We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Robyn Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily Robyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
LOVE SPELL – A Film Destined to Happen
After spending a couple of years on the road performing poetry and exploring the U.S. with my then-partner, I was ready to create something truly my own. I had always envisioned making a film, and when my partner suggested I check out Utah as a filming location, I decided to take the leap.
I left California for Utah in November of 2017, knowing no one. By December, I was casting. By March 2018, we were filming. LOVE SPELL was my first time producing and directing something I had written. From the very beginning, it felt as though the universe had already set things in motion.
One of the first synchronicities happened when an Atlanta-based producer, who was attending Sundance, saw my post in a Facebook film group. He reached out, offering to produce my film, and flew up from Atlanta to help assemble an incredible team. It was one of those moments that felt like the universe whispering, this is meant to be.
Another uncanny moment happened while I was searching for a DP (Director of Photography) with real feature film experience. One day, as I sat in rush hour traffic in downtown Salt Lake, I stopped behind a van that read Redman Movies & Stories. At that exact moment, my phone chimed with a Facebook message— a DP who had just told me he didn’t typically work on short films anymore was reconsidering mine. His name popped up under the same Redman Movies & Stories I had just seen on the van. Within the hour, he was attached to the project.
Moments like this happened over and over again. It was as if LOVE SPELL had an energy of its own, pulling the right people into its orbit at the perfect time.
Beyond the synchronicities, the film became deeply personal in ways I hadn’t expected. There were hidden Easter eggs throughout. For an example, an electric guitar I had won in a sales competition at Guitar Center, copies of my then-partner’s CDs subtly placed in the background of a pawn shop scene, and even the crystal ball on the mantelpiece in Georgie and Aaron Poor’s apartment, which was the same one the queen used in the film. Spoiler alert. There was the local indie vinyl record Georgie picks up before things get heated in the film and it happened to say, “I’m going to stab you” on the cover.
But the best part wasn’t just the magic surrounding the production—it was the people.
Working with Mrs. America and Mrs. Universe winner Robin Towle was an unforgettable experience; she was so kind and wonderful to work with. I also made lifelong friends during the shoot including Dale McKeel, who later appeared in a Sundance film, Ischa Bee, Stephen Harr, Everett Lavell Spencer, and so many others. What started as a film became a family, a creative collective woven together by a shared experience unlike any other.
Looking back, LOVE SPELL wasn’t just a film, it was a testament to how the universe conspires when you step into your creative purpose. It was proof that when you say yes to your art, the right people, moments, and opportunities will find their way to you, often in ways more magical than you could ever plan.
Emily Robyn, 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?
About Me – Award-Winning Filmmaker & Author
I am an award-winning filmmaker, author, poet, journalist, and songwriter with a deep passion for storytelling that transcends mediums. My work explores mystery, ambiguity, and the human experience through visually rich, emotionally resonant narratives. Whether I’m writing poetry, crafting screenplays, directing films, or composing music, my goal is always the same—to create something that lingers, something that leaves a mark on the soul.
How I Got Started
Storytelling has always been at the core of who I am. My journey began in poetry and journalism from an early age, where I found my voice as a writer. I’ve had the honor of publishing poetry in literary journals, performing at notable venues across the U.S., interviewing some of Hollywood’s most compelling creatives, and contributing to publications like LA’s Cultural Daily, VCReporter, Aspen Daily News, Dig In Magazine, and A! Magazine, for example.
Over time, my passion for narrative deepened, leading me into the world of filmmaking. I worked on some really cool projects in LA, like a Fiat commercial, a Leica commercial, and independent films, including a short horror film, SUPERSTITIOUS MAN, which I co-wrote, co-produced, and acted in. I even performed in a scene I wrote for my Hollywood acting class. When my acting coach, Nick Gaglia, decided to film it, Kether Donohue acted alongside me. It was an amazing experience. She’s incredibly talented and such a kind person.
When I directed my first film, LOVE SPELL, I realized, this feels like flying. There’s nothing like it in the world. Time stands still. I absolutely love directing; it makes me come alive. The experience of directing, producing, and writing a film from the ground up solidified my love for visual storytelling and proved my ability to create something truly meaningful from scratch. I want to do it over and over again.
Hey, I just need funding—so if you’re reading this and want me to tell your story, please reach out. I’m all ears! I have the ability to make a $100,000 film for $7,000. Finding creative ways to save money is one of my specialties.
