Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Ellis.
Sophia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story with film begins with my passion for youth and our childhood ambitions. I published 4 books (3 children’s and 1 novelette). My LBGT novel, My King Looks Like Me, started receiving reviews regarding making it into a film. In 2018, I attended Full Sail University and graduated with my Associate’s in Digital Cinematography. From there, I launched my film/media production company called Melanin Behind the Lens Productions (now Melanin Behind The Lens Studios or MBTL Studios for short). I ventured into writing, producing, and directing, birthing captivating works like ‘Power, Love and Karma”, “Call Waiting,” “Her Legacy, “Loyalty,” “My King Looks Like Me,” Never The Same,” “Stolen Beauty,” #WhoKilledJabori The Play, and lastest “SuperMoon.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Embarking on a filmmaking journey has not been a smooth road. It’s not just about finding the perfect story or your place in the film world; it’s also about assembling the right team, securing funding, and facing criticism. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but each obstacle I encountered helped me grow and find my footing. Despite the challenges, I’ve learned to embrace them, knowing they ultimately shape my path and purpose with resilience and grace.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a filmmaker who wears many hats: producer, cinematographer, director, and screenwriter. I also dabble in photography on the side. My specialty? Telling stories that celebrate and shape black culture in lots of different genres. But one of my favorites is horror, suspense, and thriller — that’s where I shine brightest.
My latest project, “SuperMoon,” is something I’m really proud of. It introduces a black female protagonist, Marjorie Taylor, to the horror scene. Her character is inspired by real events, and I’m excited to see her become a big name in the horror film world.
What makes me different from others? It’s my storytelling. I’m passionate about sharing diverse stories that might not always get told. Some of my projects focus on mental health, while others shed light on African American culture in unique ways.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
You might be surprised to learn that I’m a veteran with a disability. I spent 18 years in the Army, serving in two tours in Iraq for Enduring Freedom and doing two humanitarian missions in Egypt and Panama. I’m also a big fan of history! I love watching history channels and documentaries.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mbtlstudios.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/melaninbehindthelens
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twiz03?mibextid=JRoKGi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophialellis?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MBTLStudios?si=Ai4CDYOowzGRrgKP
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm11187728?s=b0b9bb58-b700-339f-74cc-1051408ea14d&site_preference=normal
Image Credits
Otis Clayborne II
Sophia L Ellis
Behind the Scene Agency
