We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Vogel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
A huge part of my confidence was built through dance. I spent years performing for the NBA, WNBA, AHL, and in studios—and that experience was transformative. Funny enough, dance can either make you feel unstoppable or incredibly self-critical, and I definitely felt both. But over time, it taught me how to reclaim my power. I stopped obsessing over how I looked and started focusing on how I felt. Dance gave me the freedom to own my femininity, express emotion through movement, and most importantly, feel strong and sexy in my own skin. It taught me that my body is a vessel for storytelling—and that mindset changed everything.
That foundation of self-expression through movement made it easier for me to be vulnerable on-screen as an actress. When Acting, I tap into that same authenticity and presence I learned through dance. That’s what allows me to deliver performances that people can truly connect with. It’s not about perfection, it’s about being real, raw, and grounded in who you are.
Then there’s the Independent Film Producer side of me and she has her own origin story. I didn’t just wake up one day with a title. I earned it in the trenches of independent filmmaking, learning every single role on set, figuring it out as I went, and building a reputation for being detail-oriented, solution-focused, and unshakably reliable. I’ve worked on multiple features both in front of and behind the camera, and now I lead projects with the confidence that comes from doing the work.
What’s helped me grow most is trusting my instincts. When you’ve built something from the ground up, from script to screen, there’s a quiet kind of power in knowing exactly what you bring to the table. And yes, I’ve learned it’s okay to own that. So, here’s me saying it: I love what I do. I’m great at it. And I bring passion, heart, amazing energy and a little sparkle to every set I’m on.
That blend of creative vulnerability and production know-how is the root of my confidence and it’s made me the artist, collaborator, and person I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At my core, I’m an artist with a business brain and I wear both hats proudly. I’m an actress and the Co-Founder of West America Film Company, which I run alongside my amazing production partner, John Bombay Gutierrez. We specialize in micro-budget independent feature films that don’t just entertain, but challenge, inspire, and spark conversation. We are proudly Hispanic-owned, Asian-owned, woman-owned, and of course guy-owned too!
I handle the logistics and organization for our company and serve as lead Producer on set—which means I’m usually the one making sure everything runs smoothly while also making sure no one forgets to eat. I take pride in being detail-oriented, solution-focused, and a solid communicator. I really care about the people I work with and the stories we tell. I want every project to feel personal. I thrive on connection, clarity, and making sure everyone feels seen and supported while we bring something meaningful to life. Independent films can feel like controlled chaos, but I love the challenge of pulling all the moving parts together to create movie magic.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m exploring stories, sharpening my craft, and staying ready for the next opportunity that truly resonates. I’m currently developing a few personal projects and taking the time to collaborate with creatives whose voices inspire me. This season is about growth, alignment, and intentional choices.
Whether I’m acting, producing, or building something from the ground up; I’m all in. That’s the energy I bring to every project: thoughtful, driven, passionate, and maybe a little obsessed with color-coded call sheets… and a good Excel spreadsheet.
What excites me most about this chapter is getting to create and star in the kind of work I’ve always wanted to see on screen. Through West America, we’re not just telling stories; we’re shaping culture and giving voice to narratives that don’t always get the spotlight.
Stay tuned… We’ve got more films in development, exciting new collaborations on the horizon, and we’re just getting started!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I want to start by saying there are so many qualities I could list from organization, drive, motivation – all the things people usually expect. And those are important! But the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are Emotional Self-Regulation & Optimism, Professionalism & Reliability, and Kindness. They may not be the most obvious, but they’ve made the biggest difference and they’re not talked about enough.
Emotional Self-Regulation & Optimism
This industry will test you. There are long days, rejection, uncertainty and so learning how to self-regulate and keep a positive mindset has been everything! Don’t let your emotions or negative self-talk talk you out of your own greatness. Sometimes we doubt ourselves so loudly that we end up casting doubt in the minds of others too. You have to ground yourself and stay committed, especially when things get hard. Your energy matters—people gravitate toward those who stay calm under pressure, bring a can-do attitude, and genuinely want to be there.
Advice: Start practicing this early. Learn how to take a beat before reacting, build routines that support your mental health, and surround yourself with people who lift you up. Confidence is contagious and if you believe in yourself, others will too. And if they don’t … find new people.
Professionalism & Reliability
Be the person people can count on. Whether it’s memorizing lines, getting call sheets out, being on time, or just treating the crew with respect. Your reputation matters. In independent films especially, things move fast, and resources are limited, so people need to trust that you’ll show up prepared, present, and ready to work.
Advice: Take every opportunity seriously, no matter how big or small! Be the person who listens, learns, and follows through. You don’t have to know everything, but you do have to be dependable.
Kindness
Sounds simple but truly has a huge impact. Kindness isn’t just about being nice, it’s about being genuine, generous with your energy, and treating everyone like they matter. Because they do. We’re in the business of storytelling, which means we’re constantly tapping into the human experience. The best work happens when people feel safe, heard, seen, and respected.
Advice: Lead with kindness. The industry can feel competitive and chaotic, but staying grounded and rooted in who you are, and how you treat others, will always set you apart. You get the energy you give.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I think it’s a balance of both. It’s important to know your strengths and lean into them. There’s a reason they come naturally! Whether it’s talent, passion, or both, doubling down on what you’re great at allows you to stand out and excel.
That said, there’s real value in stepping into new roles and learning new skills. I started off as an actress, but I was always curious about how things worked behind the scenes. I knew I was naturally organized, a go-getter, and someone who liked taking initiative, so I started learning more on set and naturally fell into Producing. Turns out, I was not only great at it, but I genuinely loved it. And now, when I act, I have a deeper understanding of what’s happening behind the camera, which actually helps me flourish in front of it.
Exploring new skillsets makes you more adaptable and marketable, but it also gives you a broader appreciation for how all the parts come together. It helps you speak the language of many roles, which improves communication, collaboration, and leadership. And when you understand the full picture, you’re never stuck. You can jump in wherever you’re needed and also find new passions along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westamericafilmcompany.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/the_michellevogel
Image Credits
John Bombay Gutierrez
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
