We recently connected with Amelia Joyce and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amelia, thanks for 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.
The risks I’ve taken in my life are hard to narrow down! It depends on one’s definition of “taking a risk.” From a very young age as an artist my way of doing things has been, at the very least, unconventional.
Around twenty years old, I took a thoughtful pause from school to find my raison d’être. I was studying art and photography at the time, which led me to becoming an assistant to music photographers. I spontaneously moved across the country to New York, not knowing at all what I planned to do there. Like a free spirit, and to the chagrin of my parents, I just took a chance.
In New York, I went back to school and then worked at every magazine, fashion, music, and advertising job I could find, absorbing knowledge from colleagues and mentors. Eventually I became a creative multi-hyphenate; to this day ever expanding my skill set. I grew into the Creative Director role: a title I actually earned by being able to do pretty much any aspect of a job in creative, and very well. It came down to the love of making things. I wanted to be capable of anything to be self sufficient, and become more valuable. I’m grateful to have worked with incredible people, and at incredible places. It brings me joy to personally offer a wide range of talent and expertise to whatever a project calls for.
I moved back to California, and during the pandemic I started to write. I was always interested in filmmaking, and now it’s all I want to do. I started writing movies as a vehicle to make them. I let the visions pour out, not knowing exactly where any of it would take me.
In 2023, I survived a serious medical emergency. I spent over a week in the surgical ICU, and the cause was even a mystery to the medical staff. Soon after I left the hospital, I started a crowdfund for a short film. I owe it to the humbling support we received that now our project is in film festivals, was nominated for an award, and we’re all having quite a ride.
I believe that I have always been divinely guided, so I am not sure if any choices were truly a “risk” in the end. I think if we follow our hearts into the unknown, stay grateful, trust, and do the work required, that is where the magic happens. What’s really risky is not taking a “risk” at all.
Amelia, 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 a filmmaker, creative director, and photographer, based in Los Angeles. For 20 years as a multi-industry creative I have worked with many iconic fashion, music, entertainment, and consumer brands and personalities, as well as independent, niche companies.
My work spans across print and video content creation, TV commercial and OOH advertising, as well as extensive work on major concert key artwork, and tour visuals. I wrote and directed my latest narrative project, “Froggy,” which premiered at New York Shorts. This project is currently active in the festival circuit, and was nominated for an award at Mammoth Film Festival.
My work is praised for collaboratively capturing the authenticity and spirit within my subjects. My long career and experience in music and fashion bring a unique personal point of view to each project– combining an elevated yet edgy aesthetic, with a soul for storytelling.
Conservation work is close to my heart. I enjoy creating reportage content for a variety of NGOs including Sea Shepherd, Trunks Up, and Save Elephant Foundation, in Northern Thailand.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I’ve always cultivated and maintained certain relationships, continually making them feel they are a priority. I’ve been blessed with amazing collaborations that have lasted for well over a decade. My network is aware of my exceptional work ethic, and the elevated level of quality that I provide.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Through the art I create my goal is to instill an emotional connection through storytelling. I believe in intentional lighting choices, pacing, tone, breathtaking performances… These days it feels as though we are all yearning for relatability on some level, or just feel seen.
During any project, it is consistently on my mind how to bring connectivity and meaning in the subtext, or overtly. That we can all walk away with an experience, and something to talk about. Similar to the Jacques Tati quote about how he wants “the film to start when you leave the theatre.”
I also aim to lift up those who’ve had the odds against them in creative industries. Having an inclusive set is essential, as we pioneer into the future of filmmaking. I dream of my wonderful team rising up together with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ameliajoyce.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamameliajoyce
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-joyce-b6a30540/
Image Credits
Froggy | Short Film:
Director: Amelia Joyce
DP: Paola Trulin
1st AC: Keiry Vera
Gaffer: Rafael Saud
EP: David Gomez Carrascal
Associate Producer + 1st AD: Roberta Sparta
Costume Design: Christine Baker
SFX + Makeup: Monique Paredes
Art Director: Elizabeth Mae Alan
BTS Photography: Taylor Brooke Fair
Actors: Madison Fair, Felix Merback, Molly Anderson, Viridiana Marquez, Steven Strobel, Donnevan Tolbert
T3 Micro | Ad Spots:
Director: Amelia Joyce
DP: Joe Toto
Photographer: Ashley Batz
Producer: Sasha Corban
Wardrobe: Christine Baker
MU: Riku Campo
Hair: Henry de la Paz
Geena Davis | Book Promo:
Director: Mark Seliger
DP: Amelia Joyce
DIT: George Brooks
The Nurse | Short Film
Director: Amelia Joyce
DP: Aaron White
1st AC: Pongsakorn Kamhangngam
Gaffer: Jonathan Schrader
EP: Mel Fair + Amelia Joyce
Costume Design: Christine Baker
MU: Taylor Brooke Fair
Actor: Mel Fair
Tamara Mellon | Ad Spots
Director: Amelia Joyce
Director: Paola Kudacki
DP: Tom Schopler
Copywriter: Jamie Lenore McKillop
Producer: Karina Dearwood
Wardrobe: Keegan Singh
MU: Kimberly Bragalone
Models: Natazha McDuffie, Tamara Mellon
Portrait
Photographer: Koury Angelo