In any profession, especially one that requires a certain level of creative aptitude, in which really can’t be taught but must be innate. There is a constant struggle one must go through under the surface. The competition is fierce out there since there is no clear cut path to success, especially in regards to being a filmmaker. To provide video services for a client in the form of work to sustain a living can create a mental environment of heads constantly butting. Because of the polar opposite nature of creativity and the obligation to abide by a particular marketing strategy to sell.

Another battle we must endure when looking, propositioning, or even bidding for your next paid client project is the worry of the competition, if your portfolio is diverse or polished enough, equipment list, other project conflicts, and the list goes on. However when stepping up to bat to do and commit to this kind of work, how does a Female Filmmaker get over self doubt in the process of it all to keep carrying on?

There are things we all collectively know to be true for most cases but not all. In the video production industry we know it is true that is a male dominated field making most of the highest revenue capable in the field. Also, it is true that Women compared to Men have higher levels of anxiety and anxious habits on a daily basis. So combine the two and you have a lot of nail biting female filmmakers out there and that goes for any female in a male dominated career field including STEM, the military, and beyond. I have definitely felt these feelings and as much as I try to brush them off, sometimes this self doubt and the fear of the unknown can be crippling.

Below I have organized some tips for any other female filmmakers that have felt the same way. Self doubt in your passion among the competition to gain work, fear after fear, it all wrapped up in your self identity, where do you find solace to not give up? Keep reading to find your place and be more at ease.

Meditation

I feel like meditation is the solution to many of life and human struggles and for good reason. The simple teaching of calmness is the closest cure to our society dysfunction and loss of the human attention span. It also helps with a overactive, over thinking mind and hushes it in the meanwhile. Either a guided meditation from an app or just taking deep breaths until your mind has no thoughts will help quiet any self doubt in your skills and ability as a female filmmaker.

Create Short Videos

When you feel like no one will give you an opportunity make your own! Produce your own work, whether it is a branded video for some random object in your house, making a feature film or even putting together a vlog. Just make it share it and stay consistent with it. Doing something you love with very little creative restrictions is not only a mood booster but also a confidence booster. To go out and prove as well as show why you deserve to be considered for any project.

Stay Off Social Media

Besides your own content that you want to share, it is best to try and ease the scrolling as much as possible. I’ve been there scrolling and scrolling telling yourself you have five more seconds of scrolling left yet 5 minutes later you are still scrolling in the abyss of Instagram and you can’t look away. This does no good for productivity, finding inner creativity, and reaps feelings of inadequacy in the nature of comparing yourself to others based upon their curated highlight reel.

Write

As much as I try to work out as often as I want, it really never happens. I like the idea of having a time in the day or the week to dedicate to releasing. Most commonly done through physical activity, a sport or just a fitness class you get to release for all the piled up adult problems we all go through. At the end of buzzing with endorphins that  make you feel so good about yourself. For the convenience and just plain laziness of some, writing can also accomplish the same feeling, even if you are not a writer. It is good to let all the subconscious thoughts that flutter through your mind daily be almost wiped away when you actively write them out. From there let your inner kid out and be playful, say what is on your mind, write in cursive, profess your love and through the process you may come up with your best idea yet.

Positive Affirmations

Other things that you can write are positive affirmations about yourself.  Giving gratitude towards yourself and what you already have to be so thankful and proud of. The best way to get the full effect of positive affirmations is to say it aloud to yourself in the mirror. Every morning smiling, saying a goal getting mantra as well as positive affirmations to and about yourself. Then sense the self doubt fade away.

I hope this helps any female filmmakers or other female professionals that has felt doubt in their abilities, or sometimes feel as of they aren’t good enough to do the work. You are, and don’t let anyone tell you different. Patience is your friend in all of this, get to know it well, in the meantime look out for the next MAP blog and check out all of our previous posts!

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For the book worms out there, library enthusiasts and academic colleagues or whomever that loves to read and that feeling of turning a crisp page of a good book. I have to say that I am not much of a reader, although I do have a decent amount of books and like the idea of keeping around books I have learned from, cherish, and I think it would be really cool to have a library in my house one day. Below you will find a list of my favorite five books as female filmmaker. Most of the books that I do have so far in my collection are mostly on the topic of film and writing from school that I have kept as well others book discovered in furthering education. Fun fact: My book collection also consists of, spiritual awakening, empowering self help books, poetry, cookbooks and the only fiction I have is by Zadie Smith. Hope you enjoy and if you are interested in reading book or two find a link to where you buy the book a the end of the blog post and tell me some of you fave books in your collection!

