Or Die Trying executive producers Sarah Hawkins and Myah Hollis caught up with Film Powered founder, Jen McGowan, to talk about her about her journey as a filmmaker, and empowering other women in film through her unique, educational community.
OR DIE TRYING: Where are you originally from?
Jen McGowan: I was born in Washington DC and grew up in Northern Virginia. From there I went to NYU for undergrad and came out to LA when I got accepted to study Directing in the MFA program at USC. It took a long time for this East Coaster to transition but I absolutely love Los Angeles now.
ODT: What first inspired you to pursue a career as a filmmaker?
JG: I kind of took a round about route to filmmaking. First I studied acting but while I was pursing it professionally I decided I wanted to create some of my own work. And that was it. Once I got behind the camera I was instantly hooked. I loved every moment of it. It was absolutely one hundred percent natural to who I am as a person, every part of the process. Haven’t looked back since.
ODT: How did you begin to establish yourself in the women in film community?
JG: Well, probably like most things I do, it was a reaction to something else. When I made my first feature, KELLY & CAL, the recurring narrative always seemed to be about me being a “female director”. That’s not something that was ever really on my mind very much before but ok, if that’s the interesting thing, let’s talk about it. Then as I learned more about the issues around women in film and the stats around women in film, which are horrific, I spoke up.
ODT: Tell us about Film Powered! How did this idea come about?
JG: Film Powered is a skill sharing site for professional women in film & tv. I created it because I know that you don’t work with people that you don’t know. And you don’t really get to know people at all these mixers that happen around town. You need to have experiences with people. And what better way to do that than while learning another useful industry skill?
Right now we have about one thousand members - producers, writers, directors, dp’s, agents, execs, actors, etc. All women. Everyone is vetted by first being a member of another qualifying organization such as the PGA, WGA, ICG or by being repped by one of the top agencies. Film Powered is specifically for professional women.
Most of the classes and events are small, under 15 people, so you really get to connect and build relationships with great people — And everything is free. This is very important to me. As someone who has been in this business for a long time, I know that sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down and I want women to succeed and feel supported no matter what’s in their bank account. You don’t all of a sudden lose your skills just because you happen to not be working at the moment. That is precisely when you most need your community.
ODT: How can we get involved?
JG: If you’re eligible, join. If you’re a member, take and offer classes. Otherwise, please spread the word &/or donate to support Film Powered - www.filmpowered.com.
ODT: Any advice you would give young women pursuing a similar career path?
JG: So much! I would say work hard but be patient. Find your voice. Surround yourself with good people. Sleep well. Whatever your means are, live below them. And keep in mind, depending on exactly what kind of director you want to be there are only a handful of people on the planet who have successfully pulled it off so whoever’s giving you advice take it with a hearty cup of salt because unless they’re Kathryn Bigelow, they probably have no idea what the fuck they’re talking about. Including me. ;)
ODT: Any cool or exciting new projects you're currently working on?
JG: Always! Right now I’m in post on a cool thriller called RUST CREEK which we’re targeting to be available later this year. I’m also developing a couple of projects that we’re working to get off the ground. It’s an exciting time.
ODT: Where can we find more of your work?
JG: Please check out my last film, KELLY & CAL. It’s available on iTunes, Netflix and Amazon.
