I found out about the film “August in the City” from one of my connections. I connected with the filmmaker Lisa M. Tedesco when I became a funder for the film. I love to interview #creatives to get a first-person account of how and why they do what they do. Meet Lisa Tedesco!
- Tell us about yourself.
Lisa M. Tedesco: I am a Connecticut native who knew I wanted to pursue filmmaking as a career when I was in high school. I was always an extraverted child who always took part in the school plays. I had a love for performance but new my talents would be better behind the scenes or behind a camera. I attended film school in San Francisco where I fell in love with screenwriting and directing. Financial difficulties led me back to Connecticut where I was able to get a job. Although this job provides financial stability, my love for filmmaking remains. I was able to return to school and get internships along the way to gather appropriate experience. With those under my belt I had the confidence to attempt my first short film called, “August in the City”, which has now won acclaim on the film festival circuit all over the world.
- What genre of films do you want to make?
I have always been drawn to women. I have always had the utmost respect for queer cinema and after starting my own film production company, Lady Film Media, I knew that I wanted to create film projects that presented women in a positive light from all walks of life.
- What was your motivation to make “August in the City”?
I had known it was time for me to do something in the film business. I was feeling a little low for not grasping my passion earlier on. When I was in NYC seeing “All About E” starring Mandahla Rose, I had met up with her and Christie Conochalla. An instant connection occurred between the three of us. You could say our friendship sparked the fire and drive I had hidden within. I had told Christie about this short story my mom had written about me when I was in film school that I wanted to adapt to the screen. So I took my mom’s story and added in my own special elements to create what we now know as “August in the City”.
- What film festivals has “August in the City” been shown? What awards has it won?
Honestly, we have been accepted into so many festivals. I can tell you that the ones that have impacted us to most were Cannes Courte Meterage, ClexaCon, SoHo, FilmOut San Diego, Oslo Fusion, and Portland. We’ve been blessed to win Best Women’s Short at the FilmOut SD fest along with Best LGBT Short for the Los Angeles Film Festival Awards and Award of Excellence for the American Filmatic Arts Awards.
- Describe the reaction of people attending the screenings.
We have been fortunate enough to have positive reactions from people. Many can relate to our lead, some can relate to the relationship between mother and daughter and some just wanted the story to continue on. It’s been a truly remarkable experience to have people see our film and enjoy it.
- Tell us about Lady Film Media. Why did you establish this company? What services do you offer?
Lady Film Media started as a pipe dream. I am a fierce feminist and out lesbian and I wanted to see a production company that caters to women from all walks of life. We want to help the visibility of women in front and behind the camera grow in a positive way. We offer anything from script editing to producing to red carpet events to live event recordings to head shots. You name it. We have it. www.ladyfilmmedia.com.
- Do you have any other projects planned?
It’s never ending! Which is fantastic! I have two shorts in development right now, with another two from two different writers. I also have two features in development along with HOPFULLY teaming up with Christie Conochalla again on her newest feature endeavor which is sure to be a bad ass HIT.
- What is the most exciting this that has happened to you in your filmmaking career?
Knowing that I took a BIG leap and it paid off. Knowing that the strength I had to create “August in the City” was my fear leaving my body and knowing I can now function as a filmmaker without that fear anymore. The most exciting thing is the excitement itself and knowing I CAN DO THIS.
- How can people get in touch with you?
They can reach me via Facebook or twitter @lady_film_lt or email me directly at LisaMTedesco85@gmail.com or Lisa@ladyfilmmedia.com
Lisa Tedesco has an inspiring story. Lisa was able to shake her fears and get that confidence (via training and internships) to do what she always wanted to do. As she stated above “I CAN DO THIS”. I hope everyone gets to see “August in the City”.
Twitter (Lisa): @lady_film_lt
Please provide feedback or questions in the Comments. I would really enjoy hearing from you.
Originally published December 29, 2017. Updated August 19, 2020 to adjust category assignments.
Support Our #creatives® 
Interesting!
On Fri, Dec 22, 2017 at 10:33 PM, Support Our #creatives wrote:
> Alan Greenstein posted: ” I found out about the film “August in the City” > from one of my connections. I connected with the filmmaker Lisa M. Tedesco > when I became a funder for the film. I love to interview #creatives to get > a first-person account of how and why they do what th” >
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