Women in Film Spotlight: Creative Outsiders

Or Die Trying executive producers Sarah Hawkins and Myah Hollis caught up with the founders of The Creative Outsiders, Shivawn Hill & CJ Childress to talk about their empowering and educational community for emerging filmmakers.

ODT: Shivawn, you're from Virginia, and CJ, you're from Dallas. How did you two first meet and start working together?

Creative Outsiders: We met at Wilkes University's MFA program. We were the only women of color in the program that were studying screenwriting. We naturally gravitated towards each other in support because we were literally in a man’s world and we kind of took on the role of encouraging one another.

The process of us starting to work together was gradual. We would call each other up to talk about the ideas we had as filmmakers. Those hour long conversations turned into support and really pushing each other to really live our creative dreams. 

We love Creative Outsiders! The curation is spot on and you seem to have really branded the site and concept well. What initially inspired you to create Creative Outsiders? 

Shivawn Hill: For me the push to create the space was from the stance that I never felt like we fit in this particular box when we were in the MFA program. But the more I began to tell people hey I’m serious about using my voice in the realm of filmmaking I saw that it opened a door for other women to believe that they could do it too and for me that was the defining moment of Creative Outsiders coming into play.

CJ Childress: We decided to create The Creative Outsiders, April 2016 when we both had hit a wall of wanting to go deeper with our filmmaking goals and connect with other women while doing so! As aspiring filmmakers with some film experience under our belts we wanted to create a community for other women that were in our same shoes professionally.

What is the big vision goal with the platform? 

CJ: An industry conference for Women Filmmakers or a Weekend Retreat for women filmmakers on an island would be a smash hit! I think we would have enough women interested to do any one of those. It would take our community offline. And I think that would be a wise next step. 

It's on my wish list for TCO in 2018!

Shivawn: I agree with CJ, our ultimate goal is to extend our reach offline. Also our overall goal is to continue to build our community to show women it’s possible at any age to get into the film industry while equipping them with the tools to do so. So if that’s meet ups and virtual collective meetings that’s where we see ourselves in the future. 

As artists, what have been some of the unique challenges you've overcome while creating the Creative Outsiders and your own individual creative careers?

CJ: I would say one of the unique challenges has been creating enough content (and this is for me because Shivawn is SPECTACULAR at this) that will really pack a punch with our followers. Content that will spur on deeper connections. In my own career, my personal challenges as a creative have included having the battle of balance. I am a freelance writer and that often leaves very little mental room to devote energy to my own filmmaking projects. 

Shivawn: Overcoming balance. As a creative you feel you have to push out content in order to stay visible but, you never want to put yourself in the position that you’re just throwing out junk for the sake of saying something is up.  I’m learning to apply this rule of thumb, everything in your life won’t be 100% at the same time. Sometimes you have to be okay with one avenue being 90% and the other 50%. 

Also it’s important as a creative to take in “learn” and put out. It’s easy to get in the cycle of learning, learning and never doing. So that’s a hurdle I’m overcoming. 

Any best practices to keep inspired on a daily basis?

CJ: One word: INSTAGRAM :-) No, seriously, it is such a source of inspiration as of late. So many creatives on the platform are really killing it. Its super inspiring to me! I get so many creative ideas just from trolling people's accounts :-) Also, I also recite my professional goals to myself daily. It’s my mediation in a way. It helps me to keep goals in focus.

Shivawn: I’m so thankful it’s warm now! For me inspiration comes from wandering outside, sitting by the water and observing others engaged in life. I need it. The sun saves my life! Also, journaling. I’m a big thinker and have to get my thoughts out. So writing with no pressure is good for me. 

What dreams are you most fighting for?

CJ: Currently, I am fighting to build a strong portfolio as an emerging cinematographer. I have a ton to learn but I know that it is what suits my talents and interest best when it comes to filmmaking. I am also co-producing my first feature film right now and it's been such an exciting experience so far. I know producing is my second strong suit, and writing is third. 

Shivawn: To be able to leave my 9 to 5 so I can create all day. I’m fighting to show others especially teens that their voice matters and they can use their influence for good through media. Also one day being able to have my own production company so I can green light projects that probably wouldn’t get a chance. 

Oh, and I’m also happy that my documentary is in the post production stage ☺ so that’s a win! 

Where can we find more of your work? 

CJ: Right now, I am in the middle of creating a new website. You can follow me on IG in the meantime to keep up with my journey in filmmaking and trying to turn it into a full-time career. instagram.com/iamcjchildress

Shivawn: 

https://shivawnhill.wordpress.com/portfolio-2/ 

www.screenwritermuscle.com