1) Can you talk briefly about your background, and how you first got interested in filmmaking?

Hi! My name is Ella and I'm a 28 year old living in Los Angeles, California. I was born and raised in NYC where I found much love through the arts. I think I've always been a big movie fan, but everything changed for me when my aunt & uncle showed me the movie "Harold and Maude." I had never felt more connected to anything in my life and knew that I had to make my own coming of age story. I began my film career at Film at Lincoln Center and continue to spearhead their New Wave program, which brings young filmmakers together - something that I always wanted to be a part of. I fell in love with music while studying in New Orleans and transitioned into music supervision where I could channel both of my favorite things - music and film. At the same time, I started making my own shorts. And I just can't stop; I'm obsessed!!

2) What was the initial idea for this project and how did it evolve from there?

The project began as an experiment with my best friend and partner in crime, Sara Parker Faxon. We wanted to explore the dynamic between two people confronting each other about something and talking through it - something both of us struggled with. Kind of like a therapy appointment sans therapist. We took personal experiences and brought them to life, through our stories as well as our actors' stories. For this piece, I wanted to highlight gender identity and sexuality in relationships. Lio and Keren were the first and only choices for the roles as I have personal connections with both actors and wanted that aspect of the film to come alive. Sara, Lio, Keren and I sat in a room and talked for hours. Through each of our anecdotes, You Don't Have To Thank Me was born.

3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And the easiest part?

The biggest challenge was trying to make our movie as authentic and real as possible. It was very important to us that You Don't Have To Thank Me was relatable in all ways. And the easiest part? That's hard. I think the whole film was a challenge, but our actors were just truly phenomenal and brought their all to set so it felt comfortable.

4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?

Oh wow. This is a great question. It has to be, Lost Highway. I don't have anything else to say other than, watch it and let's chat.

5) What’s next for you?

I'm making a short film this summer! Lookout :)

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https://ellasworldoffilmandmusic.com/ | @zelda48