By: The Don
Hello Phillytainers! On this post, we wanted to do something a bit different. Our founder The Don wants Phillytainment to be an open space. An open space where persons currently interested in the field of entertainment can learn from people who took the extra step and went all out in hopes of chasing their dreams, of making it big in Hollywood themselves. We know that hearing other peoples’ experiences will not only give others hope, but also inspire people to explore the entertainment field and unlock their hidden talents!
The Don conducted an interview with Michelle Goldsborough. Michelle is originally from the suburbs, just outside Philadelphia and is currently chasing her dream of becoming a big-time director in the heart of Hollywood. Check out her interview below!
Check out her website: https://mraegolds.wixsite.com/michelleg and check out her I
INTERVIEW
What got you into studying film?
I actually didn’t go to school to study film. I went to Temple University for public relations and I thought I wanted to do something entertainment related. I absolutely hated public relations. So, during my senior year, I was looking for my answer. I found one of my cameras, so I decided to join the student newspaper and tv station and I immediately fell in love. I’ve never stepped foot in a film school or taken a class in film.
Nice! Change of fields and you found love in it, I like that. What’s your favorite film?
My favorite film is Wonder Woman.
Why is Wonder Woman your favorite film?
Wonder Woman is directed by a woman and led by a woman. The superhero world is male-dominated and a lot of the movies I’ve seen seem hyperkinetic with multiple characters and universes. I didn’t always know what exactly was going on with other superhero movies, but Wonder Woman is an amazing example of female power and good character development where the film focuses on them.
Which leads me to my next question, who are your biggest role models in the film world and why?
Two of my biggest role models in the film world are female directors Ava DuVernay and Patty Jenkins. I love all of Ava DuVernay’s work, but I am more drawn to her story because it isn’t very far from my own thought process. Her background is in public relations and she also thought, “they’re doing it so why can’t I.” Patty Jenkins did an amazing job with my favorite movie, Wonder Woman.
Are you originally from the Philadelphia area?
I’m from Abington, a suburb of Pennsylvania. Jenkintown is in Abington and is known for the tv series, The Goldbergs on ABC.
Nice that’s pretty cool, just like Bradley Cooper.
Yes! Bradley Cooper is from Rydal which is actually where I grew up!
Awesome! Do you write your own stuff or do you mainly like directing more?
I’m currently co-writing and I will be directing a short film. My main goal is directing. I wasn’t sure in the beginning what I wanted to do, but I’ve never felt such an adrenaline rush than when I’m watching a director and their vision come alive on the big screen.
What’s the plot of your upcoming short that you are writing and directing?
It’s about a girl who is diagnosed with a learning difference and must navigate both a new school and what this diagnosis means for her.
So cool! Do you have a favorite genre?
I don’t have a favorite genre, but I relate most to coming of age or drama. I love non-fiction in general.
Interesting, How long have you been in Los Angeles and in the entertainment field?
I packed my bags back in October in 2018, but I officially moved in February 2019. I’ve been in the film world since 2017.
That’s amazing. F
Some advice I’ve received: change your socks at lunch (it really makes things better), be nice to everyone because you never know when you’ll work with them again. And you don’t need to go to film school.
Some advice I can offer: network as much as you can. Network with everyone and remember they were once in your shoes with possibly fewer resources than we have today.
