Today we’d like to introduce you to Bettina Moss.
Hi Bettina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m the creator of the documentary project, “Finding Daylight’. It’s the story of two families who struggle to build new lives for themselves after losing a loved one in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. The underlying research for ‘Finding Daylight’ has been accepted into the permanent collection of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum of lower Manhattan. The film will screen in September – the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It’s just been booked at the Skirball Cultural Center here in Los Angeles.
I am also a screenwriter and fledgling novelist. I am a child of New York although I have lived in Los Angeles for a long time. I film and write about both my city of origin and my adopted city in many of my projects regardless of their form – I find I return again and again to the theme of family and love to explore this in all its many permutations.
I have worked in the development end of the film business at HBO Films and in academia. At this juncture, I am fully committed to giving my stories a visual life of their own.
For me, the sharing of art is most powerful when in the service of a communal goal. I believe that by portraying intimate stories, it’s possible to convey the breadth of our cultural experiences so that viewers can come away with a deeper connection and understanding.
During my academic life, I was a recipient of the COIL Fellowship for International Online learning under the auspices of SUNY and the NEH. My area of expertise was focused on ‘Cinematic Storytelling Across Cultures which we taught in tandem with an Australian film school.
I am also a Fulbright Senior Specialist candidate which will enable me to expand on my documentary experience to other international film institutions.
Prior to entering academia, I was the managing story editor at HBO Films for nearly ten years.
I live in quirky Echo Park, a lovely east side neighborhood and I bought my house years ago when I rescued a dog!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Welcome to the entertainment business. Many, many ‘no’s’ – a few yesses! Perseverance is the key – the doors that open are usually not the ones you expect.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The best way for you to learn about my work is to visit my website: www.finding-daylight.com. There you will find a trailer of my nearly finished film and a lot more interesting information!
I love supporting people who want to be storytellers. I get immense enjoyment from seeing fledgling writers and content creators grow and evolve as they develop their wonderful talent.
How do you think about luck?
I think luck can mean many things. Often times it is stepping into fear without knowing if you will prevail. Almost every aspect of my life can be seen through this lens. I don’t often follow the rules although it is very important to understand what they are. This goes for my personal life, too – I think if you really listen to what people tell you, you can find a roadmap to help you along your way.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.finding-daylight.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettina.moss.98
