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Dinner with Dames San Francisco #1, With Blye Faust (Recap)

Dinner with Dames San Francisco #1, With Blye Faust (Recap)

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Dinner with Dames San Francisco #1, With Blye Faust (Recap)

Dinner with Dames Case File

Who: Blye Faust, co-founder of Rocklin|Faust production company and Oscar-winning producer of acclaimed film Spotlight, hosted by Cinefemme members Cameo Wood and Serena Schuler, and sponsored by Charming Stranger Films. Attendees included Chelsea Christer, Laura Fries, Vivian Kleiman, Ryan Lynch, Maria Mealla, Molly Ratermann, Maggie VandenBerghe and myself, Monica West.

What: A productive discussion centered on expanding the network of Bay Area women filmmakers, developing a pitching strategy around product and distribution, and balancing work and personal life over a three course meal.

When: Monday, March 26, 2018

Why: To foster new relationships among female filmmakers and to extend the network for women in film in the Bay Area.

Blye Faust’s formidable success as a producer, lawyer and entrepreneur is proof that her philosophy of “trusting your product” works. As a Hollywood power player and mother of two, Faust is confident that her Bay Area home-base gives her a “35,000 ft. view” of the entertainment industry, allowing her to focus on finding unique stories. She added that the Mill Valley Film Festival has increasingly become a first-look market for buyers. Over dinner, Faust generously shared her knowledge, experiences, and enthusiasm for our film and television projects.

Dinner with Dames San Francisco #1, With Blye Faust (Recap)
photo credit: Noam Argov

On a personal note, I was thrilled to be part of the dinner, and know that it is possible to have a successful filmmaking career in Northern California. When I decided to relocate to the Bay Area, after working as an actress in NYC for fifteen years, it felt like a daunting move. However, the Bay Area has opened me up to some of the most satisfying work of my life: I’ve created, produced and starred in my own award-winning series, stared down my fears around becoming a mother while continuing my work as an artist, and produced the work of other talented women filmmakers.

In response to dark comedy writer/director Molly Ratermann and Bolivian filmmaker Maria Mealla’s questions about packaging, Faust shared a key take-away, “trust your product.” Faust explained that the right producers, directors, talent, representation and above all, financing will come when you focus on honing your film or series to its most vibrant, unique voice.

Dinner with Dames San Francisco #1, With Blye Faust (Recap)
photo credit: Noam Argov

While many filmmakers spend their time chasing general contacts and meetings, it is advantageous to perfect the product before seeking contacts specifically interested in their work. And she’s quick to say that the process of “trusting your product” can take patience – Blye Faust took on Spotlight eight years before she and her producing partner Nicole Rocklin won the Oscar in 2016.

In response to series creator Serena Schuler and sci-fi writer/director Cameo Wood’s questions on distribution, Faust stressed how important it is to find out what your distributors are interested in making before pitching.

Near the end of our discussion, Blye Faust talked about balancing productive work days and personal life with filmmaker and new mother Ryan Lynch. Faust expressed that turning her focus to family when they can be together is key to accomplishing her overall goals. “Figure out which working hours make sense for you and set boundaries.” Sound advice from a woman at the top of her game.

Footage and photos by National Geographic Producer Noam Argov / Editing by filmmaker Maria Mealla

About Monica West:

Monica West is a writer, producer and actor based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the creator of the award-winning series about career vs. motherhood, Best Thing You’ll Ever Do. She’s guest starred on Chicago Fire (NBC), Underemployed (MTV) and Law & Order (NBC) and stars in Catherine Fordham’s gory short Consommé (AMC’s shudder) and indie action feature Blood Sand & Gold (Redbox). Monica is dedicated to creating stories which start a dialogue for actionable change and foster a greater sense of community among diverse Americans. You can keep up with her work on IG and Twitter @msmoniwest

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