In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Ashton, a filmmaker whose journey from the Bay Area to the bustling streets of New York has been as captivating as her films. With a knack for transforming personal experiences into cinematic masterpieces, Andrea's work compels audiences to engage deeply with the complexities of human emotion. We'll explore the milestones of her career, from her festival-winning short 'Pick a Color' to her groundbreaking screenplay 'When Joy Fell', and discuss how her life's intermissions have shaped her craft. Show Notes: Introduction to Andrea Ashton, an award-winning filmmaker with a unique flair for storytelling that resonates on a profound level. A look back at Andrea's early days in film, starting with her acclaimed short 'Pick a Color' and its significant inclusion in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences archives. Celebrating the success of 'When Joy Fell', a screenplay that garnered attention and praise from The Oaxaca FilmFest, The Creative World Awards, and PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. Insights into Andrea's life behind the scenes, balancing motherhood and filmmaking, while also excelling in corporate video production. Discussion on the skills Andrea developed over the years—organization, conflict resolution, and emotional acuity—that propelled her to become a finalist for prestigious programs like Sundance's Feature Film Creative Producing Lab & Fellowship and Film Independent's Screenwriting Lab. Shadowing veteran TV directors and active participation in women's filmmaker groups. Andrea's commitment to amplifying female voices in the industry and how this passion fuels her ongoing projects. Closing thoughts on Andrea Ashton's impact on the film industry and the importance of authenticity and heart in storytelling. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Andrea Ashton, where we uncover the layers of her creative process and celebrate her contributions to the world of film. Don't miss this episode filled with lessons on resilience, creativity, and the power of a compelling story. Remember to subscribe to our podcast for more stories behind the screen, and leave us a review if you loved today's episode. Your support helps us bring more voices like Andrea's to the forefront of cinema. Here are some links regarding what you heard on today's episode: https://andreaashton.net https://www.nywift.org/ https://panonetwork.org/ https://cinefemme.net/ ''Love'' and "Rockaway" are available to watch. Andrea is working on a new film now called, "Margo for Real" which has an Instagram page that will be updated once the film is finished: margo_for_real_film You can follow Andrea via Instagram at: sugarandspiceprods Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: The People of Brixton Damien Swaby Social Media Links: Instagram:Instagram Twitter:twitter Website: http://filmmakingconversations.com/ If you enjoy listening to Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, I would love a coffee. Podcasting is thirsty work: Buy me a coffee!