Emily Skye of She Wolf Films is a Director/Producer and Screenwriter who has amassed a major social media following whilst documenting her experience as a filmmaker, as well as inspiring other writers and filmmakers along the way!
Emily has worked on a variety of projects, including TV drama 'The Erectors' on Amazon Prime, music videos, docuseries 'Binders Stash', and is currently attached to two feature films.
As well as dropping regular inspirational tips and advice over her IG account, Emily kindly took the time to speak with me regarding her experience in the industry which will give you a greater insight into the life and lessons learned behind She Wolf Films!
Let's welcome Emily to Into The Script!
Can you share with us what first inspired you to begin your career in this industry, and how your first ‘break in’ the industry came to be?
I always wanted to be a filmmaker, but the moment of true realization that I could be a working Director when I was 19 on the set of Michael Mann’s film “Miami Vice”.
I then began Directing music videos for up and coming artists.
I wouldn’t say I broke into the industry, I create my own work and just keep moving forward.
Now there’s some amazing Producers hiring me for feature films and my mind is still blown.
As a screenwriter/director and producer you have multiple skills you can utilise on various projects. Can you share with our readers the benefits you have found when it comes to having a multi-pronged approach and skillset within the industry?
I also camera operate, it’s important to learn as much as you can.
So you’re always working.
Sometimes I get opportunities to Produce or Write and now CO.
You never know when doors can open and that’s why I took it upon myself to create more work.
It’s important to keep moving.
What do you feel transforms a mediocre story into a great script and marketable concept? Can you elaborate on these elements?
Something I can find mediocre can be someone else’s passion.
What I look for is stories I can relate to and connect with.
I pour my soul into everything I do, if I’m not passionate about the project it then translates into my film. If it’s based on a book series, is the fans active, that’s a huge selling point to getting it financed.
If it’s an original concept, are the characters deep enough that actors will be excited to dive into.
Those are a few things I look for.
What advice do you have for other filmmakers and writers regarding networking and building professional relationships in the industry?
Just because maybe that connection you made now might not bring something in this moment, keep at that relationship, it can come back full circle down the road.
Don’t approach people with the mind set of getting your next job, look at it as making friends.
Producers are buying you not the concept.
They have to believe in you as a filmmaker.
No one wants to be pitched at an event or bar.
You are an inspiring and empowering force on social media, specifically for other female filmmakers and writers in the industry. With such a large following and positive impact on emerging filmmakers and writers, what 3 tips would you give other female creatives on staying positive, motivated and focused on their goals within the industry?
1. Others opinions are just that, opinions.
2. Don’t be discouraged to stop if someone (a man or even conditioned women) tell you no, or put you down for embracing yourself. You are capable of anything. Hell, our bodies are created to make life.
3. You have to motivate yourself daily, create a vision board. That helps me so much with seeing what I want and creating that reality.
Nothing can stop you from taking over and achieving your goals.
I hate using female filmmaker, we are just filmmakers, but because society is calling us female, lets show them what stories we can tell.
The time is now!
We are now receiving opportunities that weren't around a few years ago.
You got this. We are born to create in someway.
Can you talk a bit about your creative process and how you approach a new project – from initial idea right through to finishing the first-draft?
My ideas come from dreams, or people I know and observe.
I know the ending and I fill in everything else.
It’s important to get everything out first, then you can go back and edit.
Get it out of your brain.
Write what you know and are passionate about.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given for working in this industry, and would you mind sharing with us?
Create multiple projects so you will be ready when asked what you have because you never know which will stick.
That was something that has been with me for years, ever since Lakeshore entertainment told me this after a pitch meeting and I only had one project presented.
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