Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Eberbach
Hi Ashley, 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?
Growing up in Ann Arbor, Michigan I was fascinated by cameras at a very young age. As early as second grade I was already writing mini stories and making my friends act them out while I used our family tape recorder to make short movies. I got my first 35mm still camera when I was 10 and I became obsessed with taking photos- mostly of abandoned structures or forcing friends and family to model for me.
I made the move to Los Angeles when I was 19 years old to attend the 1 year filmmaking program at NYFA (New York Film Academy, LA). By the time I was 20 I started my own production company Burn One Productions LLC by selling t-shirts & hats with our logo on it, to fund my small indie film projects and photo shoots. As I built my company and personal directing body of work up with Burn One, I made money working as a Camera PA, Prop Master & Script Supervisor on other peoples films and commercials. Through script supervising I thoroughly learned the importance of detailed shotlists and making sure all departments were on the same page. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the director I am today if I hadn’t spent my first years in the industry being a scripty.
As my production company and directing portfolio evolved I was able to switch solely to my true passions of Directing/Editing & Shooting. A large focus of my work is on films and music videos as well as commercial and brand content. I will be directing my first feature film this year, something I am very excited to finally achieve.
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?
I’m not convinced a smooth road to success exists in filmmaking. Everyone I work with and know has had to struggle and fight hard to keep their dream alive, me included! I think outside influences like money, time, and rejection are common hurdles for anyone pursuing their goals in a creative field. I started at a time when I was often one of a handful of women on set. I started young without a foot in the door. I had to prove my crazy ideas to people by showing them not telling them. There have been many times I paid everyone but myself. These are things that make you stronger, wiser and less affected down the line when challenges arise. Running a company for this long has been a wild ride of trial and error but also a journey from nothing to something. The best thing that comes from the struggle is the confidence it’s built in me over time. I know who I am and what I am capable of now more then ever.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an award winning Filmmaker (Director/Producer), Editor, and Photographer. I have made numerous films, music videos, TV Pilots, and commercials in my 20 years here in LA.
For video work I specialize in dance content, hip hop music videos, album release content, and often include special effects in my projects. I also shoot a lot of fashion.
My film work includes dramas, sci-fi, and action films. I am directing my first feature- a dance film this year.
I am most proud of finishing my first full feature film script. I had the idea for many years and realized it wasn’t going to write itself. It took me three months to finish. It is a thriller that takes place in my home state of Michigan.
With every project I push myself as far outside the box as possible so everyone knows my ideas are weird from the beginning. There is nothing more rewarding for me then pulling off a strange concept and having people like it.
How do you think about happiness?
Working makes me so happy and I am very lucky to feel that way about my profession. Even on the worst days I check myself and say stop complaining and find the fun again.
Outside of my career I am an avid hiker and plant-aholic. I also have a huge love and respect for wildlife and I love to put my trail camera out in the middle of nowhere to see what animal might walk by it. Almost anyone that knows me gets to hear every fact about mountain lions because I am obsessed with them.
I am also a massive football and Detroit Lions fan and I love watching almost any sport.
What would make me happier is traveling more for fun not just work. I want to go to Patagonia & also Botswana so badly.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.BurnOneProductions.com
- Instagram: @burnonepro
