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If you would have asked me when I was five years old "what do you want to be when you grow up?" I would have told you: a dancer, a writer, a scientist, a firewoman, a movie maker, an actress, a singer, a rock star, a painter, a "drawer", a zoologist, an anthropologist, a marine biologist and a fairy. I can honestly say, in many ways…I am all those things and still want to be all of them when I grow up.
I am a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a BFA in video production and a minor in art history and photography. I started as an intern at fig media and worked my way up to a staff member. At fig I found a place to live out my mission: to create emotional films and art that moves an audience while making a difference in my community. I tell stories. I tell stories that move people; from a couple getting married for the first time to people talking about what they are passionate about. While many filmmakers would consider weddings the end of a film career, I see it as the opposite. I can think of no better place to make a documentary film, then at a wedding and no greater honor then making a film that will last through generations of a family. I think it is so important to know where you come from. I am passionate about studying traditions, cultures, families and ceremonies. I enjoy hearing people's stories and am currently working on a book idea for fig.
Outside of weddings I am a full time director, cinematographer and editor (in no particular order) of fig films, web films, corporate films, non-profit films and manage our ad shoots/promotional events. You might find me in Montana one week shooting a film for a resort, writing a script for an HR film then shooting at a wedding and ending up coordinating a fashion show the next night...I like to mix it up. My work is fast paced, fun and requires me to constantly evolve and transform myself and I love it that way.
I am a native chicagoan, I love my city. I hail from the south-side and self transplanted to the north-side where I now work and play- though you can find me at a cubs game, I am loyal to the sox.
Influences and Loves
My tea cup yorkie: Spartacus
Director: Julie Taymor
Film: Magnolia
Album: Spirit, Jewel
Composer: Nancy Wilson
Artist: Frida Kahlo
Photographer: Dorothea Lange
Currently Loving: The Celebrity Apprentice and outrageous tasks with crazy deadlines and leadership discussions.
Crazy Hobby: Spelunking
Instrument of Choice: Guitar
Member of ...
BMA Chicago,
WEVA International,
Brookfield Zoo Volunteer
Team In Training- Triathlon Racer
Melissa's Work
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