Beyond film, I also write books, including my poetry collection “Art Triumphant”, and I’m currently working on “The Alchemist’s Heart”, a book exploring chaos as a creative and transformative force. I also have a new poetry collection, “Morning Comes Roaring Down the Mountain”, forthcoming from Finishing Line Press in October 2025.
What I Do & What Sets Me Apart
My work spans multiple disciplines, but the common thread is storytelling, whether it’s through film, writing, or music. I focus on creating dreamlike, mysterious, and thought-provoking works that engage the imagination and challenge perception. My projects are deeply inspired by directors like David Lynch, Alfred Hitchcock, and Krzysztof Kieślowski, as well as philosophical and mystical traditions that explore the deeper layers of human consciousness.
I am also developing a unique screenwriting methodology called “The Camera’s Eye: A New Approach to Screenwriting,” which focuses on writing from the camera’s perspective and embracing objectivity in storytelling. My methodology aims to help writers detach from personal bias and create stories that feel more immersive and cinematic.
What I Offer
I provide a variety of creative services, including:
Screenwriting & Filmmaking – Developing, writing, and directing compelling visual narratives.
Creative Consulting & Coaching – Helping artists, filmmakers, and writers refine their craft and bring their projects to life.
Journalism & Interviews – Covering arts, film, and entertainment, bringing deeper insight into creative processes.
Poetry & Literary Works – Exploring themes of transformation, mystery, and artistic evolution.
Courses & Workshops – Shapes of Stories, “The Camera’s Eye: A New Approach to Screenwriting”, Managing ADHD with AI, Intro to Screenwriting, and Harnessing Your Inner Alchemist, for example.
I specialize in helping storytellers find their authentic voice and bringing stories to life in visually and emotionally compelling ways. My work also helps neurodivergent individuals harness their unique creative strengths through structured yet intuitive methods.
What I’m Most Proud Of
LOVE SPELL – My eleven-time award-winning short film, which was selected for 16 international film festivals and became a transformative creative experience that brought together a unique community of artists and collaborators.
OUROBOROS – A film I wrote and directed as part of the FSU Film MFA program, which was nominated for Best Student Film at the Chicago Indie Film Awards (2024) and is a semi-finalist at Renegade Film Festival (2025).
COUNTRY GIRLS – Writing, producing, and starring in my debut music video for my award-winning single “Country Girls,” which won an award at Zepstone International Film & Music Festival.
My screenwriting accolades – I’m honored to have my scripts “Apocalypse Messiah” and “Suffer Her Rage” recognized at FilmQuest Film Festival and awarded First and Third Place in the Olive Woolley Burt Creative Writing Awards (2023). “Apocalypse Messiah” was also a semi-finalist at Renegade Film Festival (2025).
My published poetry – upcoming poetry chapbook, “Morning Comes Roaring Down the Mountain,” will be published by Finishing Line Press in October 2025. My first collection, “Art Triumphant” (2017), was an early milestone in my poetic journey. I’ve also been published in many notable literary journals including, The Power of the Feminine “I” anthology, SLCC’s Re-remembering anthology, The Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, Askew Poetry Journal, Ventura Arts Council’s Emerging Poets, Lullwater Review, Spectrum, Aspen Daily News, and Lavender Review, to name a few.
Teaching and inspiring young poets – I spent several years teaching poetry workshops through California Poets in the Schools and published the student anthology “Tasty Little Samples,” featuring the work of 70 students.
My journalism career – Covering film, interviewing incredible creatives like Awkwafina, Milla Jovovich, Emma Roberts, Eiza González, among others, and contributing to Dig In Magazine, The Acorn Newspapers, LA’s Cultural Daily, VCReporter, and Gaye Magazine.
My awards and honors – Being named one of the Top 40 Under 40 for Ventura County, winning First Place in fiction for “The Weaver” in the Olive Woolley Burt Creative Writing Awards (2022), and receiving the Ralph L. Cook Endowment scholarship for Film Production (2024).
What I Want People to Know
At the heart of everything I do is a love for storytelling and transformation. I believe that creativity is a form of alchemy. It has the power to transmute experience into art, pain into beauty, and ideas into reality. Whether through film, poetry, books, or coaching, my mission is to help others step into their creative power and embrace the unknown.
I’m always open to new collaborations, whether in film, fiction, poetry or creative consulting. If my work resonates with you, I’d love to connect and explore new possibilities together.
