Today we’d like to introduce you to America Young.
America, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a filmmaker. I have worked in Film and Television for the past ten years in stunts and directing. I’ve explored and experienced almost every form of storytelling in entertainment from video games, writing, features, tv, running film festivals and animation. Meanwhile, I started a non-profit to promote gender equality in the entertainment industry with my two partners, Cheryl Bookout and Shana Betz.
When I’m not kicking the crap out of Super-Heroes that support the Superhuman Registration Act, jumping off buildings, teaching actors how to fight or setting myself on fire, I enjoy telling stories, sipping herbal tea and sharpening her pair of Sai.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m not sure life is ever a smooth road. And while it might easier if it were, how boring would that be? Every obstacle, challenge and struggle along the way, as disheartening and discouraging as they can be, has made me stronger, more focused and more grateful for every win. Breaking into the industry, working frequently enough to support me, was the first big struggle. Now as a woman stunt coordinator and director, I have reached the next major struggle. I don’t want to just support myself, I want to tell stories that affect and touch as many people as possible. However, until recently, access to that level platform has been almost entirely men. That is what inspired The Chimaera Project. While I make my climb to the next level, I want to help as many other filmmakers identifying as female as I can.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mayday Productions & The Chimaera Project story. Tell us more about the business.
Mayday Productions is the company that I direct and stunt coordinate under. The Chimaera Project is dedicated to empowering women filmmakers to fearlessly create, inspire and lead.
Both have a common theme, create, give voice to stories that need to be told. Either for change or for entertainment, the power of storytelling is undeniable. And the importance to have diversity in the stories and those telling them is vital for civilization to connect and communicate.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
There is always luck! Bad and Good! The role has to teach me how to maximize the good and roll with the bad.
Contact Info:
- Address: www.americayoung.com
- Website: www.chimaeraproject.org
- Instagram: @america_young
- Twitter: @america_young
Image Credit:
Polly Morgan, Dove Meir, America Young, Rachel Dusa, Shana Betz, Quyen Tran
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
