

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Katz.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a small town in Kentucky and identified as an artist from a young age. First, I was a competitive dancer (Dance Moms style) and then a choir kid, but the thing that really lit me up like nothing else was musical theatre. I went to NYU Tisch where I received my BFA in Drama and minored in Creative Writing. Coming of age in New York City gave me a profound sense of independence and encouraged me to uncover my own artistic spirit, and I’m incredibly grateful for that time of my life. In my senior year, I transitioned from studying musical theatre to film acting and began exploring storytelling from the writer/director side. I found so much freedom in creating my own work – in making the puzzle rather than acting as just one piece, which is how acting often felt to me. Feeling like I’d found my niche in filmmaking, I decided to apply to graduate film schools and ended up at Chapman University, where I’m finishing my second year of the MFA Film Production program with an emphasis in Directing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As someone with many artistic interests and annoyingly restless ambition, I’ve always related to the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none.” Something I remember really struggling with right as I was graduating undergrad was this paralyzing feeling that if I chose one path to pursue (writing, acting, etc.), other doors might close and opportunities would be lost. Many of my favorite artists are multi-hyphenates (Bob Fosse, Donald Glover, and Miranda July are a few who come to mind) and my dream is to work on creative projects across mediums. But the truth is, you can’t do everything at once – not well, anyway; and those artists who “can do it all” had to start somewhere. You have to make a choice and then make it the right one. And of course, sacrifices are inevitable. But I’m trying to trust my instincts more and listen to what is calling me as an artist while also reminding myself that it’s okay for dreams to change.
Trying to make art is never a smooth road, especially when so much is out of our control. It can be so vulnerable to make something that comes from you, to say “this is me” and put it out into the world to be evaluated by strangers. At the risk of sounding corny, I do think artists are incredibly brave.
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’m a writer and director interested in female-driven stories with a dark edge. My work explores themes of self-destruction, toxic relationships, female friendship, performance, and the psychological experience of identity. I’m drawn to colorful, heightened worlds and dreamlike states, and I’ve particularly enjoyed collaborating with production design and cinematography crew members in the past to achieve unique looks. I’m currently finishing post-production on two projects I’m proud of: an absurd horror-comedy about abortion that I wrote and directed called “Pregnant? Scared?” and a dark comedy short pilot in the vein of “Fleabag” (written by Bette Scher) that I directed called “Crybaby.” The most enjoyable filmmaking processes for me have been the most collaborative ones. I learn so much from my fellow creatives and actors, and I find it so exciting to discover a story together.
I’m currently writing my next project, a psychological drama musical film about the blurred lines around life and art, and I cannot wait to bring all my passions together for this project. It’s the most “me” film I can make, so I knew I had to do it as my thesis.
What makes you happy?
Going to concerts, dancing, watching movies (duh), seeing theatre. Cooking! Dessert. Getting dressed in something that makes me feel like me. Stupidly expensive coffee drinks because I’m a sucker. Good friends. Family.
Contact Info:
- Email: elizabethdeankatz@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lizkatdoingstuff
Image Credits
Chloe Prahl, Chang Su, Ruoyang (Jesse) Ren, Steph Barrera, Mallory Siegenthaler, Ian Chen, Emmy Young