We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan MacGrath. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.

Megan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

As a filmmaker in the creative space, I find myself mostly happy in this passion career I’ve chosen. I say mostly, only because they are not without difficult times in this profession. I could say you would have difficult times in anything you do, but there’s also much reward and joy in the overall picture. I’ve had a regular job and for the first 10+ years of being a filmmaker, I also worked a regular job. I’m blessed that now I don’t have to have a regular job and by that I think of 9-5, working for somebody else in a super structured job. There is definitely nothing wrong with wanting stability and security in life, but that’s just not really how I was built. I have a free spirit and love storytelling and adventure. Working with other creatives really ignites my soul, so yes, you could say I’m pretty happy as a creative.

Megan, 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 have been in the film industry since 2006, started as a Production Assistant and now working mainly as a Producer and Production Manager. I have worked on all types of projects, from music videos to corporate videos to films: feature-length, short-form, and documentaries. I’m on the board of two film organizations, both IFSOC: Independent Film Society of Colorado and Peak Film Forum. I am also the Volunteer Coordinator and Ticket Sales Manager for several film festivals and work on the many events we hold in Colorado Springs.

I have always been interested in movies. Continuity was something I noticed and really wanted to be a part of making films.. I’m a computer nerd at heart and wanted to be a computer scientist or graphic artist.. I attended college for a few years, but felt it was better for me to just get out there and do it; hands-on learning has always worked best for me. So after lots of calls and running in circles, I met someone who owned a Production Company. He brought me under his wing and was able to bring me on to some projects as a Production Assistant for a PSA Commercial, TV Shows, working with another Production Company who produced positive, thought-provoking videos, etc. I worked with and met many great people, who introduced me to the narrative film world. By the end of the year, I met a new group of filmmakers and we were knee-deep in our own film school, creating the first feature-length film I’d work on. I helped to coordinate and manage details and be a helping hand, wherever needed. I can say that Director and some of the other crew from that film experience are some of my dearest friends, still to this day and we have created many projects since then.

I started my Production Managing and Producing roles in 2010, and depending on the project and Director, I also am an Assistant Director. I love the finite details of a project, as it helps me with the overall goal and vision of the film, in addition to bridging the gap from pre to post. The saying “It’s all about who you know” is so very true in the film industry. I have met and worked with so many people, even celebrities. Most of my work is referral-based and I’m so grateful for those who have recommended me for projects. I currently am in pre-pro for 2 feature films, in production on 1 short and 1 doc series and in post for 2 features.

I am most known for the award-winning film, Monster Force Zero, which I do have to say is one of the films I’m most proud of. What makes MF0 (zero) special for me is that it was my first official, feature-length film as a Producer. We had an amazing cast and crew and to see something so big come together with so much love and passion from everyone was an awesome experience. The other film that I’m proud of is the award-winning DRT: Dead Right There; a short film we made during Covid and local riots. I’m proud of what we created through such an unknown, trying time. I feel my attention to detail and my caring nature is what sets me apart. I have a heart for helping and assisting people in a variety of ways and genuinely want what’s best for everyone involved. Fair is not always easy to do, as you will not be able to please everyone.

I work under several Production Companies and as I have started producing more, I have created MacGeez Productions! I want to be proud of the work I do and am blessed to have such great teams with whom I choose to work. I’m all about helping others succeed, sharing my experiences in this career and teaching others what I know, even as I continue to learn day in, day out. If I set my mind to something, I will accomplish it and do it with a lot of love, hard work and to the best of my ability.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Absolutely! One of the biggest things I feel non-creatives struggle to understand about my journey is that instability is not desirable, but sometimes necessary to be in a space you can be free to work on what you’d like and create films/projects that hopefully later they will enjoy. Following your dreams and your passions is not without sruggle (and I’ve had many), but doing it with amazing people, who also understand the journey, is rewarding. It’s a part of me to be a free spirit and being pigeon-holed into something I may not desire or enjoy isn’t worth it for me. Sure I’ve had to have some side hustles, but I do what I have to in order to live a life I’M proud of. All of the jobs I’ve held have given me some type of experience or knowledge that helps me in what I do now. Live your passion and do all you can to achieve your own happiness, no matter if people understand or not.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Honestly, support comes in different forms – we have visions in creativity and simply appreciating the hard work we put in, especially on passion projects (projects where we love the concept, team, story, etc…but don’t really have the funds, but we still get out there and make it happen as best we can), is a huge support. Physically come to our film screenings is another way to support. Financially supporting is one of the biggest options. Even though we work really hard to create something with nothing or very little, it would be even better had we had some financial backing. There are so many groups ready to create stories, experiences, visions, and probably something you can’t even think of. That is the mind of a creative – they think outside of the box and they see things from a different perspective. It could be your story we tell. My suggestion is to sit down with a creative and hear what’s on their mind and hear the passion they are so willing to share.

Contact Info:

• Website: meganmmacgrath.wixsite.com/hello
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megmm7777?igsh=aTFycndqZmdqTzI4
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganmmacgrath/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmacgrath/