Interview: Intuition Films Founder Marie Rodriguez
Marie Alyse Rodriguez is an independent Producer and Director based in Los Angeles, California. Her company Intuition Films’ mission is to develop and produce socially conscious material for underrepresented voices while advocating for BIPOC, LGBTQAI+, women, and folks with disabilities. She believes in investing in the future of indie filmmakers by supporting grassroots organizations and facilitating growth opportunities via avenues such as mentorship, training, and cost-free consultations to those experiencing challenges with accessibility into the industry.
What do you believe is the most important work you or Intuition Films has done? Why do you believe it is so important?
The work we do at Intuition Films is more than just producing projects with artists and companies. We actively seek out filmmakers who have been given less opportunity in their lives or careers to move forward. We are the underdogs paving the path for those ready to make the leap into changing their trajectory and we choose to do it through our participation in creating media while uplifting historically marginalized communities along the way.
The foundation of your career and your company is set in the push for equity for women, the LGBTQAI+ community, and BIPOC. What are some pieces of advice to help other creatives, entertainment professionals, and aspiring filmmakers help further equity within the industry?
Not only are women, LGBTQAI+, and BIPOC a huge part of who we support, we also uplift the disabled community who urgently needs more visibility. We must destigmatize and normalize all communities and media is one of the best ways to do this. To be able to tell stories of human experiences around the world helps us relate to people from all walks of life by assisting in uniting our hearts.
You recently directed your first short film “Nay Nay Too Bomb”, do you see yourself working consistently as a director in the future? What were some of your key takeaways from the experience?
My upcoming goals are solely directing and executive producing. Executive Producing AKA EP’ing will include overseeing projects produced by my company, Intuition Films. This means having oversight on each project’s creative development, production plan, budgeting, and post-production. Directing is my passion but since I am an emerging director, I must now take my own advice and invest in directing content I am creating in order to book jobs. I am currently developing a few documentary series and am arranging/planning scenes for a lifestyle reel that I hope to film in December.
Nay Nay Too Bomb was a short film created specifically for the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. The film took home 3 nominations (Best Film, Best Actor, Best Director) and won Best Actor. My key takeaway from the process was a reminder that collaboration is everything. Of course, you can make a film all by yourself, but when you combine skills, talent, and creativity from the folks in your circle, the possibilities are endless. Thank you to the entire team who volunteered their time, energy, and expertise in creating such a magical piece with us.
What was the driving force that led to the creation of Intuition Films?
The driving force that led to the birth of Intuition Films was that I was already supporting so many filmmakers through various stages of development, all the way into production and completion, but I needed a legal entity in order to build a name for the work that I do. I also wanted a company that carries the values I haven’t been able to find in other production companies. I feel that I was called to open this company and when I began hearing my intuition more clearly, the direction was obvious.
Intuition Films offers mentorship for people interested in the entertainment and film industry. What is one of the most important pieces of advice that the company has given to any of their mentees?
The best advice I can give someone is that if you have found something you truly love, do not give up as long as it isn’t physically hurting you. At times when I have felt like giving up, or that things will never change, or I’ve hit a ceiling, life has shown me that I am on a path and that this is all part of the journey. Persistence is key. Do not allow others to sway you into a different direction if you feel compelled to a particular path. Keep close to the friends who uplift and support you and know that if you are able to be your genuine self, you will attract the right people! Be picky with who you seek advice or creative criticism from.
What are some other organizations that Intuition Films works with and what are the goals of these organizations?
Two of the organizations we are allies with are Manifest Works and Justice For My Sister. Manifest Works is a non-profit organization that provides excellent filmmaking training for those who have experienced homelessness, been through the foster care system, or have been incarcerated. The training is incredibly valuable and their skill level exceeds most PA’s I’ve hired from the field. I find that giving someone a second, third, fourth, etc. chance at life is a MUST. Wouldn’t you want that for you or your family?
The second organization is Justice For My Sister. JFMS is a non-profit grassroots organization that provides filmmaking classes to marginalized communities. The mission is to train women of color, nonbinary artists, and foster youth to make films with a gender equity and racial justice lens, as a means to heal from trauma and overcome financial barriers to entering the TV & film industry. Supporting the youth is supporting our future!!
On Intuition Films’ website, there are a couple of projects that are coming soon. Can you tell us more about these?
The two films on the IF site that are coming out soon are focused on honoring women of color and bringing to light real-life issues that we face and tend to stuff away deep in the back of our minds. Maddie is about a young woman who wants to be loved and is faced with a challenging situation that rings common to a wide range of people. Our Crown is an homage to Black women and their hair. The film tells a story of beauty, history, strength, resilience, and love.
What should our readers be expecting from your work and the work of Intuition Films in the coming years?
Dear readers, expect nothing but work honoring those who don’t generally have a place in mainstream media. We want to continue to widen that space and normalize seeing who we are in all of our glory of being our authentic selves. Expect us to challenge all of the status quo’s and to question everything. Expect for us to advocate for you, and for generations to come.
Marie’s Links: