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From England to LA: 3 Simple Rules for Filmmakers

5th Annual TV Drama EB
Posted by Elizabeth Blake-Thomas
Every day in this crazy LA film world I learn something new. I have been here for over 7 years now and have been able to go from a position of not knowing anyone to being able to produce a film that is doing the festival circuit all for a budget of $1,000. I also made 6 feature films in just two years. 
 
Being British has also made things harder.
 
How do you even start when you need to get a social security number a home address and a cell?
 
It can seem daunting. If I can do it, though, then so can you.
 
 
 
From England to LA 3 Simple Rules
 
 
The first thing you need is to want this more than anything. I'm serious. You need to really really want it. This industry is hard work with some obvious glamorous elements. But, if you want it then you need to be prepared to work for it. Again this may sound obvious but it doesn't matter how hard you have to work or for how long. You have to keep on going.
 
I always say I'm about a year away from being a 10 year overnight success.
 
All the friends and contacts and acquaintances that I've met on the way really have helped lead me to where I am. They have become part of my projects and encouraged me to continue forward with the dream.
 
 
From England to LA 3 Simple Rules
 
 
That's why it's important to maintain those contacts. Don't forget who helped you on your way up.
 
Once you have a clear vision for your goals and what you would like to achieve then start working on them. There is no time like the present. No more excuses, just go for it.
 
Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who want you to do well and tell you that you can do it.
 
 
 
From England to LA 3 Simple Rules
 
 
This is not about being an overnight success, it's about enjoying the journey and then making the most of every experience and opportunity you are given.
 
Be in it for the long haul!
 
So, in my journey from England to LA I summarize my advice to you in 3 simple rules:
 
1) Write your goals down.
2) Act on your goals.
3) Don't give up.
 
Anything really is possible if you put your mind to it, so good luck!
 

About Elizabeth Blake-Thomas

Make Your Entertainment Career About the Journey Not the Destination

ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS is a British award-winning storyteller and philanthropist based in Los Angeles, having recently directed her latest feature film during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just Swipe is a romcom starring Full House/Fuller House star Jodie Sweetin and is set to release in 2021. Elizabeth’s recent film Evie Rose, starring Oscar-nominated actress Terry Moore, premiered January 2021 on Amazon. Elizabeth is the founder and resident director of entertainment company Mother & Daughter Entertainment, whose motto is “Making Content That Matters”, putting focus on each project starting a conversation amongst viewers. An Official Ambassador of Awareness Ties for Human Trafficking, Elizabeth hopes to raise more awareness to the horrific nature of human trafficking and help put a stop to it. Her award-winning short film UNSEEN, which addresses the role technology plays in the facilitation of child trafficking, is being used to educate children on the dangers of lure tactics. Filmmaking Without Fear is a multi-medium resource by Elizabeth curated for indie filmmakers. Her FWF podcast is available on all streaming platforms, and the book of the same name is available on Amazon. A regular on panels at Sundance, Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival, Elizabeth mentors wherever possible, ensuring she sends the elevator back down to all other female storytellers.

Creator of the healing methodology Medicine with Words; learn to lead a more purposeful, peaceful life through guided studies of intention, reflection and deeper discoveries.

DIRECTING SHOWREEL

Book: Filmmaking Without Fear

Podcast:Filmmaking Without Fear

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Previous Stage 32 Blogs by Elizabeth:

How I (Safely) Shot a Rom-Com Feature During the Pandemic

Make Your Entertainment Career about the Journey, Not the Destination

What Road Tripping in My 1969 VW Bus Taught Me About Filmmaking

How I Made 6 Feature Films in 2 Years

 

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