Fast Forward Friday with Meredith Edwards
For this week’s Fast Forward Friday, I am thrilled to interview the uber-talented and extraordinary director Meredith Edwards whom I’ve had the honor and delight to work with in bringing Bite Me, to the world. Bite Me, a subversive romantic comedy about a real-life vampire and the IRS agent who audits her, premiered at Cinequest in March, and was just awarded Best Feature Film at the Victoria Texas Independent Film Festival. The film will be released both theatrically and digitally on May 6th through the Joyful Vampire Tour of America.. Her first feature film, Imagine I’m Beautiful, took home 12 awards on the film festival circuit, including five Best Pictures and Best Director. To learn more, visit www.meredithedwards.com.
Q: What are you currently working on? Tell us about it.
The second narrative feature I directed, Bite Me, a romantic comedy about a real-life vampire and the IRS agent who audits her, is starting a three month theatrical tour across the US in May after premiering at Cinequest in March. I’m excited that the world finally gets to see this wacky, heart-warming film. I just made a huge move from NY to LA, so now that I’m officially settled in, I’m back in my creative cave. I’m focused on writing at the moment, which has been really fun. I’m developing a television series called My Twelve about 12 women who’ve been chosen by God(dess) to heal the world. I just finished writing the pilot. I’m also in the midst of creating an online course, The Conscious Creative Incubator, for artists to create and complete their projects in a conscious way. Conscious living is very important to me.
Q: What was the inspiration and impetus for doing this project?
Across all projects, the inspiration is always because I truly believe in the message or mission that it serves. For Bite Me, it’s about bringing all of us together, that as much as we think we’re different or outside of one another, we all just want to be loved for who we really are. For My Twelve, it’s to empower us to heal ourselves, first, if we want to heal the world, and to trust our inner guidance, that God(dess) lives within all of us. My online course is to inspire artists to fulfill their creative purpose by pursuing (and completing!) their passion projects. I believe we are all meant to live the highest possible creative manifestation of ourselves in this lifetime. Imagine if everyone on earth was doing that; imagine how different the world would be!
Q: Who are your artistic heroes – who have had an impact on you and your work?
Oh, I have so many, but most of them are spiritual teachers like Eckhart Tolle and Marianne Williamson (who is running for President! #Marianne2020). They changed my life. Wow, tears come to my eyes just thinking about it, WHEW! They are earth angels. They are living their creative purpose in a way that I aspire to live mine. As far as directors, my favorites are Baz Luhrmann and Darren Aronofsky. When I watch their films, I’m totally strapped in and taken on a ride through a whole new world that’s beautiful and magical and disturbing and heartbreaking. It’s thick and invasive and colorful and painful and awesome. Their films course through my blood and my bones, they levitate and transcend my trite human experience into something more. They are true visionaries. I want to make films like that! Escaping through film and music is such a beautiful privilege. It is truly therapeutic and has the ability to change someone’s life and an entire culture.
Q: What keeps you motivated and inspired as an artist?
My life! Haha. It’s like one of my favorite quotes by Anton Chekhov, “If you want to work on your art, work on your life.” That is so true. I think what’s so delicious and therapeutic about art is that you get to pour all your human woes into it. But, ultimately, I’m just trying to live out my creative purpose and give back the best way I know how. That’s what I’m here for. That’s what I think we’re all here for. I think making art is part of that mission for me. And also empowering others to find theirs.
Q: What is one instance of knowing you are living in your vision?
It’s something you have to be really mindful of, otherwise it will pass you by. I work really hard on trying to remain as present as possible during the creative process so that I can really see, hear and experience my surroundings. As a director, especially, you have to have all arms, eyes, noses, ears, mouths on deck, because things are moving at lightning speed and you’re in charge of molding it in the best direction for the mission of the project. So, when I’m present enough to feel the creative flow happening all around and within me is when I know I’m living in my vision. But, also, simply when I’m enjoying what I’m doing. It should always involve joy, otherwise, what’s the point?
Q: If there were no barriers to entry, what is one thing you would be doing?
I bet a lot of people say, “I would just be doing what I’m doing!” and while that’s partly true for me, if I’m honest, I’d have my own television network! I’d also have all the resources, time, talent and money to create the narrative feature that’s been in my heart for years, but needs big resources. I’d also be sitting across from Oprah on Super Soul Sunday talking about the aforementioned.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle in achieving your vision?
Time. It’s always time. I never seem to have enough time. But, I’m a very careful, detail-oriented, perfectionist. I can always find some way to make it better. I’ve been this way since I was a kid, it’s just part of my nature. Though, over the last several years I’ve made a conscious effort to work on these qualities and expand my comfort zones, and I’m way more flexible than I used to be! This is why I actually really love and need time limits, constrictions and deadlines, otherwise, I’d never turn anything in. I’ve realized having people on my team who are masters of time and efficiency is key for me.
Q: What do you do to stay connected to your creative self?
I have a very stable spiritual practice that keeps me connected to my creative self. (I believe these things are one in the same, spirituality and creativity.) This includes, but is not limited to, meditation every day, yoga, journaling, using creative visualization to activate my imagination, and listening to lots and lots of music which is my most transcendent, favorite thing.
Q: If you could let go of something that has held you back, what would it be?
The root is always fear. And fear rears its head in many ways, but it always comes back to fear. Though, I think fear can be useful because it often points you in the direction you’re meant to go. The hard part is establishing a healthy relationship with your fear, so that you can work with it rather than letting it control you.
Q: If you could be known and celebrated for one thing, what would it be?
Helping others find and live out their creative purpose. Or, an impactful film, show or network that influenced a culture to be more conscious, awake and connected with themselves and each other.
Q: If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?
Inspired.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
Wine. Also, cheese, and chips and salt. I don’t know why all my guilty things go in my mouth, what’s that about? I prefer listening to books on Audible than reading with my eyes. Is that something to be guilty about? I don’t just prefer it, I downright love listening to books and podcasts. I love to doodle, draw, and take notes while I listen. I guess I’m an aural learner? Oh, car service.
Q: If you could sit down with yourself 15 years ago, what would you say?
Oh, bless. I would just give myself a hug and look into my eyes and say, I’m so proud of you. I love you. You’re gonna be great. Have fun! (I like to say these same things to myself now at 33, haha.)
Q: Where would you most like to live?
I’m proud to say I am living exactly where I want to be! I am living in my dream home right on the beach. Literally, the door to my building opens to the sand. I remember before moving to LA coming across this place and thinking it was so out of reach, just a fantasy, and now I wake up here every day. I am so grateful. Also, Bali. It’s by far my most favorite place on the earth (that I’ve been to).
Q: What is your idea of success?
Fulfilling your creative purpose here on earth. You know if you are because you will feel fulfilled, alive, joyful, and at peace.
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
Laughing, sunshine, presence.
Q: Final Thoughts?
Great questions, thank you! It was a transformative experience just answering these.