Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh McPhie.
Hi Ashleigh, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My passion for filmmaking became very apparent to me in high school. I joined my school’s Film & Broadcast Television program, TarTv, and quickly found a love for Writing, Directing, and Producing. I became the Director of Special Projects, where I made videos for clubs on campus, the school district, special events, and assisted other teams in creating the program’s biweekly episodes. I was also given the opportunity to write/direct/produce the yearly horror short, marking my debut film! From these opportunities, I gained connections in both the videography and narrative worlds. At the same time I was taking a film study course, which sparked my love for classic cinema and film noir. Noir from the 40s-50s influences a lot of my work in terms of dialogue, world building, lighting, cinematography, and storylines.
I continued doing videography on the side (filming weddings, plays, and commercials) while attending Orange Coast College, practicing my skills and snagging myself a degree! I formed a small production company with some classmates where we held events and produced short films, before branching off and creating my own production company, Green Angel Studios. I gained invaluable experience during this period of my career having multiple films I directed screened in California and New York, spearheading a sold out Film Festival, working on new productions around the state, and writing/directing/producing my own projects.
My goal with Green Angel Studios is to bring together filmmakers who I’ve worked with on those different projects, foster a sense of community and collaboration, and make a learning environment for creatives at any level. I’ve produced three projects so far with Green Angel (one documentary, one commercial, and one music video), with more on the way!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been many challenges, as there probably are with any filmmaker! The biggest one, however, has probably been myself. Being a creative person means you’re supposed to give a part of yourself to every project, whether that means brainpower, time, effort, etc. And I was doing that to the max, but I wasn’t leaving time to rest and recharge. I was always on the go and lost sight of the little things like spending time with my family or going for a walk. Doing what made me have an imagination and creative free spirit in the first place!
I had to take a break for a little while and reset, which allowed me to create balance with who I am as a creative, where I want to be, and what my goals are.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a filmmaker first and foremost. While I specialize in producing, writing, and directing, I have a plethora of various department experiences to my name, which makes me able to step in anywhere that’s needed.
I believe my knowledge and hard skills set me apart from others, because like I said before, I am able to be anywhere on set and I have loads of pre-existing experience behind me.
I am known for my strong work ethic, distinct noir-inspired style, and goofiness. I will show up every day (and stay late), deliver my best work, and crack jokes while doing it.
I am most proud of my ability to make people I’m working with feel safe and heard. I love bouncing ideas back and forth, having open conversations with my cast and crew, and giving people opportunities to try something they haven’t been able to before. In other words, I’m a huge advocate for collaboration.
What’s next?
My goal for a while has been to become a television showrunner, and I’ve been taking steps towards making that reality. The near future, however, would be to shadow a showrunner or producer, or work in a writer’s room.
In the more distant future, my girlfriend and I want to have a movie ranch! Just like Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in “Summer Stock.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleighmcphie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleighmcphie/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleighmcphie/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/greenangelstudios/
Image Credits
Jacob Chavez
Kevin Rosas
Dinushi Ramanayakage
