Meet Annette Galloway

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annette Galloway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Annette, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?

As creatives, the challenges we face when encountering obstacles are often far more personal and intense than what others may experience. Our creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s our livelihood, our very essence. So when the words stop flowing or the visions halt, it can feel like losing a part of ourselves. It’s a reality that even the most accomplished creators face at times. Personally, when I find myself in this place, I don’t try to force the ideas or pressure myself to push through. Instead, I lean into the discomfort, allowing boredom to wash over me, trusting that in the stillness, something—either from within or from the world around me—will reignite the spark. One of my favorite ways to ease this tension is by taking a break and going to the movies. I treat myself to popcorn with extra butter, one of life’s simple pleasures, and I let go, genuinely relaxing. Before I know it, fresh creative thoughts begin to flow effortlessly. I wish there were a surefire, universally reliable method to overcome creative blocks—something that would take the guesswork out of those frustrating moments. But I’ve come to realize that the key isn’t in pinpointing exactly what causes these blocks or how to make them vanish. The real magic lies in trusting that the stories, ideas, and visions within us will eventually emerge—provided we continue to believe in them and in ourselves.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a filmmaker—director, writer, and cinematic storyteller. My journey began in front of the camera as an actor before eventually transitioning behind the scenes, culminating in earning my MFA in Film and Television Directing. From a young age, I knew this was the path I was meant to take. But growing up in a small city in Ohio, with no direct connections to the entertainment industry and being a first-generation college graduate, the dream seemed like an impossible mountain to climb. Yet, over time, I’ve learned that anything is possible if you believe, follow your heart, and trust in the divine. Despite the challenges and the gatekeepers along the way, perseverance truly pays off.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been completing my debut feature film JUST A FRIEND—a rom-com that had a limited theatrical release and is soon to be available on streaming platforms worldwide. And the journey continues! I am thrilled to announce that we’re preparing to film the long-awaited sequel, MORE THAN FRIENDS in Fall 2025.
I continue to push boundaries, create opportunities not only for myself but for others, and look ahead to the day when I can help you bring your story to life. There are no limits to what we can achieve as long as we keep dreaming big. Yes, I would love to help tell your story. Find me @Justafriendthemovie

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

As I mentioned earlier, perseverance has been a cornerstone of my journey because there will inevitably be countless moments when giving up feels like the easier option. But that’s when the next crucial key comes into play—believing in yourself. It’s essential to rise above the noise of others’ opinions and, more importantly, stay anchored in what you know. Trust your instincts, your passion, and your purpose.
To nurture this belief, continuously work on honing your skills. Whether it’s through group classes, self-study, seeking out a mentor, or immersing yourself in workshops—never stop learning. The more you invest in your growth, the closer you get to mastering your craft. Aim to be the best version of yourself in whatever path you choose, because the journey is just as much about personal growth as it is about success. Keep pushing forward, and let your commitment to learning propel you to new heights.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We are currently open to collaborating with crew and other creatives in the Chicago land area or those willing to work as locals on micro budget films: Producers, Distributors, Cinematographers, Editors, Production Designers, Assistant Directors and talent. Inquire about other roles if not mentioned. Send info to justafriendfilm@gmail.com, when inquiring please include your rate.

Image Credits

Images Just A Friend, LLC