“ It is never too early to pay it forward. Be gracious, lift others up. Great things happen when we give back. ”
— Izzy Ingram
The Interview Q&A
Where are you primarily based out of?
New York, NY
What role do you typically play on set?
Producer
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
I’m a theatre kid at heart, but I pivoted to film during the pandemic. Given the excess amount of time stuck in the house, I made it my mission to watch every film on the “AFI’s 100 Years… 100 Movies” list to learn about the history of the industry I was entering into. I reached out to creators in my area and eventually started collaborating with NYC-based filmmakers. I have since developed several collaborative projects and even wrote and acted in a few of them.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered and how have you overcome them?
I love this industry, but a lot of folks will try to undermine or devalue you and your work because of your identity and experiences. If you want to make a movie, make a movie! Even if it’s not without flaws, you created something with your name on it. Take criticism from people you trust and don’t let people drag you down. Trust your gut and build a community you can depend on.
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
One of my favorite films of all time is Hal Ashby’s “Harold and Maude”. I revisit it every time I need a reminder of the power of human connection, how influential unsuspecting people can be in our lives. Ashby taught me to lean into kindness, to lead with compassion. Great, dramatic stories can come from the sweetest of people.
What does it mean to you to be an inspiration/mentor to someone else?
There’s a lot of responsibility in teaching people the ropes especially when you’re still trying to get a hold of them yourself. The most important thing about speaking with newcomers to the industry is to be transparent and allow them to make decisions for themselves. I don’t intend to recruit, I aim to educate.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from filmmakers like Desiree Akhavan who addresses topics of sexuality with compassion and detail. I finally saw my experiences as a queer individual represented on screen with love and care with her piece “The Bisexual”. She’s an incredibly gifted storyteller and has inspired me to bring that same level of responsibility to the stories I tell. Musicians like Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Brittany Howard, and countless others inspire me to break barriers, embrace my individuality, and create a lasting impact through my own artistic journey.
If you had one message to share with the world, what would it be?
It is never too early to pay it forward. Be gracious, lift others up. Great things happen when we give back.
What’s are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
I’m a proud member of the production management team for MTVE Digital, which has produced hours of content for MTV, Vh1, Comedy Central, etc. I also wrote, produced, and starred in CARGO VAN, my first feature film. Reciting lines while driving a van and making sure we break for lunch on time was the most challenging and most rewarding production experience of my life. I’m even more motivated now to keep producing quality projects.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
I’m a creative producer for feature films and series that explore underrepresented narratives. I work with good people and create a safe and nurturing environment on set. Most importantly, I’m having fun!
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
Ask questions, absorb everything. Savor your time in production spaces. You’ll leave a great impression on the people you work with and you’ll walk away from set with more knowledge (and therefore more power) than you did the day before.
What kind of projects are you currently working on that you can share? (Feel free to leave links to the projects to view)
We are currently in post-production for our one-take feature film CARGO VAN. It tells the story of two production assistants driving an expensive prop to set when they are suddenly faced with an unexpected robbery attempt. They must drive away with the prop, and their lives, intact. With a soundtrack from trending artist Mïrändä, this film came from real-life experiences working in the film industry and it’s a true one-take wonder. Here’s the teaser trailer: https://youtu.be/39OeLIfIYyY
What does being a part of The Women in Film Project mean to you?
I’m honored to be considered among such talented filmmakers! It signifies to me that I’m stepping in the right direction. I can’t wait to see what all my fellow Women in Film come up with next!