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

Myrta, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

¡Hola! I absolutely love this question because it brings me back to a pivotal moment in my career that changed everything for me.

A few years ago, I was working in a fairly comfortable space: balancing being an Adjunct Professor, while also landing film production and script doctoring/story consulting gigs. I had a stable client base from all over the world, and a steady stream of work.

It was not bad, not bad at all.

But, deep down, I knew I was holding myself back from something more… audacious.

The risk? I decided to step away from all that relative stability to focus on an entirely new path: producing my own films and telling stories that felt more personal —stories that had been sitting in my heart for years, often overshadowed by the client work that kept the bills paid. At the time, I was already working on a few big projects, but I wasn’t fully “invested” in them in the way I wanted to be.

It was a bit like being on the edge of a cliff, peeking over, but never truly jumping?

I remember having conversations with mentors, friends, and family. “You kinda hit the jackpot for an artist!” or “What if it doesn’t work out?” But I knew if I didn’t take that leap –if I didn’t TRY, even if I failed spectacularly–, I’d spend the rest of my life wondering about “what could have been.”

So, I took the plunge.

I launched my own production company, 4 Syllables, LLC, pitched my own projects, and set aside the work I was doing for others. It was scary! Terrifying, even!!! There was uncertainty, there was financial pressure, and some sleepless nights, for sure.

Guess what? I. Have. Never. Regretted it.

I realized that, even in the moments of fear, the creative energy was flowing –like never before. I connected with people who believed in the same vision I had, and slowly but surely, my projects started to take shape.

The first one that really gained traction was a short documentary about the hospital where the first case of Covid was reported in NYC. We were lauding the First Responders, as we well should have. But what about the rest of the complex eco-systems that support hospital operations? The logisticians, the chaplains, the janitors? All whom were not receiving the same attention or recognition –the “Second Responders”? That short documentary got us all the way into Cannes, and it snowballed from there. It was the kind of risk where I put literally everything on the line –I maxed out a credit card or two in the process! Yet, I trusted that my heart would guide me, and the universe would provide the tools and people I needed. And that’s exactly what happened: we ended up receiving a Merit Grant to help us with our Film Festival run by none other than Dr. Abigail Disney! She’s AMAZING.

Looking back, the initial risk wasn’t just about changing my career or even artistic ennui: it was about trusting myself and my instincts. And you know what? Even with all the ups and downs., it’s been working out. Not in a straight line, obvy, but in a way that has allowed me to grow as both a creator and as a person.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Welp, ¡hola! I’m Myrta (meer-Tah) Vida (vee-Dah). I’m a writer, producer, and independent filmmaker, with a mission to create bold, authentic stories that resonate and inspire.

My journey into the creative industry wasn’t your typical story. I served in the Army, where I learned the power of resilience and the importance of voice in the face of adversity. I’ve carried that with me into my work as a storyteller. I earned my MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where I graduated summa cum laude, and I further honed my craft with a conservatory program in screenwriting at the New York Film Academy. I also earned a Certificate in Sketch Comedy Writing from the Upright Citizens Brigade (I’m told I’m hilarious… the jury’s still out?).

It wasn’t until I was teaching college-level English as a Second Language (ESL) that I was led into my true calling. One of my talented students, a filmmaker from China, asked me to help him with his script. That moment changed everything. It was the start of my transition from writer to script consultant, and that word-of-mouth journey eventually led me to build a global clientele of indie filmmakers. I became a trusted story consultant and script doctor, helping filmmakers from all over the world shape their visions into reality.

As for what I do now: I’m also a producer. I’ve had the privilege of being involved in incredible projects like *Premature*, which won the John Cassavetes Award, and *The Infiltrators*, which took home a few Sundance Awards. I like to think that what sets me apart in my production work is that I’m both a creative and a businesswoman. I’m the one who ensures that the integrity of the story never gets lost, no matter what obstacles arise in the production process. I use my writing background to bring that emotional and metaphorical depth into the work, ensuring that everything from the script to the final product reflects the authenticity and intention of the filmmakers.

I’m also a Virgo, if you’re into that sort of thing. I was born to produce, baby!

What I solve for my clients isn’t just about bringing their projects to life: it’s about protecting their vision, making sure their stories are told as they intend, and creating a safe space for them to thrive in an industry that often forces us to compromise. I’ve spent years fighting for BIPOC and women-led projects to be seen and heard. There’s a real hunger for stories that reflect the complexity of our lived experiences, and I’m here to make sure those stories have the space and platform they deserve.

What I’m most proud of: It’s not just the awards or the projects I’ve been a part of, but the IMPACT my work’s had on the community. I’ve worked with independent filmmakers from all around the world, from my native Puerto Rico to Chile, from Belgium to Ghana. I earnestly want to help craft stories that aren’t just movies, but movements. I take pride in seeing those I’ve mentored and collaborated with succeed, and knowing that I had a hand in making that possible.

For those who are curious about my work and what my brand represents: I’m not just about creating art for the sake of art. I’m about creating art that matters, that uplifts, that entertains –of course!–, but that also challenges the status quo. So, you know, I’m not ambitious. *wink*

I’ve been fiercely dedicated to helping people tell their stories, their way. Without compromise. Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or creative entrepreneur, I’ve been there to help take grand visions to the next level, using everything I’ve learned over the years to navigate the complexities of the industry.

Above all, I want people to know that I’m not just a “service provider” or a “consultant.” I’m your ally in this journey. I’ll fight for your story. I’ll protect your vision.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

INVEST IN WOMEN.
END OF STATEMENT.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the idea that I had to *prove myself* in order to be taken seriously.

When I first started in the industry, I was constantly trying to show that I “belonged.” That I was “worthy” and oh-so-grateful and humble to even be given a chair at the outskirts of “the table.” As a Latina, as a woman, I felt like it was my job –my professional and personal responsibility– to be seen and treated as an equal.

After a lot of exhaustion and frustration, I eventually realized that I didn’t need to *prove* anything. To anyone. I’d spent so much energy trying to meet other people’s standards and expectations. I was trying to subvert dangerous and harmful stereotypes. I lost sight of what truly mattered: my own vision, my own worth, and my own voice. I had to unlearn that drive for external validation. And I had and start trusting myself more.

It took me a long, long time to let go of the idea that my work had to be “perfect” to be valuable. I came to understand that the most important thing was being authentic. I learned to stop apologizing for taking up space which I had a right to claim, and stop shrinking myself in rooms where –more often that not– was made to feel like I didn’t belong.

A real and meaningful breakthrough came when I realized that the people who matter —the ones who *get* it— are the ones who value me for who I am, not because I’m trying so hard to fit into some mold. Once that clicked, I feel I truly started to flourish. I felt a burden lifted from my very bones.

It’s still something I have to remind myself of on occasion, but it’s been one of the most liberating lessons I’ve learned in my career –and life. I don’t need to hustle, hustle, hustle for approval anymore. The work –MY work– and my ethics speak for themselves. This allows me to show up with the gifts of authenticity and self-awareness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtavida
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myrtavida