Issue 03: Elizabeth Charles, Entrepreneur-Host & +++

Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program, Rome Prize, and 10+ FREE Opportunities to submit to now!

Dear Readers:

Welcome to the third issue of the Filmmaker Soft Life. :D What a week it has been…

Every time I sit down to write, my imposter syndrome kicks in and I think to myself, “Who am I to be advising anyone on having a soft life as a creative?” It’s not something I’ve mastered myself. Full disclosure, I’ve been in a grumpy cat mood for the past couple of days where I’m easily irritated by anything and everything, and yet, at the same time, relaxing hasn’t changed my mood. I feel stuck. As I write, I’ve been inside all day, getting drunk off of sleep and now I have a headache. Perfect.

Here are my baby words of wisdom to myself and to you. The soft life is an aspiration but doesn’t exempt us from the highs and lows of life. Grumpy cat mode is also a part of life but it too shall pass.

Our guest today is Elizabeth Charles who I met in film school aka grad film. She is a fellow sister in Christ and has graciously shared her insights on the soft life as a creative below.

Take care of yourself and talk again soon.

Sincerely,

Abbesi Akhamie

P.S. - If you’re interested in the African continent and its magnificent diaspora, check out my latest issue of the—Afropolitan Yellow Pages, featuring my dear friend Yuhi as he gives his top three inspirations from his country—Rwanda.

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Creative Soft Life — ELIZABETH CHARLES

Name?

Elizabeth Charles

What do you?

Entreprenuer - Speaker, Radio Host, Journalist, Producer

How do you identify?

Black, Caribbean

Where are you based?

Currently, Cayman Is.

As a creative, how do you envision your soft life?

I think for me, a soft life is one that is not bound by the traditional framework of what "work" is supposed to look like. It's flexible, it's productive without being exploitative, it's being able to have agency over my time. It's having enough rest and feeling free to rest when I'd like to. It's being free of financial or other worry so that I can enjoy the present rather than trying to figure out how I'll provide for the future. It's having the freedom to be creative. It's having unencumbered choice - I believe who is free is the one who has options.

Find me here:

ercharles.com

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ELIZABETH’S SOFT LIFE LIST:

1. Lean into yourself. Find out what your strengths are and lean into them. You don't need to be "well rounded" you need energy. We tend to be best at things we enjoy. So if you're good at it and you enjoy it, it will energize you.

2. Social hierarchy will play you. Don't get played. Follow your values not what everyone else is doing.

3. There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under the sun - Eccl 3:1 (Bible)

4. Show compassion to yourself, you will break yourself down and limit yourself if you do not learn to be kind to yourself and understand your value

5. Sustainability. Sustainability. Sustainability. In climate, yes, but i mean in EVERYTHING. If you start something, you need to understand if that thing is going to be sustainable for you as early as possible. You need to receive (in one form or another) at least as much value as you put in, or you will become depleted. If it is unsustainable, stop it immediately. We need your creativity, don't burn out.

6. Help others. Community is everything. They will give you life when can't find it for yourself. You need to do the same for them. Reciprocity is key.

7. The market does not define your value. You are valuable just because you are. You can't earn it. You can't lose it. Recieve that. Treat others like that.

8. Money is not the only form of value.

Anything Else You Want to Share?

You're probably doing better than you think you are

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If you haven’t already, subscribe to The Filmmaker Soft Life. Also, please consider supporting me by liking this post and/or upgrading to a paid subscription which would be so sweet of you and allows me to continue writing and making films.

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FILMMAKER SOFT LIFE SPECIAL OPPS X RESOURCES LIST:

Below is a diverse list of creative opportunities and/or resources. I try to share unique opportunities that stir your creative juices or inspire you to try something different. Please note—readership is diverse and vast, and thus, every opp cannot be applicable to everyone.

Note: This is for paid subscribers. If you would like to use this resource but are financially strapped, reply to this issue for a free paid subscription. :D

**Need support with grantwriting and other creative applications. Hit me for a consultation and let’s get it done! Schedule HERE.**

Presented by WeTransfer & Shortverse, Unsanctioned is a short film competition for filmmakers prevented from submitting to festivals due to sanctions. Deadline: September 11, 2023.

The Screenwriting Lab is a two-week workshop held in the first quarter of the year, designed to provide individualized story and career development for emerging screenwriters with a fiction feature screenplay. Deadline: September 11, 2023.

Explore opportunities for U.S. citizens to go abroad with the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. With more than 400 awards annually in over 135 countries to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects, find the right Fulbright opportunity for you. Check out the awards available in Film/Cinema studies for the 2024-25 application cycle. 

The Black Artists Grant (BAG) offered by Creative Debuts is a no-strings attached financial support to help black artists. Also, check out their Working Class Creatives Grant (WCCG). UK residents only. Deadline: Rolling?

Women Of The Lens Film Festival is a UK-based created to celebrate and highlight the achievements of Black women in the film industry. They are open to submissions from around the world with a discount for student films. Deadline: December 31, 2023 + Fee.