We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Keaton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel , 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.
Honestly, that’s something I continue to battle as my career is progressing. One comforting thing about it all is that I know MOST creatives go through it at some point. So many artists that I enjoy and respect have said they “feel like a fraud,” when all of the work starts to pay off. Especially if their career takes off at a faster pace than others. There’s noble peace prize winners who don’t feel worthy. Oscar Winners! Who am I to say I’m not worthy of recognition when I’ve put in the work?
For me- I just try and let that feeling wash over me. I acknowledge it and then move on to thoughts that are productive to the kind of work I want to do. I focus on the accomplishment I feel from the work and try to focus less on whether I feel “worthy” of the attention or recognition I recieve. I know I put the work in. I know I care about my craft. That’s all I need to know about myself.
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?
Rachel Keaton is a passionate filmmaker based in Los Angeles, with a background in theater performance from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). After graduating, she immersed herself in the film industry, taking on various roles including PA, 2nd AD, Boom Operator, and Background Actor. Her determination to be on set fueled her growth and deepened her understanding of the filmmaking process.
In 2022, Rachel stepped into the director’s chair for the first time with her short film, Both Sides Now, a familial slice-of-life drama that has since garnered recognition at multiple film festivals, including Lift Off Global. Following this success, she directed her second film, Joshua Tree, a horror sci-fi short currently in post-production.
In addition to directing, Rachel has honed her skills in editing and producing, and is currently signed on to produce a soft sci-fi short film for a friend, as well as serve as producer/director for an upcoming TV series in the casting phase.
With a strong belief in the collaborative nature of filmmaking, Rachel values her background in acting and her diverse experiences on set, allowing her to approach each project with empathy and creativity. She thrives in the challenge of bringing stories to life on a budget, finding that constraints often inspire the most innovative solutions.
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?
Looking back on my journey as a filmmaker, I believe the three most impactful qualities have been adaptability, collaboration, and a continuous desire to learn.
1. Adaptability. Life in general is never going to go exactly the way you imagine it. Making a film is no different. As a director and writer who has a distinct vision, I’ve found that, no matter how much you plan, often things don’t quite pan out exactly as you pictured it. There could be a number of reasons why, but I find it most productive to just evaluate the obstacle and immediately go into problem-solving mode. Some of the best shots/moments in my films came from rerouting and adapting when something went wrong. The ability to be flexible and roll with the punches is an enormous advantage when working on a project. Every single film set I’ve been on has had some kind of “hiccup” in the production process. What matters most is how you adapt.
2. Collaboration. What I love most about directing is working with other filmmakers to bring a story to life. From the cinematographer to the assistant director to the production assistant, each person brings a part of themself to the project in order to achieve a vision. I’ve found that the more you’re willing to hear out others’ ideas and foster a collaborative atmosphere, the more enjoyable and rewarding the project will be. Each collaborator is vital. Each person has ideas that could prove valuable in telling the story. For anyone trying to get into directing, I suggest actively seeking out collaboration opportunities, whether through workshops, local projects, or online communities. Building relationships and learning from other artists is invaluable.
3. Desire to Learn. The willingness to improve and seek knowledge has been crucial in my development. Whether it’s picking up editing shortcuts or seeking advice from fellow directors, this drive has kept me evolving as a filmmaker. With the desire to learn comes the openness to admit that you are not perfect. You will make mistakes. But what you learn from those mistakes is so incredibly valuable for your journey as a storyteller. My advice is to stay curious and take advantage of resources like YouTube, Master classes, and mentorships from people in your immediate network. There are people who have been in your exact shoes. Why not be open to learning from them?
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am constantly looking to meet new collaborators and connect with filmmakers in every discipline. I want to work with anyone and everyone is who driven, easy to work with, and willing to take big risks. When I think about the kind of stories I want to tell I picture a solid group of artists equally bringing something to the table. Right now I feel it is important to building your network sideways. Instagram is my main form of communication. Or I can be contacted directly through my industry email: officialrachelkeaton@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelkeaton_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rachelkeaton4433
Image Credits
Tyler Schnabel, Cory Messer.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
