Today we’d like to introduce you to Elissa Nelson.
Hi Elissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I went to the University of Georgia and majored in Mass Media Arts and got a Statistics minor so I could do ratings and shares of television programs if I didn’t make it on set, but thankfully I did. In my first movie, I was an unpaid intern and Director’s Assistant on this low-budget insane month-long night shoot called “Plus One”.
The director only really needed coffee and gum and I just got to sit at the monitors, watch a movie be made with a smile on my face, wondering why everyone was so grumpy. The producers said that I wouldn’t still have this attitude after a few years in the industry, but I’m proud to say I could prove them wrong. I love what I do!
Once you get started in this industry, everything kind of just snowballs and you have to have faith that the work is coming and it does. I continued my work on the set of larger productions as a Production Assistant in Atlanta, working on projects like Hunger Games, Walking Dead, First Man, The Frontrunner, etc.
Before I got finished my days (for the Director’s Guild of America – the union for Assistant Directors), I moved to Miami to just try something new and ended up doing sales and marketing for a startup company that was essential in developing my business mind. I learned how to build a company from the ground up, and they even sent me to Hong Kong! That was a failed trip as far as gaining clients for the company, but it was the first time I traveled the globe.
When I returned, the monotony of the office got to me and I was craving to be back on set and wanted to finish my days to become an Assistant Director. Once I was eligible to work at DGA, I moved back to Miami and worked for that same company a few months more before I decided to quit because Bad Boys was coming into town.
After that, I decided I’m doing my own thing, so I started my own candle company, which I hated but I enjoyed having something of my own. And then I decided to redirect my energies toward creating a production company, so I could be working for myself but doing what I love. And once I focused on that, everything began falling into place.
The work I discussed in my previous article was the foundation for my success in the production business in Miami and I haven’t stopped growing since. I work with a plethora of different companies, but I work for myself. And that is always evolving, as we are. I’m just excited about the growth and expansion this beautiful life has blessed me with. Finishing my screenplay is next on my to-do list!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the level of smoothness is a matter of perspective—obstacles and challenges are integral to your growth and finding your niche. Life directs and re-directs you depending on where you are supposed to go. I doubt most people would recommend the number of moves I’ve made in such little time. Just about every year, I change location in pursuit of a greater understanding of what I’m meant to do and seeking to eliminate all of life’s “What Ifs”.
If there is a question I have for myself, I seek the answer. WHAT IF I start my own candle company (turns out I hate making candles, it’s much more of a science than I wanted, I just really love candles). WHAT IF I start my own production company? At the very least, let me get paid as an independent contractor because I am my boss and I am my own business. WHAT IF I move to Miami, WHAT IF I move back to Atlanta? I even moved to Charlotte for three months during the pandemic.
With each of these decisions and moves, I gained clarity and understanding of who I am and what I’m meant to do. I don’t know if that will ever be a complete picture, but deciphering it is the journey that is life. The biggest “struggle” would probably be money – but it comes and goes, and I always have what I need. So I never let that be a hindrance to what I need to do, if it’s something that is meant for me, there is ALWAYS a way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I primarily work as an Assistant Director, I’m like the ringleader for the crew while the director instructs the talent. My whole mission is to understand the director’s vision and make that happen. There is a finesse to commanding people without being rude or overbearing. Everyone has a job to do, and respecting that and getting the best out of them is essential.
Communicating with all departments, disseminating information, and executing the vision—that’s what I do. I work on a lot more music videos and commercials because there’s more of a market for that in Miami, but whenever a television show needs help, I like to hop in and help (those are DGA shows). I am most proud of being a light in people’s life – on and off set.
I once was told I had a shining (not the Steven King kind, thank God) and that statement still resonates with me. I love making people feel loved, that’s the real language of the world. That’s really what I’m most proud of, the accolades are accomplishments that I’m still working up to. This year I began defining myself as a writer, so I’m excited to see where this next facet of my development leads.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
After my candle company, I started a brand one New Year’s called “My Energy is My Currency”. It’s merged with my production company into the merch side of it, but that statement means a lot to me. Everything that I’ve ever achieved, experienced, and done, is because of who I am.
In this business, we don’t just get hired to do a job. We get hired for who we are. And if you can’t be good at both, you’re risking your funds. So my energy, my essence, the love that I spread.. that’s what’s most important to my success. Yes, I’m good at my job. Bbt I’m really striving to be a good person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bossmovesmadeit.com/
- Instagram: @Eeleesuh
Image Credits
@viviimage and @bridiez_photo
