Positivity might not be something a lot of people in entertainment associate with producers and filmmakers, but Atlanta’s Autumn Bailey-Ford is an exception to that stereotype. A tireless advocate of women in film and African American filmmakers, she has also found time to produce 42 films while maintaining a bright outlook on the future of entertainment. When asked her motto, she plainly replies, “When you believe, you can achieve.” And through her Get Connected organization, she is helping new filmmakers do just that.
The Pennsylvania native always knew she wanted to be a producer. “I grew up watching American Movie Classics, all the old movies starring Bob Hope, Dean Martin, etc. I didn’t want to be an actor, though, but the person bringing the script to the screen,” Ford recalls. Currently, she splits her time between Atlanta, Georgia and Los Angeles. Hollywood is where she makes her deals with studios and Georgia is where her projects are shot.
Bailey-Ford shared how actors and aspiring creators can go from fans to filmmakers.
10 Essential Ways to Build Your Résumé, Reel + Career in Atlanta Have integrity.
“Don’t oversell yourself. I don’t like when people say they can do things they actually can’t.” Bailey-Ford feels your name is your check and your brand; the worst thing you can do is work with someone who will use it to your disadvantage. She insists on only working on productions that she can connect to. Her favorite project so far has been “Maynard,” a documentary about the first black mayor of Atlanta. Plus, you don’t have to take an opportunity because it’s offered to you. You can make choices based on a connection to the material. “All my projects are great because I am picky,” she says.
Stop Waiting for Permission to Use Your Talent.
While she is a big supporter of using social media to spread positivity, the multi-hyphenate is wary of individuals seeking approval. “Know yourself and keep yourself on track,” she says. “Stop worrying about what other people think.”
Network.
When Bailey-Ford moved to Atlanta in 2008, she felt that all the networking events she attended were just people talking about how much they love film but they weren’t making meaningful connections. That’s why she created Get Connected and encourages people meeting and building work with each other. She maintains that you never know who you are going to meet and whoever ends up in front of you can be a connection. “Shake their hand and introduce yourself. Two or three years down the line, they might come back up. It could be an investor or someone else who can help you.”
Bailey-Ford just wrapped director Lauren Fash’s “Through the Glass Darkly,” starring Robyn Lively and Shenola Hampton and is now prepping for the eighth annual Get Connected event which she hosts with Brent Brooks. The event gathers Georgia actors, writers, producers, and film crew for a night of networking and fun. It’s an extension of Bailey-Ford’s positive outlook to help others develop their talents in the industry and help them take their next steps.
“It was clear from the beginning; this organization was to give back to the film community,” she says. “The money attendees pay at the door is not going in our pockets but to the community. Filmmakers are sponsored to apply to Sundance or Cannes. We screen short films. We have vendor tables. Some of the proceeds also go to feed the homeless and other community organizations. Get connected has given to over 40 charities in its eight years. People can come network and crew up. We are one industry family and there are always resources for you.”
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