We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chelsea Nott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chelsea below.
Hi Chelsea, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
It may sound cheesy, but I really have taken the saying “fake it till you make it” to heart. There’s been so many situations for me where it’s just a matter of winging it and remembering that no one knows what’s going on inside your head unless you let them. Part of that I think I learned from being a dancer when I was younger because we’re always taught that the audience doesn’t know if we mess up unless we show it on our faces. We learned the choreography – but they didn’t. So it’s kind of like a little cheat code.
Beyond that though, a lot of my confidence comes down to trusting myself and the decisions I make. I wouldn’t be able to trust myself so much if I didn’t listen to my gut on 90% of the choices I make, but because I do I’m able to stand behind my decisions and that- that really gives me the confidence I need.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi folks! I’m Chelsea Nott, a producer and filmmaker originally from St. Louis and currently studying and working in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. As a producer, it’s my job to take a story and turn it into a film through hours, months, and even years of development and production.
My brand as a filmmaker is one that hinges on blending authentic human stories with the creepy, absurd, and super. As an avid consumer of film and television media since I was a child, I consider myself to be a rainbow bridge between companies and consumers – finding the most unique stories that audiences are eager for while keeping productions on schedule and under budget.
I have 12 films under my belt currently, including one that has just taken home “Best Student Short” from the Kerry International Film Festival in Ireland. There’s more to come soon, so keep an eye out on the horizon for 2025!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Professionalism by far is the biggest skill that has both set me apart and pushed me forward. I think a lot of that for me comes from growing up in a military family – all the little things like learning to shake hands, making eye contact, you know. That I think is what made people give me a chance despite my age. I’m only 20, so in order for me to get opportunities I really have to nail those first impressions and all the little things that come with it. For anyone just getting started, I developed it early in my journey partially from my parents always reminding me of what to do when I would have job interviews, so I would say definitely listen and take advice when it’s given. But also I remember watching literal TedTalks on how to present yourself and talk to people, so explore those too.
And then with that, talking to people! It’s communication. Communication is really an umbrella term, but it encompasses everything from writing an email to delivering a pitch to being able to tell a department what to do on set. I think mastering communication is one of the best things anyone can do with their time regardless of their industry, but it’s one of those things where I recommend taking a “watch and learn” approach through shadowing someone and then doing as much on the job training as you can. I grew up watching and listening to my mom write emails and take phone calls for her work, so I definitely had a head start on structuring and how to word things. Even now, I’ll call her sometimes and run an email by her before I send it.
And then I would say humility is really what seals the deal. Kindness goes such a long way, especially in film. Our industry is really prone to people developing big ego’s and sometimes poor attitudes as a result. I live by the saying “people may not remember what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel”, and that really is so true especially on sets. We’re working 10, 12, sometimes 14+ hour days with one another. It’s so easy to get hangry or tired and accidentally snap or to get overwhelmed, so remembering to take a moment, humble yourself, and be kind – that speaks volumes.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I think I’m facing what every college kid is facing – uncertainty.
We’re in a very volatile time on all fronts. The industry is shaky and still figuring out this streaming format thing, the economy is unsteady, housing is at an all time shortage, I mean it’s really scary times for young adults right now who are just trying to survive.
What I will say though is that I have so much hope. I have met the most incredible, talented, compassionate people over the last 3 years at SCAD [Savannah College of Art and Design] and beyond. This generation of artists and creatives are changing the game, making our voices heard, and re-shaping the world.
For me, that’s how I’m kind of battling the uncertainty is by leaning on these incredible people I’ve met and continuing to write, produce, and create the stories that we want to see. These may be uncertain times, but there’s no one else I’d rather be going through it with than y’all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chelsean734.wixsite.com/chelsea-nott
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelsean734/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-nott/
Image Credits
Ziqiao Huang
Blade LeAnnais
Cindy Ord
Marina Frontani
Louis Comitz
Michelle Chwalą
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
