I’m thrilled to share with you an insightful conversation I had with the award-winning director and author, Elizabeth Blake-Thomas. Her book, “Filmmaking Without Fear,” is a beacon for aspiring filmmakers. Elizabeth’s journey from England to Hollywood wasn’t a childhood dream, but a testament to her determination and resilience. Hollywood, to her, was a distant land, 6000 miles away, inhabited by the famous.
Elizabeth’s story is a perfect example of the mindset needed to follow one’s dreams and live a life they love. Her journey is ongoing, filled with learning and growth. She shared the practical aspects of moving to Hollywood, including dealing with visas and logistics, and her approach to rejection and success. Elizabeth reframes rejection as a mismatch rather than a personal failure, a mindset that keeps her positive and focused on finding the right fit.
Our conversation also touched on the significance of living with intention and the power of words. Elizabeth shared her healing journey, explaining how understanding her triggers and traumas has helped her make better decisions. She believes in finding the right words and changing our perspective to shape our narrative and eliminate fear.
We also discussed the importance of slowing down and simplifying life. Elizabeth shared her experience of embracing minimalism, which has brought her happiness and a healthier mindset. This approach allows for more time and energy to be invested in what truly matters. It may seem counterintuitive, but slowing down actually creates more space for creativity and personal growth.
Elizabeth shared her experience of spending six hours by the beach, where she created page after page for her book. She emphasizes the importance of giving yourself time to think and follow through on your ideas. Even if you don’t have six hours to spare, starting with baby steps and utilizing even just five minutes effectively can make a difference.
We also explored the concept of mentorship, with Elizabeth highlighting the importance of finding mentors who lead by example. She shared her own experience of finding mentors in the film industry and how they helped her shift her mindset and career path.
Elizabeth’s decision to start a company with her daughter underscores the significance of working with family. This collaboration allows for natural mentorship between generations, fostering growth and learning.
Elizabeth has several exciting projects on the horizon, including the release of her next book, “Living with Intention,” and a memoir titled “Life Love Loss: Lessons from My Dog.” She also plans to run workshops and sessions with her organization, Medicine with Words, and direct an inspirational film.
In conclusion, our conversation with Elizabeth Blake-Thomas emphasized the importance of mindset, intention, and simplicity in achieving our dreams. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the willingness to take risks.