We were lucky to catch up with Selena Moshell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Selena, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
That’s certainly an ongoing journey. I would have to say that my confidence in my career has come from experience. Every time I’m able to step into my role as Director, or am even able to observe others around me when I’m working in another role such as AD, Art Director or the like, I try to absorb as many lessons as I can. I truly believe in the 10,000 hour tenant that the more you are exposed to something, or are able to gain experience directly, you are adding to the 10,000 hours it takes to master a skill. My self esteem is an even fluctuating question, for sure. From day to day I’m battling imposter syndrome if I”m being totally frank, but I’m fortunate to be surrounded by people who truly believe in me and are able to help bolster my self esteem when I need a boost!
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?
I feel so fortunate to co-own a production company that lives in the intersection of both film and live events. We recently produced a series of live shows for Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gilles across the country, most recently at the Kennedy Center in DC, but just a few months before these live shows, we were filming Kenny Loggins’ last live tour, which our agents at Buchwald are currently shopping. I have a deep love for both mediums of filmed and theatrical events, and am fortunate to have been able to step into the role of Director, AD, and Art Director in film and commercial projects, and Creative Director, Choreographer, and IMAG Video Director in Live Events.
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 would say three qualities I had that helped me most on my journey were a good attitude, a strong work ethic, and the willingness to try almost anything. I have learned the most by saying ‘yes’ to a variety of opportunities, from PAing for years on any set that would have me, to shifting into the Art Department when needed on various shoots, to moving into ADing when the executive producer of the commercial I was working on noticed me motivating my crew to keep to schedule, and finally shifting into Directing my own sets. The first time I would try to work with the new title I would be nervous, but utilizing a strong work ethic, I would try my very best to educate myself, find mentors, and deliver well above and beyond what was expected. But by far, the most important skill I work on is maintaining a good attitude, especially in high stress/high pressure environments. I have to remind myself, when I’m stressed, that I am so lucky to be working full time in entertainment, and that we are not performing brain surgery. (We just are filming a pretend one sometimes! ha!) Maintaining a positive outlook on the long hours of a film set or live event is priceless, and can change the experience for everyone around you.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Well the biggest change in my life is having a baby! Becoming a mother working full time in the entertainment industry is a daunting prospect, but I’m happy to report that my support system has helped me make the transition as smooth as can be expected in America. I honestly was worried about owning a business in entertainment and becoming a mom- would it ostracize me from the majority of my peers, would I miss out on opportunities, would I want to leave the industry all together? Turns out, none of these things happened (at least not yet!). Turns out, a LOT of people in the biz have kids and make it work, and a lot of the mentors and directors I admire have a family. It actually has helped me in a few ways by making connections to people I never would have otherwise, and getting to bond over pictures of our kids is actually way more fun than I ever thought it would be from the outside. Having a child has given me so much more perspective and balance in my life, and I’m forever grateful to be able to continue to be successful in this field while still nurturing this tiny person I get to hang out with every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mikkomia.com
- Instagram: @MIKKOMIAPRODUCTIONS
