20: Sara Elizabeth Timmins – Creative Director, Producer, Film Educator
Summary
Sara Elizabeth Timmins established Life Out Loud Films in 2008 to create quality, inspiring, impactful films that champion women. Her films have been seen in theaters, the Hallmark Channel, Starz, Showtime, and internationally. She's worked with talented actors such as Jane Seymour, Ellen Burstyn, Chris Cooper, Josh Lucas, Mackenzie Foy, and writers like NY Times best-selling author David Baldacci. Most recently, she field produced an HBO docuseries for Mark Wahlberg‘s company and is in development on several feature films and a series. She also works as a consultant for both films and filmmakers and has produced national campaigns for companies such as Meyer Natural Foods & Laura's Lean.
Sara Elizabeth believes she has a responsibility through film to spark conversations that spark action, that spark change, and remains dedicated to encouraging the work of talented writers – and championing female leaders behind the camera while providing strong female roles in front of it. She is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, SAG, both DGA– and PGA-eligible, and was a qualified independent producer for NBCUniversal/IFTA.
Show Notes
[1:39] Sarah's Background
- Grew up in Warren, Ohio
- Attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Was always very involved in front of the camera and theatre until graduation
- Discovered her love of film while volunteering her time on the production of Tattered Angel with Lynda Carter
- Moved to LA for 7 years producing for others
- In 2008 she decided to start her own company, Life Out Loud Films
- Did a lot of work in Southwest Virginia, now works out of Atlanta
[4:06] The impact that working in Atlanta has on Sara Elizabeth's business
[6:44] How does a market make its own work when incentives are small?
[10:26] The production value of working in rural communities and locations
[12:29] What About Bob? and how to give back to the community as a filmmaker
[13:50] How Life Out Loud Films dealt with the economic downturn of 2008
[18:44] Braveheart and finding the proper perspective
[21:21] Finding the balance between business and creativity
[24:35] How constraints of business can be a boon to filmmakers
[25:54] How Sara Elizabeth fosters quality, inspiration, and impact to produce films that champion women
[30:21] Crew building inclusive sets and finding a balance
[34:13] A day in the life as both a creative director and producer
[36:41] Sara Elizabeth's workshops, and working with the assets you have
[42:47] Budget ranges and saleability
[45:36] The merits of attaching recognizable talent to smaller-budget films
[50:14] Ways to sabotage your film
[53:06] Some of the realities of commercial and theatrical distribution
[55:50] Walking the fine budget line with your cast and crew
[59:06] The feasibility of involving SAG and union workers in low budget films
[1:05:16] Fundraising money as an independent filmmaker
[1:14:18] The quality of investors and why they invest
[1:19:37] Developing a community model for filmmaking projects
[1:21:35] What you should have in-hand when approaching investors
[1:23:04] How much a professional-sounding pitch can cost you
[1:27:11] Consulting services can be a source of invaluable shortcuts
[1:31:20] Finding funds to put towards professionals to elevate your project to the next level
[1:33:37] Sara Elizabeth's advice to young filmmakers
Links and Resources
- View Sara Elizabeth's credits on IMDB
- Visit Life Out Loud Films
- View the Life Out Loud Films Demo Reel
- Connect with Sara Elizabeth and Life Out Loud Films on Instagram and Facebook
- Keep an eye out for a new program coming soon: No Film School, No Trust Fund, No Problem!
Be sure to check out podcasts with other great guests in the film and media industry on our DMP Podcast Page!