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

A book given to me at the right time in life. A time where I could not locate my identity, after hiding behind the guise of others thoughts and attention, keeping up with favorable trends, and  finding solace in substance. Not quite rock bottom, but my version of it, I needed to build myself back up and claim my identity I so vehemently developed in my youth. Like a caterpillar to a butterfly the same type of transition was happening to me from youth to adulthood and this book helped me achieve it wisely. As a creative there is no clear path to success, some just think it can only happen from being lucky or the most talented, but there is so much more to discover in your creativity. Whether it is towards a career or a rewarding hobby, The Artist’s Way gives you the ancient ways to a better more connected person through your creative craft, but in the book is mostly geared to writers/ filmmakers. Written by a Woman (the Ex-Wife to James Cameron) and coming from that perspective really adds to the nurturing tone to it. There are so many golden quotes in this book, I have a whole page of my favorite that I keep near my desk. This book is a must have for any creative cultivating a life through their work.

3 Black Chicks Review Flicks by The Diva, Bams, and Cass

A fate find floating in a $1.00 cart at a library or book sale, I’m not quite sure, but I picked what seemed to be the perfect fitting book for me. A 2002 published book that I wish I would of found sooner. Exploring the fact that there are no nationally recognized movie critics, especially ones that give a valid perspective through the lense of the African American experience. The tagline being A Film and Video Guide with Flava. This everything to me, even just looking at the title satisfies me, a true comfort to not only connect my culture with my passion as well as seeing like minded individuals that look like you and praising theses strong yet marginalized voices amplify them up themselves. The book consists of reviews of popular movies by the 3 black chicks and a whole chapter where they review just black films.

Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez

A film school must, where in fact I picked up this book as it was a required book for one of my classes. And honestly the only book that I read all the way through in most of my academic career. As well as the only resource from my higher education in the film/video media field that I could relate to and take away major career keys to consider. Though Rodriguez is not a female filmmaker, his perspective is still a disadvantage to note. The book is comprised of excerpts from Rodriguez’s journal as he logged his journey planning, producing, and getting a distribution deal for his first feature film he did all himself on a very low budget. Super inspiring, a little old school but steeped in passion for the craft which really hit home for me and reassured that I am in the right industry.

How to Read A Film by James Monaco

Okay so this one is no page turner and reads mostly like a textbook. Another required reading for a class, but this on I never really read. So you're wondering, why are you recommending this book then? I feel like there is a lot more in a book then the words the sum of the content between covers. It can be a physical representation of a path you want to walk, as the first “film book” I received after arriving to my institution. This book marked the start of the rest of my life to me,I carried it like a badge of honor, a indication that I have all the tools I need to be successful in this path. Flipping through the book you will find pages filled with in depth analysis to American film classics. No need to start from the first chapter, whatever page you land on in the book you can learn another aspect of film and the theology behind it.

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby

A book I literally stumbled upon at a thrift store that has taught me more than most of my college education had on storytelling. Actionable techniques and concepts that can be easily implemented and understood, with loads of examples to compare with. This one is still currently in my bag, as I like to keep it dear to me as a reminder of my love for storytelling and to look back at each step and type structures there are of story. Truby gives a thorough breakdown to the 22 steps of storytelling, specifically for motion picture in detail not letting one thing of story slip away. For any aspiring writer for the screen this book is a definite must!

Find these books online below:

The Artists Ways- amzn.to/2tiH8l7

3 Black Chicks Review Flicks- ​​amzn.to/2DY607S

Rebel Without a Crew- amzn.to/2MSMVqq

How to Read Film- amzn.to/2HXVi5h

The Anatomy of Story- amzn.to/2GuMO2V

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This past summer, amidst the backdrop of an impending family tragedy. Where family and friends got together to reflect, look through pictures and even old videos. We took the time to do just that. With nightly backyard talks surrounded by tiki torches and liquid ease in our cup holders.
 
Among the family and friends that visited and reminisced over the pictures we sorted and memorable stories told, a surprising artifact swept up to the surface; My parents wedding video.
 
