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

Celeste, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think success as a producer comes down to a blend of passion, resilience, and adaptability. You really have to love the art of storytelling, because the industry is full of twists and turns, and it’s that passion that keeps you motivated through all the ups and downs. There is no correct avenue to take; you have to build your own path.

An example I can think of is when I was working on a project that was deeply personal to me. We were filming on location, and, like always, just when you think everything is going smoothly, there’s a surprise. It would have been easy to throw in the towel and call it a day, but what got the team through was our love for the project and the story we were telling. That’s when resilience kicks in—you have to keep pushing forward, find creative solutions, and trust that things will come together in the end. Adaptability goes hand in hand with that. Things don’t always go exactly as planned, and your ability to think on your feet and make quick, effective decisions is key.

The industry is always evolving, and you have to be able to roll with those changes. Being open to learning and growing is essential. I’ve found that some of the best opportunities come when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone. For me, success isn’t just about getting a project completed; it’s about learning from each experience and continuing to grow as a creative.

Celeste, 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?

I’m a filmmaker with a love for storytelling and commitment to bringing unique narratives to life. My journey into the industry began in 2018 where I started my education in film production. In 2022, I graduated from Cal State Northridge and was selected to participate in the Academy Gold Rising Program under the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Currently, I work as an executive assistant at Zero Gravity Management in the Literary and Below-the-Line departments, while also pursuing my passion for creative producing.

I’m deeply passionate about producing narratives inspired by real people and real events. One of my recent projects, ‘Ravine‘, written and directed by Selene E. Alvarez is a story based on the Los Angeles history of the forceful evictions that occured on May 9th, 1959 in the communities of La Loma, Palo Verde, and Bishop.

There’s something incredibly powerful about bringing authentic stories to life—stories that not only resonate with audiences but also spark meaningful conversations. These kinds of films have the ability to bridge the gap between entertainment and education, offering a way to connect with people on both an emotional and intellectual level.

My brand will always be rooted in authenticity, purpose, and committed to elevating voices. The goal is not only to create something entertaining, but to offer a lens into different perspectives.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and keeping morale high is all about creating a space where everyone feels valued and excited to bring their best to the project. All phases of production can be stressful, so I try to keep things grounded by making sure the whole team is on the same page about the vision. When everyone knows what we’re trying to achieve and feels connected to the story, it naturally creates a sense of purpose. And of course, things don’t always go as planned—that’s just the nature of this work. Set the tone by staying calm and focused on solutions.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s a wonderful feeling to go from those early conversations—where the story is just a spark—to watching the completed project on a big screen. That transformation from concept to reality is pure magic to me. What really sticks with me is the impact our work can have on others. Being able to tell stories that move people—that’s the real reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://celestebird.com/work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestebird
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celestebird

Image Credits

Mario E. Carranza, Jack Motter