“ Be honest, and kind in all of your work and dealings with others. We should thrive to build one another up, and work collaboratively, and not against each other. ”
— Carley Bilindabagabo
The Interview Q&A
Where are you primarily based out of?
Lancaster / Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What role do you typically play on set?
Producer, AD
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
I've been in the film industry for 6 years. My background is in event planning and while working as an event planner I would freelance produce here and there for other production companies. After doing that for some time, my husband (a director) and I decided to start our own production company. I've been producing our work ever since!
What are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered and how have you overcome them?
As a producer, some of the biggest challenges are when key details fall through the day of the event. I've had talent with emergencies not show up minutes before the shoot, locations back out the night before, etc. I've learned to always have a back up plan, and a back up to your backup :) Weather and lighting can also be a big challenge - especially when you are shooting natural light and it suddenly changes. Being ready to make changes on the fly is very important!
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
Maybe this will sound silly - but my biggest inspiration is Oprah Winfrey. When I was little, I would rush home from school to watch her talk show. I always thought that she was such a strong and incredible woman. She overcame such hardship to get where she is today, and her tenacity is really inspirational!
What does it mean to you to be an inspiration/mentor to someone else?
Doing your best in all situations, having a positive attitude, and encouraging others to do the same is really important to me. I have had the wonderful opportunity to mentor a few women along the way, and it's been really encouraging to see them come into their own.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I have a marketing degree, and really enjoy the commercial arm of our business. I draw inspiration from really well-produced commercials. I am inspired by commercials that look and feel like art - not like they are trying to "sell" you something. While of course the end-goal of a commercial is to communicate the features of product - I think it's wonderful when it's done beautifully. Lately, I've seen some really spectacular commercials that are enjoyable to watch, and artfully done.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from short documentaries - particularly those focused on women is central Africa. We do a lot of work in Rwanda, and stories coming out of that beautiful country are so inspiring and empowering.
If you had one message to share with the world, what would it be?
Be honest, and kind in all of your work and dealings with others. We should thrive to build one another up, and work collaboratively, and not against each other.
What’s are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
We were able to spearhead the scene recreation of a feature length documentary in Rwanda. The documentary takes place in South Sudan, but due to the political climate, we were able to encourage the scene recreation to take place in Rwanda. It was an incredible experience!! The most exciting part was holding casting calls in a remote village. So many people with such natural, raw talent (who have never acted before) came out to audition. We casted the entire project with locals, and they knocked it out of the park. We also just completed our first feature film this past summer - which was a huge undertaking!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
I would love to see some of our feature documentary work, and our own feature script come into fruition! We have been working towards the goal of shooting our feature in Rwanda, and I hope that we can do that within the next five years!
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
Never give up! The film industry can be hard for a woman. I'm often the only woman on set - and, at times that can feel isolating. But, stand up for yourself and know your worth!
What kind of projects are you currently working on that you can share? (Feel free to leave links to the projects to view)
This has been a heavy commercial season. We are working on a lot of commercials, and branded content. We also have a documentary almost to the finish line. Here is the trailer:
What does being a part of The Women in Film Project mean to you?
It's such an honor!! There is no greater joy than being in community with like-minded individuals. The Women in Film Project is an incredible organization, and I am grateful to be part of such a strong group of women.