We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Judy Febles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Judy below.
Judy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 went to film school to learn about filmmaking. But it wasn’t until I actually got on set I was able to learn about the filmmaking process. There are so many different variables in play on each production, it would be impossible for a class to prepare you for all of them. It’s so important to learn more about your craft from folks who have more experience than you too. Don’t let your anxieties, or intimidation hold you back from speaking to folks who could potentially help you learn more, and potentially further your career.
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 Judy. I’m a producer, and overall filmmaker! I got into the film business because I’ve always loved movies. I loved how they made me feel safe, and taught me about different experiences people live when I was younger. Those films inspired me to write, and I’ve been pursuing it ever since. I wear many hats! I also write, direct, production design, and 1st AD. When it comes to filmmaking my expertise is in offering logistical and creative services. I help from the development of the script, to creating the budget and schedule, and depending on the position I might be the one designing what the main character’s living room will look like. I’m most proud of my fearlessness to fight for diverse stories and cast and crew. I think its important that I help other filmmakers create their projects especially if they’re queer or bipoc, as these perspectives are minimal in this industry. At the same time recognizing that when I’m the only hispanic person in the room, that’s me working towards the change I want to see. I have a production company, Carmenjia, where our purpose is to support underrepresented filmmakers, and quirky stories. We’re always looking to collaborate with other people who want to create thought provoking and funny films, while also having fun doing it!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes! Grants in general. I wish there was a class in my film school studies where it was mandatory. There’s money out there for artists but it doesn’t feel like something that’s stressed enough. Everyone should be applying, and sharing them with one another. That’s something I do with my collaborators now. We always share resources when we find them. In the spirit of sharing, I encourage folks to look into film commission offices of the states and cities they’re working or producing in. Illinois and Chicago, for example, have some amazing grants for filmmakers like the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Grant.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A big lesson I had to unlearn is that filmmaking isn’t meant to be done all alone – successful filmmaking is collaborative. I find that sometimes working with new filmmakers requires working with people who don’t always know proper working etiquette. Many times I think to myself, “I’ll just do it,” but I’ve learned that they can bring fresh and innovative ideas to a project I would have never thought of myself. So what I’ve learned is I don’t always have to step in, every situation is up for discussion, and Judy isn’t the know all be all. I still have so so much to learn!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://judyfebles.com
- Instagram: @talkjudy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-febles-6634352a5/
- Other: Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/judyfebles
