As video production turns from a hobby to a career, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, logistics, and budgets. However, retaining a childlike wonder when behind the camera can make all the difference in the quality of the final product. When you’re having fun and enjoying the process, that energy translates into the work you’re doing. It allows you to approach challenges with a fresh perspective, think outside the box, and be more creative in finding solutions.
Director Katie Savoy understands this crucial balance between work and play, and encourages those coming up in the industry to find it for themselves. Check out our recent interview with Katie below as she talks about ways she’s been able to maintain the joy in directing and how the range of projects she gets to work on at Lemonlight helps. Also, her favorite crew meal is one we envision a lot of people can get behind!
How many years have you worked with Lemonlight?
I did one spot last spring and then started working regularly in late fall of 2022. So, 4 months consistently.
Favorite project at Lemonlight?
The first one will always be a favorite—a combination of getting to crack myself up while working on the rewrite, hiring an actress I love, and of course, working with a vagina puppet made for a fabulous introduction to working for Lemonlight.
Recently, I loved working on MaxxAir (because, silliness) and LingoKids (because, cuteness).
Best part about working with Lemonlight?
1. The film crews and creative producers. I’ve worked with some really inspiring and creative collaborators here, which makes the days fun even when we’re packing a ton into a tight schedule!
2. The variety. I love that I can do a glamorous beauty shoot, a sweet baby shoot, and an over-the-top comedy shoot all in a row. Definitely keeps things interesting.
Why do you love the video production industry?
After working in front of the camera for 20 years, being behind it as a director feels like playing a super realistic video game. I love being able to find creative solutions to the problems that arise, and see the finished product come together with the brilliant editors at Lemonlight. I love working with a team, learning new skills, and trying to create a fun, encouraging environment for everyone to feel valued in.
Favorite crew meal?
Cheetos!
Advice for those just starting in the industry?
Find people you like working with and make stuff. Make stuff all the time. It’s in the doing that you find your voice. And always be down to help—you never know who you’ll meet that could change your life, and enthusiasm and positively go a LONG way in this industry.
Also, keep busy and interested in things outside of the industry, don’t just wait around for the phone to ring. Pick up new hobbies and take the time to be a beginner. I recently started taking woodworking, sewing, and aerial arts (circus) classes and it’s amazing how many parallels I find in all of them to our job in film and storytelling.
To me, curiosity and collaboration are the key elements of a creative life. So, find your people, and keep learning new stuff.
