Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Conley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Shortly after completing my Bachelors, I was introduced to a documentary filmmaker in Bloomington, IN. He was producing a documentary on the Dalai Lama’s family, who all resided in Bloomington. I learned about the Tibet-China conflict in depth. I became enthralled by documentaries and their role in social justice and human rights. Film is a powerful art form. It has changed perspectives, freed victims of wrongful imprisonment, and saved lives. It has made people feel emotions they did not know they could feel. It has connected ideas and people that might have never crossed paths.
It was only a matter of weeks until I realized narrative films have the ability to make the same impact. I was, and still am, drawn to stories that promote independent thinking and strip the audience of ideology, prejudice, and assumptions.
In the Fall of 2014, I became a masters candidate in the Cinema Directing program at Columbia College Chicago. I fell in love with the process of narrative screenwriting and directing. In the documentary, you craft a story with the footage you have obtained. In a narrative film, you craft the story from scratch — complete with every last visual, a piece of dialogue, mise-en-scène, and edit.
During the break after my 1st semester, I 1st Assistant Directed an independent short action film. On that set, I met my future business partner, Sarah Minnie Chandler. At the time, she had recently started her own film production company, Minnie Productions. I remember feeling an instant connection to her. She was direct, in control, a leader, and incredibly creative. We kept in touch, and she hired me to work for her on several productions over the next few years.
Over time, a strong friendship developed between us. Both of us being WOC, we spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the film, for which there is a lack of. We both value taking good care of a crew and having a respectful film set. Additionally, we agreed it is important to pay people what they deserve. Filmmaking is hard work.
Last year, Sarah asked me to join the Minnie Productions team as a partner. Saying yes was not a difficult choice to make — her content is strikingly beautiful, meaningful, and professional. Our values aligned. We are more powerful as a team than individuals.
Currently, we have several projects in the pipeline. An InstagramTV micro series, two web series, a couple of music videos and a short film. Less than 2-years out of graduate school, I am living my dreams.
As an independent filmmaker, I aim to represent the people that often get left off screen, live lives that are anything but glamorous, and get into situations that are relatable but rarely depicted.
My films are a source of inspiration for the audience and aim to move the audience to make a difference in their own lives, in other’s lives or their community. My goal is for the audience to walk away from the film feeling hopeful and aware of the individual power they hold. If I succeed in this, then I have done for others what has been so graciously done for me.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Back in 2009, I graduated with a B.S. in Exercise Science from Indiana University Bloomington. The path I was on would have led me to obtain a Ph.D. in physical therapy. Physical therapists help patients reduce pain, and improve or restore mobility. They are well paid for their work, as they should be. As an 18- to 22-year-old that grew up in a financially troubled household, secure income seemed like a smart priority. However, the more hours I interned the less passion I had for the profession. Was I willing to spend 40 hours a week for decades, roughly 35% of my waking hours, in a profession, I was less than thrilled about?
After coming to a full stop on my physical therapy path, I had the headspace to pay attention to my true passion. I knew that I wanted to help people by advocating for social justice and human rights. But how? Through art? My biggest roadblock was not believing I had a creative bone in my body.
In 2013, I pushed way past my comfort zone and applied to several graduate film programs. I developed a creative portfolio in a span of 2 weeks. This included a choreographed hoop dance, mannequin art, and a poem. After being accepted into 4 out of 5 schools and receiving the Lumiere Award, I learned to trust and believe what others saw in me. I no longer felt like a fraud as an artist. I learned the invaluable tool of tapping into my inner self for creativity.
Please tell us about Minnie Productions.
We are filmmakers, storytellers, photographers, artists, and curators. Creatives with know how.
Minnie Productions, LLC. is a boutique freelance media production company with vast production and business experience and a proven track record of success. Our sole mission is to create content for artists, businesses, projects, and causes that are compelling, beautiful, and on budget.
Minnie Productions is passionate about uplifting and motivating; whether it be on set with crew/cast or mentoring students to pursue their dreams. Our mission in the industry (and in life) is to cast/hire people of color (specifically womxn/femme) in roles and positions that are empowering and fulfilling.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
We had a crawl space in the basement of our house growing up. It was as dark, cold and damp as the inside of a sewer. There’s no doubt many creatures had made comfortable homes in there. As very young children, my brother and I used to crawl inside. We were tiny and still could barely fit. It was too dark to see all the way into the back, so we crawled blindly, brushing away spider webs along the way. There was not a single ounce of fear involved in this task, just an exciting sense of adventure and possibility. What will I discover?
This can be looked at as a useful metaphor for life. Don’t be afraid of the darkness or the unknown. Look to the adventure and possibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.minnieproductionsllc.com/
- Email: media@minnieproductionsllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minnieproductions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minnieproductions/
- Other: https://www.sarahkristenconley.com/
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