It was in the 80’s and was originally on VHS tape that got converted to a disc. As a wedding videographer but most importantly as the child of the couple in the wedding video, this was a big deal. Having heard countless stories of this day and imagining how the origin of my story rooted on this day, I couldn’t wait. The footage, was everything that I imagined and more, footage of me as a baby, of all the family members now older and some gone. Most jarring of all; seeing my parents at the age that I am now, in love and on the cusp of starting the next chapter of their lives.
 
Though nothing fancy or particularly traditional, in all actuality they didn’t even have a wedding. Rather they eloped at the local courthouse and the next day they had a reception celebration in my grandmother’s backyard. As well, the video itself mind you was true 80’s style, super old school but without the embarassing guest messages. No editing, no type of cinematic filmmaking, 10-minute montage of romantic scenes or idyllic getting ready shots.  Hell my mom didn’t even wear a white dress.
 
Besides all that, when I sat down to watch the video, I was completely mesmerized and taken on a ride 29 years in the past and boy was it priceless and precious. Seeing your family and culture documented in its natural habitat is a magical thing. It brings a sense of identity and it is very comforting. Especially if it is something that doesn’t happen often anymore.
 
I am so thankful for that video, to reference my lineage, to one day show to my kids and point out their great grandparents, uncles, and aunts in motion. It is a true treasure. A reason why I say that everyone deserves to have their love story told, it encompasses so much of what life means to you and the people you love.  Because that is what life is, getting together with your favorite friends and family and celebrating. Having those moments captured with intention and beautifully is incredibly valuable and shouldn’t break the bank.
 
That is why at Milan Arielle Productions we work with every couple and every budget to bring the story of your life to video, in any capacity, style, and beyond. We strive to make it happen as the most important future keepsake to have.
 
I hear all the time that couples wished that they had gotten a video of their wedding but never heard I wish I didn’t have a wedding video. Photos are nice to look at, but videos let you live a major chapter of you story again.
 

 
As we continue to strive for this space to be a resource for female filmmakers to be inspired and informed on the film industry. I wanted to share viable information on some opportunities that specifically cater to the female filmmaker. Many say that this is the best time to be a female filmmaker; I say it is just the awakening.
 
Whether you want to contribute as a writer, producer, actress, director or all four. The best way to do this… just go out and do something! Whether you have an iPhone or the means to rent a Red. If you can just make something, the potential can be spotted and many are seeking just that.
 
Whatever it is, send it a long to the list below of female friendly film festivals ready for the next female Tarantino to blow a hole through the main stream way of studio filmmaking. Below find our Top 10 Film Festivals for Female Filmmakers.
 
1. Bushwick Film Festival
 
MAP Blog became inspired to write this post after stumbling upon an inspiring YouTube Video about a black female film festival founder specifically seeking to bring a bright light on films made and produced by filmmakers of color. Talk about FUBU, and what a beautiful thing it is, shifting the paradigm of the art of independent film industry. Having just announced their selection of 2018 filmmakers last month, the early deadline of February 15, 2019 for next years contest is not to far away. This one will definitely be on our radar for next year.
 
2. Artemis Women in Action Film Festival
 
It’s no secret that over here we love a female action hero, to us there is nothing better than seeing a strong female come out victorious, even saving others in an event of adversity. A signal of hope for all the real life female hero’s out there, as well as a great message to send to young women. Artemis Women in Action Film Festival is dedicated exactly to this cause.  Filmmakers can submit features, screenplays, and even music that celebrate women in kick ass roles, submissions for 2019 are now open.
 
3. Female Eye Film Festival
 
We can all agree that Hollywood has been missing the female eye or at least the recognition of the contribution of the female eye and representation of the female eye. In a marginalized world it only takes a few to put their foot down and demand respect. In this case, in the form of a prestigious film festival bringing female filmmakers to the light in a shut our industry since 2001. Really digging for the voices that are never heard from around the world and amplifying with dire need for others to hear. Filmmaking is a powerful tool and anyone should have equal chance to express themselves in any way they want, there are no rules. Submit your feature now to the Female Eye Film Festival.
 
4. Femme Fontera Filmmaker Showcase
What if filmmakers could blur the lines literally and metaphorically? An inspiring collective of female filmmakers straddling the U.S. and Mexico “border” region yearly hold a showcase to further amplify women filmmakers. Either in the region or around the World whose similarities meet at the cross section that filmmaking brings about. In only their third showcase, the fourth showcase in 2019 will sure to garner much attention in the current global climate. Submit your short now for the next August deadline.
 
