We were lucky to catch up with Nina Childs recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

A few months ago, I was sitting at my desk after spending hours juggling production work, parenting responsibilities, and advocacy for my two sons, Kingston and Kyle, who are both on the autism spectrum. As a divorced single mother and independent producer, there are days when it feels like everyone gets paid before you do. I had invoices outstanding, projects in development and a calendar full of work that somehow didn’t translate into immediate financial security. I remember staring at my computer and thinking, “People with regular jobs don’t have to do this.” They don’t have to wonder where the next project is coming from or spend years developing an idea that may never see the light of day. For a moment, the idea of a predictable paycheck, paid vacation days, and knowing exactly what my income would be each month sounded incredibly appealing.

But as quickly as the thought came, so did the realization that I’ve never been wired for a “regular” life. As a producer and storyteller, I get to create opportunities where none existed before. I get to help bring ideas to life, amplify voices that deserve to be heard, and build something meaningful from nothing more than a conversation or a spark of inspiration. The truth is, I’m happiest when I’m creating. That doesn’t mean the journey is easy. In fact, it’s often the opposite. But I’ve learned that fulfillment and security are not always the same thing. Just as I didn’t stop being a mother to chase my dreams, I didn’t stop chasing my dreams because I have two autistic children. My career and my family have both required faith, resilience, and a willingness to keep going when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Every now and then I still fantasize about that steady paycheck, but at the end of the day, I know I’d rather live a life that challenges me than one that leaves me wondering what could have been.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a producer, writer, host, and storyteller passionate about creating projects that entertain, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. My journey into the entertainment industry wasn’t a straight line. Like many independent filmmakers, I started with a love of storytelling and a desire to create opportunities rather than wait for them. Over the years, I’ve produced films, theater productions, live events, digital content, and community-centered projects that amplify diverse voices and experiences. Whether I’m producing a feature film, developing a stage play, or hosting my entertainment news platform, “Film News You Can Use,” my goal is always the same: tell compelling stories that connect people.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge creativity and community. I don’t just look at entertainment as content—I’m interested in impact. Many of the projects I gravitate toward explore themes of identity, resilience, family, culture, and social change. As a producer, I help bring ideas from concept to completion, connecting creative vision with practical execution. I work with writers, directors, actors, investors, and organizations to turn ideas into reality, and I love helping people navigate the often overwhelming process of bringing a project to life. Whether it’s developing a film, producing a live event, creating promotional campaigns, or building strategic partnerships, I enjoy solving problems and finding creative ways to move projects forward.

Beyond my professional work, I am a divorced single mother raising two incredible sons, Kingston and Kyle, who are both on the autism spectrum. Motherhood has shaped the way I lead, create, and advocate. It has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of finding solutions when obstacles arise. Those lessons carry over into every project I produce and every relationship I build. I didn’t stop being a mother to chase my dreams, and I didn’t stop chasing my dreams because I have two autistic children. That philosophy has become the foundation of both my personal and professional life.

What I’m most proud of isn’t any single award, credit, or accomplishment—it’s building a career that reflects my values while creating opportunities for others along the way. I am proud of the stories I’ve helped bring to life, the artists I’ve supported, and the communities I’ve served. I want people to know that my brand is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and purpose. Whether someone encounters my work through film, theater, media, advocacy, or community engagement, I hope they walk away feeling seen, inspired, and reminded that powerful stories have the ability to change lives.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I think non-creatives often struggle to understand is how much of our work happens long before anyone sees the final product. People see the premiere, the red carpet, the finished film, the sold-out play, the article, or the social media post. What they don’t see are the months or years spent developing ideas, writing proposals, building relationships, raising funds, hearing “no” repeatedly, and continuing to believe in a project before anyone else does.

As a producer, I spend a significant amount of my time working on projects that may not generate immediate results. It’s not uncommon to spend years developing a film, securing financing, attaching talent, and solving problems before a single frame is ever shot. In many traditional careers, effort and results are more closely connected. In creative industries, you can do everything right and still face setbacks that have nothing to do with your talent or work ethic. Learning how to keep moving forward despite uncertainty is one of the most important skills I’ve developed.

I also think people underestimate how much courage is required to pursue a creative career. Every project, pitch, audition, article, or performance comes with the possibility of rejection. You’re constantly putting something you’ve created into the world and inviting others to judge it. That can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Over time, I’ve learned that success as a creative isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience. The people who last are often the ones who keep showing up after disappointment, continue learning, and remain committed to their vision even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that creativity is not simply about inspiration; it’s about endurance. There are moments when the work feels glamorous, but most of the journey is built on persistence, discipline, and faith. What keeps me going is knowing that every project has the potential to connect with someone, inspire someone, or make them feel seen. For me, that’s always worth the risk.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe a thriving creative ecosystem starts with valuing the people behind the work. Technology, including AI, can be an incredible tool for artists and creators, helping us work more efficiently and explore new ideas. However, it should be used to support human creativity, not replace it. The stories, perspectives, and lived experiences that make great art still come from people.

I also believe strong unions play an important role in protecting creative professionals and ensuring they can build sustainable careers. Beyond that, we need continued investment in arts education, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging talent. Creativity exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn’t. When we support artists, protect creative jobs, and create pathways for new voices to be heard, everyone benefits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ninachilds.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninabinachilds/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinaChildsProductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-childs-b16466a1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmnewsyoucanuse