We've partnered with The Honor List to share how one fierce female director is taking Hollywood by storm, one film at a time. Get the movie on iTunes May 11 and on DVD on May 15!
This is the year of the empowered female filmmaker, and no movie exemplifies this more than The Honor List. A film partnership between Lionsgate's Studio L and POPSUGAR Films, The Honor List delves into the pivotal issues of body image, friendship, and sex that confront women today, themes that come to life under the careful direction of Elissa Down. Alongside her predominantly female cast and crew, Down is breaking gender barriers in Hollywood with her socially relevant work and keen insight into the psyche of modern women. Read our exclusive interview to learn how Down is championing the movement toward women in leadership roles within the film industry while making timeless cultural touchstones like The Honor List in the process. Be sure to check out the film on iTunes May 11 and DVD on May 15!
How did you help to create an empowering set environment for your cast and crew?
Image Source: Courtesy: Lionsgate Entertainment
"I always endeavor to create a warm and collaborative set. I want the actors and crew to feel like they're in the space where they can do their jobs — to do their best and be respected. Through the process of creating characters and worlds, we're often dealing with people's inner child, so I feel it's imperative to have an environment that's both safe and empowering. I think the best way to do that is by listening, being approachable, and certainly not by believing that being a director gives you a license to act like a crazy person."
1 / 5
What advice would you give young actresses and filmmakers about making it as a woman in this industry?
Image Source: Courtesy: Lionsgate Entertainment
"I absolutely adored working with Meghan Rienks, Sasha Pieterse, Karrueche Tran, and Arden Cho. They did such great work on the film, and I'd work with them all again in a heartbeat. I think it's such a great time for them to be making their mark, so I'd say seize the opportunity, keep persevering, and give agency to other women and people of different races, abilities, and backgrounds whenever you have the chance. Personally, I've felt that I haven't really been 'seen' or 'heard' at times — not getting a bite at those bigger, more advantageous opportunities. My solution has always been to keep on persevering and to keep working on my craft. The beauty of being a filmmaker is that there's no expiration date, you can keep working until they take the lens finder out of your cold, clammy hands!"
2 / 5
What about this project spoke to you as a director and as a woman?
Image Source: Courtesy: Lionsgate Entertainment
"The script came through my agents at Verve. When I read it, I was struck by the voice of the writer, Marilyn Fu, and how she captured the complexities of female friendships. In recent years, we haven't seen many films that explored that, and it reminded me of my teenage experiences (and personally, I really dig a 'rites of passage' film!). Soon after, I went into Lionsgate to pitch, and it was just a couple of weeks later I was working with Marilyn to get the script ready for the greenlit package. Then we were shooting not long after. It was a very quick but very rewarding process."
3 / 5
What would you like to see change in the film industry over the next year?
Image Source: Courtesy: Lionsgate Entertainment
"I'd like to see more opportunities given for women and people of different races and cultures, to advance their careers both in front of and behind the lens. And I also would like to see a safe working environment where being in the entertainment industry doesn't give license for those in power to sexually harass, intimidate, or assault someone. And in five years, it'd be wonderful to see more diverse stories on the big screen and have an industry that's reflective of the diversity in our communities."
