We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Colton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Emily , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is a constant battle, like say, when a journalist reaches out for an interview, you think, why me? In order to combat this internal rhetoric, I try to ask, why not me?
I was recently asked to give a panel at my former workplace, speaking to college students about life in the film industry. I wasn’t so sure this was a good idea, having only been out of college and in the industry for about 3 years myself. I felt unqualified to talk about it. But when I thought about it, I realized my new-ness is a great perspective to hear from. I thought about when I was in school, I would have loved to hear someone be honest about the fact that they, and everyone else, are just making it up as they go.
This essential truth is the kernel I hold on to. No one knows exactly what they’re doing, so why not figure it out together? I believe this ego-last approach to filmmaking is a refreshing point of view for many who encounter me. When I start to feel like I don’t deserve to be in a room, I try instead to be grateful that I AM in that room, and do my best to learn all I can from the other people there.
The advice that I gave to the students that day, and will continue to remind myself is that comparison is truly the thief of joy. If I get caught up in comparing myself to all these other qualified people who have been honing their skills for far longer, I may forget to realize how far I have come, and have yet to go. The cure to imposter syndrome is gratitude, I may not know why I’m doing something, or how good I really am, but I sure can be grateful that I’m doing it.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an editor, I work for a youtube channel called Cinema Therapy. I’ve been with them for over 4 years and have gotten to watch the channel grow to 1.8 million subscribers in that amount of time. Along with that, I produce and edit bonus videos for the Patreons of the channel. Through this I have been able to play creatively in front of a supportive audience, from doing a parody “Hot Ones” episode, to a High School Musical cover music video, it has been very cool to make fun ideas happen.
Making things happen is the name of the game as an independent film producer. I have adapted my skills to help talented friends and colleagues achieve their creative visions. This summer I produced 2 independent films, and associate produced a pilot of a show for a new streaming service.
The film I’m most excited about is one I co-wrote and co-directed with one of my friends. It was the biggest thing I’ve produced to date, and it went better than I could have imagined. The film is called “Take Me To Your Leader,” about an alien that abducts a “burnout loser” and then demands he take him to his leader. This burnout then has to figure out who that even is, while also managing this rambunctious alien that just wants cookies.
My favorite part of producing is being able to bring talent together. Each time I make a film, I build a small community of cast and crew. It’s so fulfilling when they really get into the project and contribute their own ideas, solutions, and energy towards something that doesn’t exist yet. Many of the people I work with are also just starting out, and being able to give them opportunities to develop and display their craft is also rewarding.
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?
1. Networking – every job I have gotten in the industry has been through a connection. Go places, learn how to talk to people about what you do and what you’re good at. Make friends and plenty of acquaintances, and try to remember everyone’s name! You never know who will bring you the next project, so the more people you can talk to, the better your chances are.
2. Optimism – not enough can be said for the requirement that is having a positive attitude. I’m not saying “manifest and things will come to you”, I’m saying things are going to get hard and optimism and a little hope are absolutely necessary to get through it. Surround yourself with other people trying to do the same things you are. Celebrate your wins together and comfort each other in the rough patches.
3. Self Care – It’s easy to lose yourself in the work. I went through college and a couple years after being burnt out and feeling bad before I was really forced to take care of myself. Taking care of my brain and body is the only way I can ensure I have the energy to do all the things I want to accomplish. Eat good meals, get lots of rest, exercise and go to therapy! There’s no professional development to be had if there is not a professional there to develop,
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?
I’m always looking for people to collaborate with. Youtubers or films that need editors, filmmakers and directors that need producers, or other professionals just to keep in my rolodex, like sound mixers, animators, production designers. I love meeting new people and finding ways we can help each other accomplish our goals. Anyone can reach out to me through my website emily-colton.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emily-colton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebroodingwhale/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-colton-a519a4249
Image Credits
Clark Clifford
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