Check Out Fran Ervin’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fran Ervin.

Fran, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always known I had a love for storytelling. I was that little girl at slumber parties keeping everyone awake with the worlds I’d make up on the spot. That love for narrative eventually led me to a degree in Creative Writing and, inevitably, film school at Florida State University’s Conservatory for Film & Television. After many jobs in the entertainment and advertisement industries, I eventually opened my own production the Chaos Labs where I’ve been able to write, produce and direct narratives in all forms. From VR to broadcast television spots to feature films, my love of storytelling has been the backbone for many projects over the year.

Storytelling matters because it’s one of the most profound tools we have for exploring meaning, growing as individuals, building connections, and helping audiences experience new perspectives. A strong narrative—whether it’s a poignant commercial or a groundbreaking film—can make people feel something. And in a world where connection often feels harder to come by, that emotional resonance is more important than ever.

Beyond my work in advertising, screenwriting has always been one of my greatest creative joys. My recent screenplay, Pride & Prudence (set in the Jane Austen universe)won the Screencraft’s Feature Competition’s Grand Prize, among other awards. One of the opportunities it opened up was attending the Stowe Story Lab—a week of deep focus on our craft. I left even more convinced of what a powerful story can do: change minds, fuel imagination, and create emotional connection across people and place

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. If anything, it’s been a beautifully broken one—full of unexpected turns and uphill stretches. I’ve had my heart broken, I’ve lost people I love, and I’ve had plenty of days where giving up felt like the easier option. But as an artist, I’ve come to understand that loss, heartbreak, and struggle are often the very things that strengthen us. They’ve shaped not only my work as a creator, but also my perspective on life.

I’ve learned that while some people do seem to have a straightforward path, many of the most powerful, inspiring individuals I’ve met are the ones who’ve faced real adversity. What was supposed to break them ended up becoming the source of their resilience. I remind myself of that on the hard days—the challenges we’re handed can become blessings, even if they don’t look or feel like it in the moment.

A career in film or advertising is rarely the “easy” choice. It comes with fierce competition, long hours, uncertainty, and stretches of thankless work. It asks a lot of you—creatively, emotionally, and sometimes even physically. But it also gives a lot back. If you’re looking for a smooth, predictable path, this probably isn’t the industry for you. But if you’re drawn to a path that will stretch you, grow you, and ultimately make you stronger, then there’s nothing more rewarding.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a writer, producer, and director — and the creative force behind The Chaos Labs, a bi-coastal production company operating out of both West Los Angeles and New York. At The Chaos Labs, we don’t limit ourselves to one medium. If it involves development or production, we’ve done it: feature films, short films, broadcast commercials, digital social campaigns, even immersive Virtual Reality experiences.

Our client list has ranged broadly — from tech giants like Google and Meta to mission-driven non-profits — which speaks to our adaptability and our commitment to bringing authentic storytelling to all kinds of projects.

I specialize in cross-medium storytelling, and I thrive at the intersection of film, advertising, and emerging media (like VR), where the tools and expectations are constantly shifting. That versatility lets me translate narrative across whatever format a project demands. I’m deeply involved in every step of our projects — from crafting story and script, to producing, directing, and delivering the final product. I care as much about the creative heart of a project as I do about its execution. Whether it’s a heartfelt film or a brand video, I aim to bring emotion and meaning — not just visual polish. I believe storytelling can bridge worlds, build empathy, and open up new perspectives.

While I love groundbreaking and experimental stories, one of my proudest accomplishments to date is my screenplay Pride & Prudence which is a project actually rooted in my lifelong love for classic storytelling and inspired by the world of Jane Austen. The script has earned several awards and has gone through extensive, thoughtful workshopping. As we finalize development, I’m incredibly excited to move into producing it as a feature film.

My long-standing obsession with period pieces has essentially made me an unofficial authority on any story involving a ball gown or a corset. In fact, for fun, I run a small but enthusiastic TikTok presence as @periodgirl780, where I cover all things related to period dramas. If you love anything from Bridgerton to Austen adaptations, it’s definitely a fun corner of the internet to explore.

Beyond that, I take pride in every project at The Chaos Labs because each one represents a chance to tell something real and meaningful — to a wide variety of audiences, across diverse media.

My versatility grounded in authentic storytelling is what I would say really distinguishes me in a very crowded industry. Many filmmakers focus on one style — commercials, features, or digital content. I choose to move fluidly between all of them. That flexibility comes from embracing not just the craft of filmmaking, but the craft of storytelling in whatever way the medium allows.

Additionally, I bring emotional authenticity and strategic adaptability. Whether working for a major tech brand, a non-profit, or shaping an original narrative, I try to stay true to the emotional core, while also respecting the unique demands of each medium. I believe that’s what allows The Chaos Labs to deliver work that’s polished, impactful, and resonant.

As for the future — I’m more excited than ever. I’m eager to move deeper into producing feature films, beginning with Pride & Prudence and followed by a slate of other projects currently in development. In today’s creative landscape — with shifting technologies, new platforms, and evolving ways to reach audiences — independent filmmakers have more opportunity than ever. You don’t need a blockbuster budget to tell a great story anymore; you just need heart, vision, and the willingness to get it done.

That belief — that story still matters, and that I’m equipped to deliver it across formats — is what drives me forward.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’ve always been an avid reader. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve had a lifelong love affair with period pieces, especially anything connected to Jane Austen. I grew up adoring her stories, and I still remember the heartbreak of finishing her final novel and realizing there were no more new ones waiting for me. But that moment also sparked my imagination — I found myself wondering what happened after Darcy and Lizzie married, or what other unforgettable characters might exist in that world. Reading expands your mind and imagination in a way nothing else can, and it continues to be one of my greatest sources of creative fuel.

On the inspirational side, my faith plays a big role in grounding me. As a Christian, I draw a lot of strength and clarity from that foundation. I love the YouVersion app — it’s a daily source of encouragement, and its endless devotionals help keep me centered, grateful, and reminded that there’s always hope, even on the hard days.

I’ve also found TikTok and social media surprisingly invaluable for navigating the current landscape of the film and content industry. Influencers like Producer Patrick (@producerpatrick) do an incredible job of breaking down what’s happening behind the scenes, and his insights have been genuinely useful. And of course, TikTok is one of my favorite creative resources — especially within my own period-piece corner. It’s a wonderfully rich space for community, research, and pure joy. Sometimes a 30-second clip is all it takes to spark a new idea or send me down a creative rabbit hole.

Contact Info:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@periodgirl780