Women That Made Me: Mollie Leivars
Women That Made Me is a new feature dedicated to shining a spotlight on the women that have inspired filmmakers both on and off screen. For our first instalment, award-winning writer and director Mollie Leivars shares with us the women that have had an impact on her filmmaking journey, and some top tips for building relationships in the industry.
Hi Mollie! Thanks for chatting to us - can you give us a background into your journey into the industry and what you’ve worked on to date?
I started working in the industry when I was 12. I was at secondary school at the time, I was in a toxic friend group (who would later go onto be bullies - lovely), so it wasn’t a very supportive environment for many reasons. I left school, moved to a different area, cut off that friendship group and started afresh. It was terrifying, but I then made the decision to move behind the camera when I was 15 and it was the best decision I ever made - it all happened at the perfect time.
Since then, I’ve made 7 short films and I’m currently in pre-production on another, whilst also developing a TV series. I’ve been so lucky to have wonderful people in my life, particularly women who have inspired, supported, and guided me through everything I’ve gone through on this journey.
That’s incredible, I’m so pleased to hear you’ve managed to surround yourself with inspiring women to help you through the tougher times. Can you talk us through the women that have had the most impact on your journey?
As I write this, I’m listening to Taylor Swift, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lord Huron (I’ve got the most eclectic music taste ever known) and trying to put into words how much people’s support has meant to me without getting all soppy (my Ice Queen reputation is thawing for one time and one time only!). The following 3 are just a snippet of the incredible people I’ve had the opportunity to know:
Mum
My mum, who has more nicknames than someone with a lot of nicknames, is the best woman I know. I think, for some parents, hearing that your child wants to work in the film industry can be a bit of a worry (and a bit of a ‘yeah, and I’m the prime minister’), but my parents backed me from the beginning. It’s not lost on me how incredibly lucky I am to have the mum that I do and it’s something I’ll never not be thankful for. I spend a lot of time in awe of my mum, of what she’s gone through and how she’s dealt with it. If I’m half the woman my mum is then I’m doing something right. I never would have been able to do anything without my mum’s support, let alone work in the film industry.
P.S, if you saw my mum and I at a film festival, screaming and holding each other’s hand during a horror film then no you didn’t, definitely not us.
Karen
You know when you meet someone for the first time, and you think ‘this person is a really good person?’ That is Karen. I met Karen, an actress working in the industry, just before my first short film when I had absolutely no clue what I was doing, and I never would have been able to do it without her support. Aside from the fact that she’s ridiculously talented, she took me under her wing and made my first directing experience a completely positive one. If you ever get the opportunity to work with Karen then absolutely say yes (INSTANTLY), she’s supported me ever since that first day and I will always be grateful – a truly wonderful human being who I’m very lucky to have met and worked with!
Lisa
When I say that Lisa, my former teacher, was there from the start of it all, I’m not joking! I met her just as I was about to start filming my first short, I was beyond nervous (look up ‘anxiety’ in the dictionary and there’ll be a picture of me there, waving) and my confidence was on the floor. She advocated for me from the start and has done so ever since. She’s watched every film, has dealt with me asking the most random questions for script research and has picked me up and dusted me off countless times. Lisa’s a force – seeing someone turn bad into good, to change their narrative and put so much of their heart into what they do has taught me more than I could ever attempt to articulate. I think I could turn round and tell her I wanted to be a plumber and she’d back me – everyone needs a ‘Northern Lisa’ in their corner, it changed everything.
What an amazing group of women! You’ve highlighted how important mentors in the industry can be. Are there any other ways that you’ve found helpful to build up your community?
I’m part of the Female Film Club, an online (and in-person) community of females working within the creative industries. I joined a few months back and I’m so incredibly glad I did. If you’re in the industry you’ll know that it can often feel a bit isolating - you’re having to be in charge of and fight for your own career which can sometimes feel like so much pressure. Being part of a community of people who are in the same position, regardless of what stage of their career they’re at, has been so beneficial to me. Having a community also helps on the days that are terrible - recently, I’d had about 5 rejection emails within 3 hours (it’s like they plan it I swear), and there was SO much going on and I felt like I was doing everything wrong. I logged onto my Instagram and read a message from an actress, someone who I’d followed for a while, but we’d never met in real life, telling me that I was doing the right thing and honestly, I could have cried.
There are so many women who have had a huge impact on me without even realising! My sister, aunties, grandparents who have always backed me – my gorgeous friends who I absolutely adore (no one tell them I said that), teachers who have put me on the path that I’m on now without even knowing it! The wonderful people I’ve had the opportunity to work with, network with or to meet (virtually or in person). I’m grateful to every one of them.
“Champion others… there’s room for all of us!”
Pictured: Mollie collecting the 2023 award for Short Film Scriptwriting at The Shark Awards
Finally - do you have any advice you’d give to people breaking into the industry, particularly around networking and community building?
Yes! Here’s my parting wisdom (massively joking, I’m as wise as a chair):
Have good people around you, people who support you (even if they’re not in the same industry) and who you can go to when things get tricky.
If you like someone’s work or think that they’re doing well, TELL THEM! Doesn’t matter if you’ve never spoken before, that one message can mean everything to someone.
Networking is AMAZING. Although it feels like the first day at school when you do it in-person, it’s so beneficial (and you can do it online too).
Champion others. Competitiveness in this industry can be rife – from my perspective, there’s room for all of us, so hype each other up!
Most of all, enjoy it! You’ve chosen to do this kind of work, and it can be tricky, but it can also be absolutely incredible.
That’s all great advice. Thanks so much for your time - we’ve loved chatting to you!
For updates on Mollie’s forthcoming projects, connect with her here.
