Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Morgenstern.
Hi Mariah , 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 originally from South Florida, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in the film industry. I think while other kids were talking about wanting to be firefighters or astronauts, I vividly remember thinking, “I want to be the CEO of Warner Brothers.”
After studying film in college, I moved to LA with nothing but my cat, a car full of my stuff, and a dream. I started as a production assistant, hustling from project to project and learning everything I could. Within six months of moving to LA, I had started producing, learning how to lead a crew, manage budgets, and navigate the business side of filmmaking. I spent the next few years building my reputation as a producer, but deep down, I knew my heart was still in directing.
The transition wasn’t easy. I realized that people had started to see me only as a producer, and the directing opportunities I wanted weren’t going to magically appear. So in 2020, I made the leap and launched New Royalty Films, my own production company, and a place where I could champion the stories I believed in.
It’s taken a long time to get here, but after five years of operating, we’re finally slated to release two original features under the New Royalty umbrella, “Skimmer” and “The Getaway Crew”, next year. I’m extremely proud and excited to see what the world thinks of these films and of the other projects we have in the pipeline.
The best advice I could provide is that when it comes to what you want out of life, if there isn’t a seat for you at the table, then the best thing you could do for yourself is to build your own. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think any part of life is particularly smooth, no matter what path you choose.
Working in film is a strange dance between business and art. You’re constantly navigating people’s emotions and creative passions, while also recognizing that this industry is deeply legal, and often high-risk financially. You have to embrace the artistry while also protecting yourself, and others, through clear boundaries, contracts, and leadership.
Starting a company is especially challenging because you have to wear every hat: creative lead, problem-solver, negotiator, and executive decision-maker. You can’t be a people pleaser. I learned early on that that mindset will crush you in this business.
I’ve had to learn a lot of hard lessons, like working with friends, which can be beautiful, but also painful when things go wrong. I’ve had to navigate moments where trust was broken, or where personal relationships clouded professional judgment. Letting go of people you care about, or being let down by them, is wildly uncomfortable. But in business, the rules are different. You have to learn how to separate emotion from structure.
I’ve come to understand that failure and rejection are essential parts of growth. You have to make the wrong choices in order to learn how to make the right ones. Some of the hardest situations I’ve faced nearly crushed me, but they also made me sharper, wiser, and more grounded in who I am as a filmmaker and leader, so I am as thankful for the struggles as I am for days when things go as planned.
As you know, we’re big fans of New Royalty Films . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
New Royalty Films is a full-service production company and post-production house. We began in the music video and commercial space, but have since transitioned into narrative feature films, though we’re still available for select projects across formats. Whether you need budgeting support, creative development, full-scale production, or post services like editing, color, or VFX, we can bring your project to the finish line.
I founded New Royalty because I wanted the freedom to greenlight original stories and projects that I wasn’t seeing enough of in the mainstream. As mentioned, today, we focus primarily on narrative features and are proud to run sets that are safe, inclusive, and creatively fulfilling.
We recently completed two original features, Skimmer and The Getaway Crew, and are currently developing our next feature film, BOYS!, in Ireland. What sets New Royalty apart is that we don’t wait for permission; we build the world we want to see.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the history of Los Angeles, and what it means to the film community and lovers of film history. There is so much to admire and enjoy throughout the city — some of my favorite restaurants and “tourist” attractions are here, and they never get old.
What I don’t like about LA is how isolating it can be, as it is incredibly transactional at times. I think LA teaches you a lot, but it doesn’t always love you back. Still, it’s a city that shapes you, and for that, I’ll always be appreciative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newroyaltyfilms.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/new.royalty
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-morgenstern-81318277/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@newroyaltyfilms?si=jcy6bcFbDmpRbSVu
