MINE
THE FILMTHE MAKING OFTHE FILMMAKERSTALKBACK
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The Filmmakers

Geralyn Pezanoski
MINE Producer/Director

What keeps her motivated as an independent filmmaker:

Throughout the making of MINE, when things felt particularly challenging, I just kept coming back to the subjects who had shared their stories with me. I felt a real responsibility to tell their stories, and that was my biggest source of motivation.

Her three favorite films:

Arizona Dreams, Pans Labryinth, and Orpheu Negro

Her advice for aspiring filmmakers:

To aspiring filmmakers, I would say choose a story you’re really passionate about. It’s a big commitment to see a film through to completion, so you want a subject you care enough about to stick with. Then, just make it happen. Ask for support, and learn the difference between useful advice and someone telling you how they would make your movie. Stay true to your vision and make the movie you want to make. Most of all just commit to getting it done, and don't worry about making a masterpiece on your first try.

Her most inspirational food for making independent film:

Popcorn. And lots and lots of chocolate.

Filmmaker Bios

Geralyn Pezanoski
Producer/Director

Co-founder of Smush Media, Pezanoski has 12 years of experience in film and video production, and makes her feature directorial debut with MINE. Film producing credits include the narrative short, On A Tuesday (Santa Barbara & LAIFF) and Motherland (SXSW); directing credits include the doc series Firehouse (Sony Pictures Entertainment). She lives in San Francisco with her husband Peter and their dog Nola.

Erin Essenmacher
Producer

Essenmacher is a writer, director, and producer with more than 10 years of experience in corporate, nonprofit, and broadcast production, with a strong focus on documentary. Credits include a wide range of independent and broadcast documentary projects for PBS, The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, The History Channel, and Court TV. She splits her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City.

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