5. Future Femme Festival Scriptwriters Prize
 
Don’t take for granted the ability of writing down thoughts and telling stories that are true to you. Even if just a glimmer of something provoking enough to invoke an empathetic emotion. With just a document software and a laptop you have the possibility to share to the World. If you don’t have a camera or the means to produce a film, Future Femme Festival Scriptwriters Prize provides the possibility to have your story be taken seriously. Embracing the idiosyncrasies of women’s perspectives, told by women. To enter for the next prize you will have to wait till next year, but that is plenty of time to do rewrites on your script.
 
6. High Falls Women’s Film Festival
 
Steeped in the history of woman’s equality and filmmaking in America. The High Fall Women’s Film Festival based in Rochester, NY is same location where Susan B. Anthony began her first fight and George Eastman invented the Motion Picture Film. High Falls commitment to women in film is seen with it’s selection of high quality storytelling with categories in documentary, features, and shorts. Although the selection for 2018 have just been made, filmmakers can start gearing up to even just attend talks and screenings in a beautiful and thriving scene.
 
7. Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival
 
Portland has a reputation of being on the helm of progressive thoughts and doings, filled with communities creating spaces for their own sect. POW delivers just that, a punch right to the exclusivity of woman directors in a film festival. With the requirement for submission being that a film must be directed by a woman or one that identifies as non-binary. POW is now accepting submissions for their 2019 festival.
 
8. California Women’s Film Festival
 
If you want to be in the heart of Hollywood among a fierce group of peers, CWFF is a great film festival to submit to. With two seasonal events a year, filmmakers have twice the chance to get accepted. The festival features networking events with professionals in every sector of filmmaking. The January CWFF is soon approaching and although the entries have just closed the summer festival will so be here before you know it.
 
9. Brooklyn’s Women’s Film Festival
  
Brooklyn, another community building place, almost the mecca of the pulsing diverse art scene in America. Female filmmakers can find a haven in BWFF, striving for mostly female or female identifying representation in the films submitted.  So get your girl crew together and make the stories you want to see. Submissions are open for 2019 featuring categories in comedic, dramatic, experimental, animated and documentary shorts.
 
10.  Detroit SheTown Film Festival
 
I couldn’t make a list with out mentioning one centric to my home team, Detroit. The first female film festival in Detroit with its debut being this past fall. This festival is new yet so vibrant and as a Detroit filmmaker it is so refreshing and invigorating to see that the film industry here embrace female stories. We can’t wait to one day participate in this festival, maybe next year? We are putting it out there in the universe!
 
There you have it our Top 10 list of Film Festivals for Female Filmmakers, so get to work! We hope this inspires the female filmmakers out there, to know you have spaces that openly invite your perspective, your artistry. So let it all out and have some fun doing it! Stay tuned for our next post!

dI had the pleasure of gifting great friends, on the day that they celebrated their 2nd anniversary of marriage and exchanged vows to each other amongst their closet friends and family. It was a perfect day for the joy the surrounds this perfect couple. Please enjoy the vow exchange highlight of Demario and Joya. If you or someone you know is having a love celebration, contact Milan Arielle Productions to capture the moments that mean the most, 2019 dates are filling up fast!

It was a pleasure to cover the Whirl of Entertainments 2nd Anniversary Showcase. Find class schedules and specials events at the Whirl of Entertainment studio in Southfield, MI. Check them out on all socials @whirlofent.

Open Definition is a collaboration between Milan Arielle Productions and Wellness expert Lauren J. Williams to produce wellness videos for our generation and demographics. Subscribe to Open Definition for more videos on wellness!

The 5 Benefits of Working With a Female Wedding Videographer and Photographer.
 
This is in no way hating or bashing of the male colleagues in the industry, just an illuminated perspective that does not regularly receive equal representation. This is also in no way victimizing female professionals in the industry. While there are tremendously successful female photographers and even couple photographers and videographers in the wedding industry. Female videography success particularly is moderate at best. Especially of those that run there own brand and business. 
 
Let’s be real most of the time when you see a wedding videographer at wedding or even think of a wedding videographer your first thought is of a male. Even when I speak to clients through other agencies that I work for, I can tell from the couples I contact, they are a bit surprised to hear that I am a woman.  
 
