We recently connected with Nicole G. Leier and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole G. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always been deeply drawn to the arts; it’s a powerful force that resonates deeply for me. The arts have the unique ability to transport us to other realms, awaken emotions previously unfelSends a form of defiance, a departure from what is typical in order to embrace something exceptional. I believe that the arts have the ability to connect different cultures, initiating conversations and promoting positive change. To me, it’s a continuous adventure of finding inspiration and forming enchanting stories.

Viewing the world through a creative lens is intrinsic to who I am. As a filmmaker and actor, artistic expression is my means of communicating thoughts and feelings that go beyond mere words. It allows me to reach into the hearts and minds of others, in hopes of creating a profound impact. I’ve always believed that through my art, I can delve into the nuances of human emotions, push the boundaries of thought, and motivate change. Filmmaking isn’t just my career; it’s a corePart of my identity, continuously shaping my outlook, and enabling me to connect deeply with people.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My collaboration with Neil Labute on “Black Chicks” was an incredible experience that allowed me to showcase my talents both in front and behind the camera. It was a journey filled with gratitude, as it earned me some award nominations

I am the proud co-owner of Black Tree Pictures, a production company here in LA. At Black Tree Pictures, we are constantly developing exciting films, TV shows, and projects that aim to captivate audiences.

Recently, I had the privilege of directing the adrenaline-fueled action film “Sworn Justice” for BET+. This thrilling project featured incredible stars like Mishael Morgan and Vivica A. Fox. As the director, I had the honor of securing final cut, allowing me to shape the film according to my vision.

I am forever grateful to BET+ and network executives Marvin Neil and Rene Rodriguez for entrusting me with this opportunity. Their support and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in making this project a success.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My vision for my career is to inspire a generation of humans who watch television and films not only to dream of starring in them, but also to envision creating them. I aim to show that talent and a distinctive voice can make an impact beyond mere appearances. I am committed to shifting the narrative and increasing the representation of black directors in our industry.

I am driven to narrate stories for those who cannot, stories that educate, and stories that bring visibility to those in unique circumstances or who struggle to see themselves accurately portrayed in media. For me, a key attribute of a director is the ability to listen deeply. I consider empathy my most powerful tool, enabling me to connect authentically and tell stories that resonate and inspire.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

These aren’t lessons I had to unlearn but lessons I wish I someone had told me, as a black female filmmaker, when I was first starting.

1. Collaboration is Key; Collaboration is important: Early in my career, I often felt the need to control every aspect of the production process. However, I learned that successful films are the result of a team effort. One defining moment was when I struggled with a particular scene’s direction. It was only after a conversation with my cinematographer that I realized the power of embracing diverse perspectives and expertise.

2. Embrace Failure; Failures are learning opportunities: In the early stages of my career, I was afraid to take creative risks for fear of failure. However, it was a particular project that didn’t go as planned that taught me the most valuable lessons. It was through analyzing what went wrong and understanding why that I grew as a filmmaker.

3. Value Your Network; Nurture professional relationships: Early on, I underestimated the impact of networking and relationship building in the industry. However, a chance encounter at a film festival led to a collaboration that significantly advanced my career. It taught me the value of maintaining connections and fostering new ones within the industry.

4. Financial Savvy is Essential: When starting out, I focused solely on the creative aspects and neglected the financial side. This led to challenges in securing funding and managing budgets. It was a project where I had to stretch a minimal budget that taught me the importance of financial discipline and resourcefulness.

5. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: As a filmmaker, it’s easy to get consumed by projects and neglect personal well-being. I learned this the hard way when exhaustion and burnout affected my creativity. It was a transformative experience that made me realize the significance of balancing work with self-care to sustain a long and fulfilling career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicoleleier.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolegleier/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-g-leier-4570702b

Image Credits

Farrah Aviva & Brendan Uegama