Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Susan Morgan Cooper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Susan, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I grew up in a tiny village in Wales with 200 people and 400 cows. It was a small world, but our house had a study with dark blue velvet armchairs and lots of books. There, my world became limitless. My parents always assured me that I could be anything I wanted to be…and I believed them. In my twenties , I came to Los Angeles and married a brilliant doctor who said, ‘Never limit yourself. Let society limit you.’ So… optimism was a theme . When I wanted to be an actress , I managed to score a role in a Clint Eastwood film. After I met a young Croatian girl who was suicidal because her mom had died during the Balkan war, I told her we would make a film together. I’d never used a camera or sound before, but during the fighting in Croatia I directed my first documentary, Mirjana. One New Year’s Eve, I persuaded a group of eight friends that we should go to the Ahmanson Theater and see Phantom of the Opera. We had no tickets , but It never occurred to me that we wouldn’t get in…so of course we did! Afterwards …my friends called me ‘Phantom of the Optimist.’ In my last film I defended a father who had been sentenced to life without parole after his toddler son had died of heatstroke in his car. The man was hated and called a murderer in the press and on social media. I believed I could help prove his innocence … and so I did. My film convinced the Supreme Court to dismiss the murder charge and the man will be released this year. That’s how I live my life : I decide on a goal and then go get it….always believing, willing it to happen. Truly, it works!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
When I lecture at universities , much to the dismay of the professors, I tell the students that documentary film making is the shortest route to poverty I know. But I feel incredibly lucky to be able to make these films. Documentaries have the power to bring about change, to make a huge difference, both in the lives of the subjects and in the lives of the audience. My first film Mirjana saved the life of a sixteen year old Croatian girl who was suicidal at the time and today is happily married with two young boys. My film Mulberry Child dealt with immigrant parents who sacrifice so much to bring their children to the U.S. for a better life. Their children, growing up here with freedom of speech and education, and luxuries are often totally unaware . The film led to Chinese American children opening up conversations with parents and grandparents and a much greater appreciation for what they have been given. To the Moon and Back about Putin’s Russian Adoption Ban was given a Congressional Screening and led to the passing of the Inter Country Adoption Law making foreign countries more accountable with adoptions. Miles Harrison, the subject of that film says that I saved his life..[ He had tragically caused the heatstroke death of his toddler after leaving him unknowingly in a car] My film , Fatal Distraction helped the public be less judgmental and more understanding of the phenomenon of caring parents accidentally leaving their children behind in a hot car. That film helped pass the HOTCARS Act which mandates alarms in all new cars, alerting parents of a child left behind. It also helped overturn an innocent father’s prison sentence of life without parole . My new film is about the search for lost family where a young woman searches for the child she gave up for adoption at fifteen , and her sperm dad who she did not know. All my documentary journeys are hugely exciting , and my subjects become like family to me.
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?
The three qualities I would recommend are : Always have an optimistic attitude that you can overcome all obstacles in achieving your goal.
Tenacity is hugely important. Keep on working towards that goal. Even if you take baby steps …you are moving forward.
Kindness and patience will always get people to respond to you and stay loyal to you on your journey
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
It takes teamwork on any project. I always say, ‘ The goal is to leave our egos at the door and make a good film’. The energy on set is paramount. My D.P. on Mulberry Child and To the Moon and Back ,Quyen Tran, worked invisibly …like a fly on the wall. [She has since moved on to big budget films.] Now my D.P. is Alexandra Cooper ,my daughter. Trained at the Art Center, she has the best eye for composition, and her quiet calm is what helps me get the most vulnerable interviews. My editor, Bipasha Shom is artistic, intelligent and flexible. Lara Thomas, my ex -assistant, became my Co-Producer on my last project because her research was so thorough, and she covered all the bases.
Directing and writing for my films brings me great pleasure. Producing…not as much. How lovely would it be to have someone give me money for the budget , or find me investors. Then I wouldn’t have to struggle and often have to spend my own money or rent out my place to be able to finance my film. I’ve had three incredible assistants in my career. My last Lara left to have a baby. I am not a techie and so it would be lovely to have another assistant part time to help me. I love people who are as passionate about film as I am and I’m willing to help people progress. I always say that everyone who has worked for me is hugely successful while ‘I am still working in my garage!’
Contact Info:
- Website: susanmorgancooper.com
- Instagram: Susan Morgan Cooper
- Facebook: Susan Morgan Cooper
Image Credits
Alexandra Cooper
