We recently connected with Ilaria Serantoni and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ilaria, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I believe we are the biggest obstacles to ourselves, especially as creatives. We can hardly have an objective opinion on our work and skills.
I’m still afraid that the people around me will discover that I’m actually not as good as they think. But then I ask myself, is it really like that? If I remove fear from my thoughts, what remains?
By removing the fear of failure, you remain a person with skills and dreams. We are all different; we all have different skills. It is thanks to this diversity that the art world can evolve. We must not be afraid of other people’s judgment, or our own. Recognize fear, put it aside, and focus on your goals
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an Italian artist with a background in fine arts. After studying in Rome and Birmingham, I started working in the world of cinema and then moved to New York. I work as a director, director of photography or gaffer, and it’s extremely rewarding. As a woman in a predominantly male sector, I am pleased that the working dynamics function well. I’ve met beautiful people on set. The sets are always magical places; there are continuous exchanges of ideas, respect for the work of others, and many professionals who collaborate to make the scene perfect.
Among the various projects on set, I’m about to release a short film that I’m particularly proud of. It symbolizes independent film, made with a very low budget but containing a lot of talent and generosity from all the participants. It’s a 16-minute psychological thriller. I won’t reveal anything else because I hope to be able to show it to you soon.
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?
I try to choose three, one for each category.
As a quality, I would absolutely say resilience: the ability to absorb a shock without breaking. It means that despite all the unexpected events and adversities, we continue to move forward with our gaze fixed on the goal.
In the world of cinema, and in general, there are many adversities and unexpected events for which we are not prepared. But it’s the mindset that makes the difference. Don’t get discouraged and turn adversity into an opportunity.
As a skill, I would absolutely say communication. You work in contact with other people constantly, often under stress and deadlines. Don’t get carried away by tiredness; always stay in high spirits and respectful of the people you work with. Try to have a clear idea of what you want and communicate it precisely, using few but clear words.
Regarding expertise, when I find myself directing projects, it is important for me to have in-depth knowledge of all the departments that make up a set. To best realize your vision, it is important to know how to realize it technically, regarding lights and the set; emotionally, regarding the language to use with the actors; and visually, to strike the spectator’s subconscious through art design and costume.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
It’s very common to feel overwhelmed in the arts. We are the creators of our art and our work; everything passes through our mind, soul, and imagination.
In a field where you always have to create and reinvent yourself, and in an economy that often doesn’t help, it’s easy to give up.
My advice is to accept yourself. Accept those moments of sadness, where everything seems lost, where we think that our choices are all wrong. Cry. It’s important. Once the tears are over and your mind is clear, remember why you are doing it. Because you want your art to be alive and appreciated. What messages do you want to send? What story do you want to write? Who do you want to give a voice to? Who do you want to make dream?
Remember what pushed you until now to choose a difficult path but one that allows you to work with what makes you happy. And again, if you remove fear from your thoughts, what remains?
Contact Info:
- Website: ilariaserantoni.com
- Instagram: @Ilaria_serantographer
