Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maria Forsythe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Maria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I am four years into my career as a self employed filmmaker and videographer, and sometimes I still feel like I am just beginning. I like this question because I am a firm believer in self reflection as a tool for growth – so while I am still very new in business ownership, I’ve identified two main things I have done along the way that have enabled me to succeed.

First, it’s imperative to be flexible. The film industry is a tumultuous one that relies heavily on so many different factors – from union activity, to the general economy, to seemingly unrelated things like the effects of smart phones. In my four years of self employment, I’ve experienced a pandemic, and post pandemic industry surge, a year in a different state, and a year of unprecedented union strikes. The fluctuations that come with working in this industry require you to be flexible and scrappy, and to not be afraid to take one step “back” in order to take two steps forward. I have picked up day jobs, I’ve taken gigs I otherwise would not have, I’ve gotten roommates to get through lean times, and I’ve taken change in stride (or, as well as I can). If I had stayed rigid in my expectations for myself or requirements for my career, I’m not sure I would have made it out.

Lastly, I would say to always challenge yourself with self-reflection. Because of the unpredictability I encountered within my industry, and the changes I had to make along the way, my career has become a living thing that grows and develops with me. If I had pigeonholed myself into the kind of career I wanted from day one, I might have missed out on the amazing thing it has become. But in order to know when to change, I had to be constantly self reflecting; am I still enjoying what I’m doing? Is what I’m doing still sustainable? How have my priorities for my life changed? Have I changed my career to reflect that? Your own idea of ‘success’ will change as you develop. By honoring that change and not being afraid to carve my own path in my industry, I’ve found myself with a business that I’m really proud of and that I know can sustain me for years to come.

Maria, 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?

My name is Maria Forsythe, creative mind behind Lucky Horse Productions. I am a storyteller, cinematographer, filmmaker and marketer, and have recently launched my own video production business.

When I was 13, I watched Lord of the Rings for the first time, and fell in love with the art of visual storytelling. I attended UT Austin where I studied cinematography and editing, and have since then enjoyed the whirlwind that is finding your way in life as a creative. My professional background includes film and technology education, so I also have a passion for empowering those around me to create too.

Lucky Horse is a video production company based in Austin Texas, providing a range of services in the film, marketing, and content creation spaces. For filmmakers looking to bring their story to life, we provide cinematography and editing services on narrative or documentary projects. For businesses, we have a firm understanding of marketing strategies, and approach all corporate video just like we would a professional film set – organized, passionate, and always prioritizing story. The world of content creation has also become a pillar for Lucky Horse. We partner with YouTubers, public speakers, and artists who want to elevate their visual presence online.

Whether you’re a small business looking to sell your product or a creative individual ready to share your story, you deserve a partnership that’s more than a contract. With Lucky Horse, you sign up for the relationship. Our goal is to get to know what makes you unique, and ensure that is showcased in whatever kind of video we produce for you – complete with consistent communication, friendly service, and a high quality product every time.

With a strong background in filmmaking, marketing, and education, my dream with Lucky Horse is to be a resource for anyone who has a story to tell. I focus on quality relationships that empower my clients to take the reigns in their own creative process, and provide the support and expertise needed to create an end product they didn’t know they could achieve.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My first couple of years after film school were definitely defined by a lot of trial and error. I had no idea how to be self employed, let alone run a business. I had part time jobs and even eventually transitioned into a full time job with a large company, setting aside my dreams of working in the film industry. Videography and filmmaking became more of my hobby, and a side hustle that I made little bits of money from here and there, getting clients via word of mouth. That period of time working a full time job and doing film as a side hustle was imperative to get me to where I am today. I got my feet under me in my early 20s, developed confidence, and padded my bank account. When Covid hit and everything was thrown up in the air, I figured, now might be as good a time as any to transition to full time filmmaking! I happened to be offered a longer term freelance job editing a narrative feature; though the pay was minimal, it felt like enough security for me to take the leap and quit my job, beginning my journey as a self employed cinematographer and editor. After a few years navigating the film industry, my career transitioned again from a that of an exclusively contract worker to business ownership, and I am so excited to see where it goes from here. I believe that for anyone wanting to make their side hustle into their main job, there will be that one gig that pops up and gives you the confidence to go for it. When the time is right and you are ready (and no matter how good the money actually is), you will see that gig as a universal sign and the world will open up for you.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The film industry (like all industries) is historically very monolithic. Diversity and inclusion is something I always aim to keep at the forefront of everything I do – I have had some amazing professors and mentors who have modeled that for me early on. Being a woman in film is a challenge to say the least, so I take pride in being a part of a wonderful community of women and non-binary creators here in Texas. It’s all about creating opportunities in a project from start to finish – telling stories of traditionally marginalized voices, hiring diverse cast and crew, incorporating healthy set practices through intimacy coordinators etc., and sharing those stories widely.

While the large conversation of diversity and inclusion is crucial, for me in my business, it trickles down to empowering all clients through education and relationship building. I never want my collaborations to be bound by hierarchy or rigidity – I believe we are all creators with unique value to bring to every project, so I make it a point to build spaces where that is celebrated.

Contact Info:

• Website: luckyhorseproductions.com
• Instagram: @luckyhorse_productions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucky-horse-productions