We were lucky to catch up with Sophia Conger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sophia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
My path to filmmaking has been a combination of formal education and hands-on experience that transitioned from production to directorial work. I studied Cinema Production at Ithaca College, which gave me a strong foundation. Then I began taking freelance production assistant jobs, production coordinating jobs and simultaneously producing my own work as a director.
I was a production coordinator at companies like Vayner Media and production managed the French/American feature film “Silver Star (2024)” – experiences that showed me how understanding different aspects of production enhances directing abilities.
When you’ve coordinated logistics and seen how creative choices create ripple effects through an entire production, you develop an instinct for what’s achievable within constraints while still pushing creative boundaries. This has allowed me to communicate effectively with each department while keeping the production running smoothly. If you’re a director who thinks filmmaking is only about YOUR vision – you’ve got that wrong, haha.
On that same note, I wish I trusted my creative vision more in the past. As a female filmmaker, I initially felt pressure to soften my storytelling or make it more “palatable,” but I’ve learned that my distinctly feminine perspective on power dynamics and social pressures actually strengthens my work, as you might notice in my films, ‘To Us’, ‘Five Stars’ or ‘Inclusive Space.’
I’m at a point in my career where I’m prioritizing my voice, telling stories I want to tell. And that takes bravery and courage because…what if people don’t like those stories? What if I become irrelevant because I’m turning down projects that don’t represent me? I’ve spent time and money investing in myself – can I continue to do that? A ton of questions and concerns cycle through your head as you reject to improve, but just remember – that’s normal and that’s growth!
Sophia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
In my early twenties, I quickly learned that no one was going to hand me a directing job. If I wanted to direct – I had to go out there and make my own films.
Now, I’m a film director and writer who gravitates toward stories that challenge social norms and explore complex human dynamics. My projects are usually comedic and bold in nature, although sometimes take a subtle, naturalistic path. My current work spans multiple formats – from dramatic narrative shorts like ‘To Us’, to my indie comedy TV show ‘Sugar Baby’, or even branded docu-style content for Leukemia and Lymphoma.
Within my narrative projects, what sets my work apart is how I approach sensitive subjects through unexpected lenses. Take my TV show ‘Sugar Baby,’ which won Best Comedy Series at Catalyst Story Institute – it uses humor to explore complex power dynamics between wealthy older men and young striving women. ‘To Us’ explores how families grapple when a member of their family was charged with a sexual assault allegation. And my first short ‘Paloma,’ tells a story (entirely in Spanish) about finding yourself again through the language of flamenco dance after a long spell of depression. I’m proud that these projects don’t just entertain but create space for meaningful conversations about identity, values, and social pressure.
Currently, you can find me developing my debut feature – a psychological dramedy about a private chef who falls in with the personification of death. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to learn more.
PS: Episodes of ‘Sugar Baby’ are now public! You can check them out at @SugarBabyTVShow on Youtube or Instagram.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of directing is the electric collaborative energy that happens on set. There’s something magical about working with actors to discover deeper layers of truth in a scene. (PSA: I love working with actors!) Those moments when performance, camera movement, and emotion all align to create something more powerful than what was on the page.
I also love how much your vision can change once you’re on set – usually for the better. Even big budget directors like Steven Spielberg have said that their movies never look like how they did in their head! Just goes to show that magic (and challenges) can happen on set and fostering a warm, friendly environment where you can experiment and have fun is pivotal.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
First and foremost, we need to address the fundamental issue of compensation in the creative industry – too often, artists are expected to work for exposure or minimal pay, which is simply unsustainable. A thriving creative ecosystem can only exist when we properly value and compensate creative work, allowing artists to focus on their craft without constantly worrying about making ends meet.
I’d also love to see more transparency and accessibility in the festival and lab circuits. While these platforms are crucial for emerging filmmakers, the selection process often feels opaque and gate-keepy. Having more clarity about selection criteria and constructive feedback could help filmmakers grow and better target their submissions.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we need to foster a culture of kindness and support within the industry. While the entertainment world is inherently competitive, I’ve found that my most successful collaborations and opportunities have come from genuine connections and mutual support rather than cutthroat competition. When we remember our shared humanity and treat each other with respect – whether we’re working within a major studio or simply helping emerging filmmakers find their footing – the entire creative ecosystem benefits. Success in this industry shouldn’t come at the cost of our humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sophiaconger.com
- Instagram: @sophieconger
- Youtube: @sugarbabytvshow