This blog post isn’t a ploy to bring myself clients; in fact I prefer to work with people that I already know or can meet in person as clientele of my own brand. However I have gained some insight as a female videographer and a woman in general that can relate to the role of a bride. With a vast amount of observations and a deep understanding of the industry that many couples who are choosing vendors for their special may not know about. So below I list and briefly flush out the benefits of working with a female wedding videographer and/or photographer on their wedding day.
 
 
I KNOW WHAT GIRLS WANT
Call it women’s intuition or just the hard fact that all women go through similar trepidations as each other. So that means noticing when an angle is no flattering, when your hair clip is out of place, and your makeup is melting off your face on a hot day. Ya girl or girls will always be looking out for the bride and grooms best interest, insuring on this day you will be portrayed as royalty.
 
IMPORTANT INTIMATE MOMENTS
The iconic dress zipping shot can be achieved more authentically when you don’t have to constantly hide from your male vendor or feel uncomfortable in your robe. Instead be at ease around a female professional that cares about respecting this precious moment.
 
GENERAL LAID BACK ATTITUDE AND POSITIVE VIBES
From my own personal experience working with male vs. female photographers and videographers, there is a clear difference I have noticed in working styles and the type of energy each sex brings. For me, and most professionals in the industry it is so much more important for the couple to have a great experience with their photographer and videographer. Most of the time clients are going to love anything that you capture but the most important thing that will stay with them is how they felt and what was experienced on there wedding day. The more logical and logistical male counterparts too often indirectly stress out the couple with time constraints or pressure to get that perfect shot. Usually couples are just trying to enjoy the day with each other and loved ones and want the professionals to take care of everything without having to get too  involved. Female professionals on the other hand tend to be more laid back, go with the flow and the vibe of the day type, while capturing great moments. Easily able to recognize when the couple especially the bride may be in distress and know when to back away to make sure the well being of the couple is priority first over any pictures. Males have the tendency to be more rushed and aggressive while women are soft and fun. Now this is not every case but it is something to keep in mind when you have a coffee date with a vendor, ask questions on their work style on the day of and to yourself if you would want that type of energy on your wedding day.
 
TRUE RESPECT FOR THE DAY AND ITS MOMENTS
It’s no secret that women are just genetically more caring for others than men. Maybe its shear fact that we posses the super power to produce life, but whatever makes this empathetic tick, it is extremely beneficial when working with couples on their wedding day. A day that may have dreamed about their whole life and put in countless hours of planning, preparation and money into. Beyond just a photo-shoot or participating in tradition with the job to just get the expected shots. For women it goes deeper than that, we can’t help but to feel on an infinite level, especially when love involved. There have been times that I have held back tears during in the vow exchange and toasts, yet that emotion helps me be a better videographer. I am really able to put myself in the perspective of the bride and groom and give them content that I feel will be of sentimental value to them not just cinematic a one. So that they can look back on that important day of their lives with a full heart.

 CATCH THE MOMENTS AND KISS IT!
There is a reason us girls go to pose is the kissy face, it’s actually the international symbol of the famous acronym; Keep It Simple Stupid. Too much I here from fellow professional photographers have awful experiences working with videographers. Tales of wedding videographers rolling in carts full of equipment into sacred churches, or being uncomfortably close to the couples while they have there first dance together, disregarding the shots for the photographer completely. Sure it is tempting with all theses new gadgets and new upgrades of cameras each year to step your game up with the latest gear, but it is virtually impossible to keep up each new version and trend. In my experience out on the field, maybe going from location to location it is best to just keep it simple. Producing the same results for a more reasonable price without distracting from the importance of the day. Virtually all cameras on the market these days are HD with at least 1080p and as long as you have quality video microphones and recorders you can make a thoughtful masterpiece with the bare essentials if you are a true solution orientated professional. It’s about being in the right placement and knowing when to press record to catch the right moments that will matter the most. It’s more about intuition then having the latest gadget than most think.
 
 
In conclusion, support female empowerment and entrepreneurship. When looking for a wedding videography/photography vendor for your special day, consider the vibe you want for your day and meet with your videographer/photographer either guy and girl and make sure that they will be the right person to aid in the day that you are curating to celebrate your union. The outcome will always be great but the experience, that is something that you will never forget.