Meet Emily Skye, all-around Filmmaker
Emily Skye is an absolute force. Business entrepreneur, mother and an all-around filmmaker (Cinematographer, Screenwriter , Director and Producer). Despite the different time-zones and hectic schedules, we managed to chat about motherhood, filmmaking, inspiration and balance.
F:What is your background?
E: Model and actress and learned from Michael Mann on his set, then went to Film School. I convinced a band to let me Direct their music video and the rest is history!
F: What was the first project / experience that made you enter the industry?
E: I used to model/act with Wilhelmina and got cast in a small part on the show “South Beach”.
F: A memorable work experience (whether it’s good or bad)
E: When I got hit in the head with the camera on Michael Mann’s film set “Miami Vice” the camera operator tripped over his cord and fell into me. I was picked up by Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell. I still laugh at that moment, it was the moment I knew I was going to be a Director. I wasn’t affected by the stars, but in awe of the Director! Never looked back since. I was 19.
F: Do you think women “really help” other women?
E: Some do, some don’t. It’s about finding your tribe and sticking together! They are there!
F: Has your gender ever made it difficult for you to find work?
E: Being a woman in this industry, we are critiqued even harder than a man. Face it on the daily. I did an email test once. Just used my initials at the bottom and when I finally said Emily, the guy completely changed. Condescending even. We have to rise above the bull.
F: Where do you get your ideas/inspirations for your work from?
E: Dreams. Real stories my friends share. Books. Music. Honestly, it just hits me and I’m like “that’s it!”.
F: What are the challenges of being a parent + freelancer in this industry?
E: Being a parent has its own challenges in its self. My son’s Dad and I co-parent. I structure everything around my son’s schedule. It’s worth it! When filming the Docuseries, it was a ten-week schedule. I travelled on my son’s Dad days and was home every Wednesday morning pick him up from school. Then the moment he was with his Dad, I was on a plane. Didn’t sleep much those ten-weeks but making sure I was always there for my son, was more important.
F: Any words of recommendations / advice for fellow female filmmakers?
E: Never doubt yourself or what others try to transfer onto you. Believe in yourself, at the end of the day, don’t expect to always have the support, thus believe in yourself! It’s a wild ride, never give up!
Cover photo courtesy of Bobby Keegan.
