Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Ellis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story with film begins with my passion for youth and our childhood ambitions. I had an idea for a children’s TV show that stars an African American boy that dreams about being anything he wants to be. He could be a Doctor, Service Member, or Farmer. I wanted to show children and parents to explore kids’ natural talents and abilities. After speaking with a few publishing companies, they advised to make it a book. I wrote 3 books that later turned into a series. Afterwards, I wrote an LBGT novel called My King Looks Like Me. I received reviews regarding making this into a film. In 2018, I attended Full Sail University and graduated with my Associate’s in Digital Cinematography. From there, I launched my production company called Melanin Behind the Lens Productions and we have produced 5 award-winning short films and 1 award-winning feature film. We currently have 5 projects ranging between a Horror/Suspense to Women Veterans TV show to Comedy/Poetry Special.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The passion has been smooth but it has a few bumps in the road. The power to create and produce stories that will appeal to the most audiences is always a major challenge for an independent filmmaker. Often times, my ideas goes beyond the resources I have available. Another struggle has been find my place in an industry that is predominately male or white.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a producer, screenwriter, and director. I specialize in multiple type of stories such as LGBTQ+, Suicide awareness, and black woman-led content. I’m known for telling stories that most don’t want to talk about. The unheard voices rings in my head daily and this gives me the motivation to provide a platform for others to tell their authentic story. I am most proud of casting unexperienced talent and igniting their passion for film. What sets me apart from others is diverse and unique storytelling and my ambiguous personality.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My drive is the best characteristic that is most important to my success. I have the determination to work harder than most and make sure things get done. I pride myself on seeing things getting completed. I am driven by purpose and align myself with excellence always.
Contact Info:
- Email: melaninbehindthelens@gmail.com
- Website: www.melaninbehindthelens.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/melaninbehindthelens
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/melaninbehindthelensproductions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVWlnr1KtmHnABKuQAV0PSw
Image Credits
Khanetic Images
Image Factory
Domi Ellis Photography
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