Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anila Nugmanova. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Anila thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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.
I learned a lot about producing during the production of several projects at the time I worked in the production company. There are a lot of things to control starting from the development of the project and ending with the release of it. In my experience development might take some time and a lot of back and forth. But once the script is locked it is much easier to move forward with other stages of production. What helps is to have a clear step-by-step plan on what needs to be done and what are the time frames. And of course, clear communication between everyone involved in the making of the project is extremely important. My background in finance helped me well with calculating budgets and generally understanding how to better allocate finances in the film. I think networking is the most important skill above all other skills. Through networking you can find opportunities, people to collaborate with, projects, advice, and so on. So I always recommend developing the skill of networking.
Anila, 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?
My name is Anila and I am a film producer. I came from the financial industry when I was 24 years old and lived in Kazakhstan. I had a promising career as a risk manager at the bank where I worked but my heart wanted something that fired it. One day I decided I had to quit and explore the industry of filmmaking to either be there or close that door and never think about it. Despite all the risks, I leaped and here I am 10 years later in Los Angeles, producing some unique projects and don’t plan to stop. It was a long way and I am still learning new things, having ups and downs, but never within those 10 years, I felt like I was pursuing something I didn’t like. It still sparkles me and inspires and the the indicator that I think I am on the right path.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, there is. I want to leave a print in the history so my descendants can be proud of me.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
When the audience sees the films I produced they can relate to it and like it. That’s the most rewarding aspect for me.
Image Credits
Deidhra Fahey