Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena González Santulli.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Elena. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My artistic background is rooted in the capital of Spanish Cinema and hometown Málaga, Spain. Like many artists, I chose a path that is not-so-linear, nor promising. I came to the States as a kid, for better opportunities in education. I landed in New York and feel I was much more influenced artistically by the culture than I knew at the time. I sang Broadway musicals back to my TV every morning and it was the only time I would speak English. I feel very blessed to have had the cultural transition I did because it’s allowed me to pursue my dream independently, years later.
I went to the University of Texas to pursue a biology degree and found myself more lost than I should have been. I got myself a camera and shot around campus – truly found it to be a friend of mine. Instead of paying attention to my lectures, I was always editing videos in the back row. I kept myself busy, away from home for the first time, but was not mentally healthy and it took some time to find the strength to change my behaviors. I bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles, came out on my own, and enrolled in film school. Years later and time to find my voice, I work independently as a Director.
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 had more trouble managing the internal struggles after moving to Los Angeles. It really is an easy place to get lost. I was very reserved and afraid to be seen, I was a nervous wreck – always (very occasionally still am), and didn’t know who I was yet. I’m not sure what I was fearful of, but I don’t want to live like that another day of my life. As my Italian-Superwoman of a mother would say, “the tools you learn to overcome these struggles are tools to add to your toolkit, the one you take each time you face difficulty and each time, you’ll be more prepared.”
While I don’t feel the need to share my struggles, I do believe in sharing the process of overcoming. I think there’s power in that and that’s exactly why I’m a storyteller. A story, a film, without conflict, is one where a character will not grow. Without a struggle, it’s hard to improve. Safety and comfortable is only a balance, and struggle is a blessing. Accept it, encourage it, and use it to fuel you even more.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lenix Productions – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
When I started as a filmmaker, I felt my strengths where more left-brain-dominant and I’d climb the executive ladder at a studio, but my motivations changed when I was offered a position at a major television studio, right out of film school. Outside of my full-time job, I kept busy producing my next film. I found my voice as a director and built confidence for the words I wrote and the work I produced. I feel much more driven when I keep myself on my toes – kind of unsure of what’s next and challenging myself. That’s what prompted my choice to become a full-time freelance artist and trust in my ability to “make it” as a Director – to finally have the fuel needed to believe in my ability.
I’m very open to where this journey will take me. I have imagined dreams that I’d like to achieve. Ultimately, the ability to freely work as a Director, independently writing and producing my films. You have to flow with these waves – the waves come in blessings and failures, and kind of put you in the right places at the right time. It may not feel that way sometimes.
I’m a Director – often writer/producer/editor, and I get to showcase it through my artistic brand – Lenix Productions. My mission with Lenix is to spread a message of peace through each film. Stories that teach self-love, authenticity, and kindness. It’s not just a business for me – stories can impact people and reach an audience, and words are powerful. My work is at a very collaborative, independent stage, mainly working with close friends, hosting writers’ rooms and production meetings in our living room while splurging on a bottle of wine. It’s a good time.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
For someone who faces social anxiety, networking is the hardest thing to navigate. That being said, some of my greatest connections were brought upon by networking mixers. I found Los Angeles to have a supportive community for female filmmakers to explore their strengths. There’s potential to learn from anyone you encounter at any level, it doesn’t have to be an executive with a check.
My strongest working relationships formed from supportive friendships. The potential to learn from like-minded artists can be more valuable than anything. Film festivals are a great way to form connections with those that collaborate at a similar level and can offer new guidance in your own work. There are opportunities in areas you accept.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lenixproductions.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenixproductions/
Image Credit:
Olivia VanCampen, Adam Thebault, Rogelio Francisco, Patty Molina
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