We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bella Monzo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bella thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve carried with me is the importance of routine and simply showing up.

Growing up just outside Philadelphia, I spent weekends taking art classes at the University of the Arts. Those mornings began with a walk down Broad Street for coffee, followed by a step into a studio filled with students eager to create. Whether I was sculpting, painting, or storyboarding, I learned that consistency and presence mattered just as much as creativity.

Showing up prepared gave me a head start – not just on my projects, but on myself. It’s a mindset I’ve carried into production work today. Whether I’m coordinating crews on a commercial or managing logistics for an independent film, being intentional, organized, and fully present makes the creative process stronger!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! I’m Bella Monzo, and I am an emerging producer and production coordinator based in the Philadelphia area. Creativity has always been a through line in my life – I grew up experimenting with makeup effects inspired by horror films, sculpting, and painting, which naturally evolved into an interest in film and television. I realized producing was the place where I could merge two parts of myself: an artist who loves building ideas from scratch and the organizer who thrives on structure and problem-solving.

I studied Film & Television at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I focused on television producing and made a point to experience as many roles as I could. From camera, art, makeup, logistics, and producing, it gave me a 360° view of production, and a deep appreciation for how every department fits into the larger vision.

Since graduating, I’ve worked on projects in the Philadelphia area, working with companies like Loaded Pixel and All Ages Productions. My roles have ranged from contract production coordinator on commercial shoots to producer’s assistant, collaborating directly with ADs and producers to keep productions on track. I’ve also supported content development in documentary and true crime storytelling, where I get to blend creativity with structure.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What excites me most about film is the energy on set. No matter the project, something is motivating about being surrounded by talented people all working toward the same vision.

My mission is simple: to contribute meaningfully to creative teams and help bring stories to life in a way that feels seamless and impactful. I want to keep building with teams I trust, where feedback and collaboration push the work further.

At its core, storytelling is about connection, and that’s what I want my work to do – whether through a short film, a commercial, or a documentary.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I pull inspiration from a mix of industry resources and conversations with peers. I enjoy TED Talks on creativity, books like The Business of Film and Shot by Shot, and podcasts such as the A24 Podcast, How Did This Get Made?, and The Town with Matthew Belloni.

I also take a lot from directors’ commentaries and behind-the-scenes interviews, especially with Netflix directors like Mike Flanagan, whose approach to both craft and collaboration really resonates with me.

Some of the most valuable lessons, though, have come directly from working with producers and project managers on set. One thing I’ve learned is that trust, communication, and confidence are everything. If a team feels supported and knows the plan, even when it changes, you’re already halfway there. That’s something I try to bring into every project I’m part of!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bellamonzo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bella.uh.monzo/?hl=en