From HUSTLE & FLOW to DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, producer Stephanie Allain shares how she makes independent work for studios.
Key Insights
- Strong creative producers develop an eye for talent, instantly recognizing great writing and filmmaking. They never give up, make sacrifices, and stick with a project until the very end.
- Producing films in the independent space allows for more creative freedom and innovation. Working in the studio system, you have multiple stakeholders and perspectives which can distract from the original artistic vision of a film and homogenize the outcome. Always know the core vision of the film and be willing to fight for that.
- When working with networks, executives are very hands-on collaborators; Be prepared for a collaborative relationship, play ball, listen, have fun and know what’s most important to you and what you’re willing to compromise on as a creator.
- TV writers are on-set producers. On the series adaptation of Dear White People, it was Stephanie’s role to make sure that the series had the right showrunner, a great cast and key crew to support the vision of the series creator, the original writer/director of the film.
- Your focus should always be on unique storytelling, not fame or money because those are ephemeral.
- Anyone can have a great idea, but most people don’t have follow through – stick with your projects through the ups and downs. Know that it never gets easier, but with the heart, the commitment, and the right story, you will succeed. It's a life-long commitment.
Producer
Stephanie Allain founded Homegrown Pictures in 2003 to produce content by writer/directors with unique voices. more...
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