We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maegan La Trese Philmore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maegan La Trese , really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
Following my most recent layoff from Paramount, I used the downtime to dive deeper into the creative parts of storytelling and let that side flourish. During this period, I wrote and directed my second short narrative film, Soul Tie. I focused on developing intellectual property and building a network of rising creatives, creating a supportive tribe until the next job opportunity came along. It took time to land a full-time role, but I remained proactive by attending panels, workshops, and fellowships, shooting shorts, and volunteering. I made it a priority to network with people who genuinely had my back and kept pushing forward as an artist.
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?
For those who might be meeting me for the first time, my name is Maegan La Trese Philmore, and I’m a passionate film and TV producer, director, and activist. My journey in this industry stems from a deep love for storytelling and the desire to bring captivating narratives to life on screen. From a young age, I was fascinated by the behind-the-scenes work that goes into filmmaking, which naturally led me to pursue producing.
What excites me most is the balance I strike between creativity and logistics. As a producer, I don’t just focus on the creative vision; I also thrive on managing the nuts and bolts of production. From overseeing complex budgets and coordinating schedules to solving logistical challenges, I’m there at every stage to ensure that the vision comes to life seamlessly.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to production. I’m passionate about problem-solving, whether that means stretching a budget in innovative ways or ensuring that every aspect of a project aligns with the overall vision. I’m proud that my work isn’t just about creating entertainment but also about making a difference. I’m deeply committed to activism, using my platform to amplify voices and advocate for social change.
In terms of what’s new: Soul Tie’s world premiere will be at the Dominican Film Festival in NYC. I’m also in the process of selecting a director for an upcoming feature documentary about The Lady Chablis, and currently shopping DOMestication as podcast and series.
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?
Three qualities that were the most impactful in my journey are perseverance, problem-solving, and building relationships.
Perseverance: The film and TV industry is tough, and perseverance has been key to keeping me going. I’ve had to learn how to push through setbacks, stay focused, and keep creating even when things don’t go as planned.
Problem-solving: Producing is all about problem-solving. Whether it’s managing a tight budget or overcoming unexpected obstacles on set, I’ve learned to think on my feet and find solutions that keep projects moving forward.
Building Relationships: Networking is essential in this industry, but it’s more than just collecting business cards. I’ve focused on building genuine relationships with people who share my vision and values. Having a strong support system has been crucial in my journey.
My advice to folks who are early their journey, stay curious and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and challenge you to be better. Be resilient, because the path is never linear. Keep creating, even when the opportunities aren’t there, and make the effort to support others in their journeys, too.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always looking for my tribe. I believe in the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when passionate creatives come together. I’m open to partnering with people who are not only talented but also aligned with my values of creating impactful work that matters. If you’re a filmmaker, writer, or creative who wants to collaborate, let’s connect and create something meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: maeganphilmore.com hudsonphilmore.com
- Instagram: @hudsonphilmore
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maegan-la-trese-philmore-7727b1a/
Image Credits
Lounge Booth Sarah Morales Cristina Sasso
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