounds in funding for me to direct. 2 months after signing the deal my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I put aside all work and movies to focus on caring for him. He died within a few months. A year after my neck collapsed with stress and was rebuilt with titanium. Eventually I recovered and returned to film making. Having made 3 movies now and in pre-production for a 4th I am building my craft so once I have the finance I will make the Sweetest Love movie in Stephen’s honour.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My hope is people will remember me for my faith, my stories and a willingness to dare to dream. My story will also have an its roots in being a great Mother. That maternal instinct also extends to caring for my friends and my film family too. Sharing stories, adventures and creativity is exciting but it’s the people who you travel with that make the difference. Supporting them as they do me is true blessing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.queenbeefilms.com
- Instagram: @queenbeedeborah
Image Credits
all copyright queen bee films and Deborah Hadfield
I have the rights to them
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
