We recently connected with Ellen Olis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ellen, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
To be successful it takes unwavering confidence that, in the end, you will achieve what you set out to accomplish. In careers and industries that continually consume your time, energy, and creativity, success is given to the individuals who can endure. I have met several creators in film who have worked for well over a decade trying to break through the noise and get recognized for their talent. Sonia Foltarz, a production designer that I work with regularly, just recently went to the Venice Film Festival for her work on The Featherweight. After several years of working on independent features, she was given this incredible recognition for her beautiful set design and incredible artistic style. By continuing to work hard and put her name out there as a production designer, she was able to achieve great artistic accolades. Staying through all of the ups and downs of filmmaking will allow for opportunities to come to fruition. If you abandon your goals at the lowest, you’ll never be able to reach them. But if you stick through until the next opportunity you can continue to grow into the place you wish to be. I truly believe that those who persist will reach the goals they set out to achieve.
Ellen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Ellen Olis, a production designer and art director in the film industry. I got into my industry by being exposed to it by my family at an early age. Growing up, my father was an art director in advertising and had pushed my brother and me to hone our artistic abilities. My brother, Griffin Olis, went into film while I was in high school so I quickly got invited to help out on those sets and found my love for production design. Soon after, I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design where I continued to work on several student thesis projects, growing my abilities as a filmmaker. I developed an appreciation for all aspects of film there but continued my focus on the art department. After graduating college, I moved to Los Angeles, California, and worked on anything I could. I got connected to other art department professionals and got hired on projects such as Baking It!, Renner, and Male Pattern Boredness. What I am most proud of, however, has been my work on music videos where I have been able to sharpen my skills as a production designer. On projects like the music videos I have been working on budget, time, and crew are incredibly limited, making for an exciting challenge. I find that those projects are also more creatively fluid, allowing for a more unique opportunity with set design. I am looking forward to continuing my career in the art department and hope to create some fantastic pieces in the future!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is doing something unique and interesting for every new project. Having the ability to do something different in each film is incredibly satisfying, whether that be a new position, artistic style, or working with a whole new set of crew members. No two days are exactly the same on set which is what makes this career so satisfying. As a production designer and art department crew member, I have worked on every type of project from children’s show episodes, to rap music videos, horror movies, and sci-fi features. I can flex every corner of my mind as an artist and ideate for all types of work, allowing me to stretch my creative muscles. In this way, I am challenged every day and am able to walk into work knowing there will be new obstacles to conquer.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team well is an exceptionally important skill to have in film. I find that setting boundaries, announcing clear expectations, having open and constant communication, and being able to bond as a team are important factors in management while maintaining high morale. Setting boundaries for your team members is a huge part of allowing work to get done efficiently and successfully. In film, many bosses have a no matter what mentality to their work ethic, which can be good in certain moments but is unsustainable all the time. What needs to be prioritized as an advocate for your team is safety and security. Setting and enforcing those boundaries of the length of time worked, meals given properly, and other overlooked elements is imperative for managing a team. Having clear expectations and open communication are also much needed for managing a team and keeping high morale. When everyone is clear about what needs to be accomplished and how that can be reached as a team, all those involved will gain an understanding of their piece in the puzzle. Communication between all groups of people decreases mistakes, misunderstandings, and accidents. Rather than hiding issues, they can be brought to the forefront quicker to correct those mistakes. Open and clear communication removes pointed blame and shifts to a place of involved problem-solving. All of these skills as well as team bonding events maintain a high morale. People feel needed, recognized, and important when given a platform and surrounded by a team they know cares.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellen_olis/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-olis-9a956b1b6/