Creative Services & Pricing
Writing & Filmmaking Services
Screenwriting Services – Starting at $30 per hour
Film Production Consultation – Starting at $30 per hour
Editing Services (Writing) – Custom pricing based on project scope (please inquire)
Freelance Writing Services – Custom quotes available upon request
Freelance Filmmaking Services – Pricing varies by project (please inquire)
Workshops & Courses
Workshops (Group Sessions) – $50–$100 per session (topics include Screenwriting, Poetry, Filmmaking, and Harnessing Creativity & Productivity courses for Neurodivergent People)
1-on-1 Coaching & Consulting
Individualized Coaching & Consulting – Tailored guidance for writers, filmmakers, and creatives seeking personalized mentorship ($100 per session or $300–$400 for deep-dive coaching packages)
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
To build a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to do three things: value art, fund art, and make it accessible.
1. Value Art as Essential
Art is often treated as an extra—something nice but not necessary. Yet storytelling, music, film, and visual arts shape culture, drive change, and provide emotional and psychological relief. We need to start recognizing that artists contribute just as much to society as any other profession and treat creative work with the respect, compensation, and institutional support it deserves.
One of the most powerful things individuals can do? Buy our art. Give us opportunities and resources. Yes, money is great, but sometimes what we need most is connections, networking, housing, food, or simply an introduction to the right people.
If you know someone who owns a venue, tell us.
If you know someone who loves to support artists, connect us.
If you have space to offer a touring musician, let them crash on your couch.
So many talented creatives don’t struggle because they lack skill or dedication—they struggle because they don’t have access to the right opportunities.
2. Fund Artists Directly
Many artists survive gig to gig, making below minimum wage while their work generates millions for corporations. If society invested in artists the way it invests in tech or business, we would see an explosion of creativity and innovation.
This means:
More grants and stipends that go directly to artists, not just institutions.
More funding for independent and grassroots projects.
More community-based support programs.
Churches, mosques, temples, community centers, colleges, and schools could be doing so much more. These are already community hubs, why not use them to foster the arts? Hosting performances, readings, workshops, or exhibitions would create incredible opportunities for both artists and audiences.
3. Make Creative Careers Accessible
Gatekeeping is a massive issue in the arts. Whether it’s film, music, publishing, or fine arts, breaking in can feel impossible without the right connections or financial safety net. We need:
More mentorship programs.
Affordable creative education.
Better opportunities for working-class and underrepresented artists to thrive.
And honestly? Support starts at home. My own family support me by listening to my music, watching my films, reading my poems, and providing financial and emotional support when I need it—which is vital to an artist.
Please support your artist friends. Support your artist family member. Buy their work, share their posts, and introduce them to people who can help them thrive.
At the end of the day, artists don’t just need admiration, we need tangible support. When you help an artist, you don’t just support one person, you contribute to a thriving, vibrant, and meaningful culture. Art is what makes the world richer, more connected, and more human. It’s time we treated it that way.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success has an expiration date.
When I was in undergrad, a friend once told me, “If you haven’t made it as a musician by 19 or 20, you never will.” That single statement planted a seed of doubt in me that took years to uproot. I internalized it, carrying this invisible clock that made me feel like I was always racing against time, always too late for something. Later, I’d hear more of these rigid, quantitative “rules” about creative success: If you aren’t successful by 30, give up. If you don’t have a stable job, you’re failing. If you want security, don’t go into the film industry. Even my late father, whom I love dearly, told me, “Why would you want to work in film? It’s so unstable. Get a reliable, steady job.”
For a long time, I believed these messages. I thought if I didn’t hit certain milestones at certain ages, I was doing something wrong. But what I’ve learned is that artistic success is nonlinear, and timelines are arbitrary. If anything, those beliefs hold people back more than any external obstacle. I’ve built a creative life on my own terms, even when that meant surviving on $12-15k some years because I chose freedom and storytelling over a traditional 9-to-5. And you know what? I’ve still made films, written books, won awards, and worked with incredible people and it’s all been rewarding.
The truth is, there is no age limit on creativity. There is no deadline for artistic fulfillment. Some of the greatest filmmakers, writers, and musicians didn’t find success until their 40s, 50s, or later. The only real failure would have been believing those limiting beliefs and giving up before I even started.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilyrobynclark.net
- Instagram: @emilyrobynclark
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilyrobynclark14
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-robyn-clark-60b95650/
- Twitter: https://x.com/EmilyRobynClark
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7BEuyHO7PQgWsslOIgMSYA/about
- Soundcloud: https://linktr.ee/emmadreammusic
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7945148/
https://linktr.ee/emilyrobynclark
Image Credits
Portrait Photography by Erick Wilson
Love Spell poster by Neil Fraser Graphics
Ouroboros poster by Guilherme Martins