Story & Lesson Highlights with Kelly Needleman of Los Angeles, CA

We recently had the chance to connect with Kelly Needleman and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Kelly, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Fitness has always been central to my life. These days, I’m in the gym almost daily, focused on weightlifting. Staying consistent requires discipline, there are plenty of mornings when dragging myself to the weight room feels impossible. But I’ve learned that I never regret showing up; that post-workout satisfaction always makes it worthwhile.

What’s surprised me, though, is discovering genuine joy in outdoor cardio. This is coming from someone who absolutely despises traditional cardio. As a producer and writer, sometimes I can spend 12+ hours behind a computer. I’ve come to treasure those moments when I can step outside for a walk. Whether it’s an hour-long trek or just a quick 30-minute stroll, these walks have become essential. They clear my mind and offer moments of presence and gratitude.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kelly Needleman. I’m a filmmaker based in California, currently finishing my master’s degree at NYU Tisch in Film and Television Producing. Alongside my studies, I’m working at a film and television studio based in Los Angeles, which has been an incredible place to learn from and collaborate with inspiring storytellers.

Right now, I’m in post-production on two films and writing a feature, which has been both challenging and exciting. What really drives me is the collaborative process of being surrounded by people who care deeply about the craft and the impact of the stories we tell. I’ve been fortunate to see projects air on major networks and platforms, but what matters most to me is creating work that connects with audiences in a meaningful way.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I truly believe that sometimes it’s not about the technical expertise you’ve been taught, but rather the lesson of how to work with people, how to treat someone with respect and kindness, and simply be a good person. I give all that credit to my parents and the lessons they taught me throughout my life. Watching them in the world, seeing how they built their business and dealt with people, has been inspiring. I continue to bring that approach into my work.

During my time in film school, both undergrad and grad, I’ve learned so much from not only my professors but also my peers. I’m someone who’s a constant student of life, and for film especially, all I want to do is absorb quite literally everything I can to become a better filmmaker.

I think the most important thing is to always be open-minded and try to learn from every experience. When you fail, most of the time it’s easy for me to recognize the parts that went wrong and learn from them. But sometimes you don’t look back to learn from the parts that went right to make sure you repeat them again. I’m always looking to improve and get better, and I’m grateful for everyone along the way who has been so generous.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
One of the biggest shifts for me happened after a project in undergrad that completely unraveled. I went into it convinced that if I just worked hard enough and controlled every detail, it would come together. It didn’t, and that was humbling. What I took away from it is that filmmaking isn’t about control, it’s about collaboration. You can’t do it alone, and the best ideas often come from giving space to others and trusting the team. That experience taught me to let go of the need to be “right” and instead focus on building an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to contribute.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m writing a cinematic universe that’s incredibly ambitious and will take a long time to fully come to life. It’s the kind of project that requires patience, persistence, and a lot of trust in the process. But I believe in it deeply. For me, it’s not just about creating high-energy action; it’s about building a universe with depth, characters people can root for, and stories that resonate beyond the spectacle.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
For me, it comes down to spending time with family and doing what I love. Even though work can get chaotic, there are these moments of pure bliss where I remember how lucky I am to have this passion. I try to pause and really be grateful for it.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, and I’m glad I learned it early, is that it’s not about the result; it’s about the journey. I’ve always been ambitious and self-motivated, constantly chasing the next goal. At times, all I cared about was finishing the movie, winning the award, or hitting some number on social media. Looking back, that mindset feels a little arrogant and empty. Who cares?

I firmly believe that ambition is important, and I’ll always have it, but now I make sure to recognize that the dream isn’t waiting at the finish line; it’s in the process itself. That’s where the joy lives. It may sound cliché, but I believe it wholeheartedly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kellyneedleman.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyneedleman/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyneedleman/
• Twitter: https://x.com/kellyneedleman_?lang=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyneedleman/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kellyneedleman7
• Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9637880/?ref_=login
  Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/kellyneedleman
  500px: https://500px.com/kelly_needleman

Image Credits
Nicholas Tirabasso
Garon Atencio
Edna Hayes