Daily Inspiration: Meet Grace McGovern

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace McGovern.

Hi Grace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally, my background was in the theater. I’ve been directing, writing, and designing for theater for over three years and decided to go to school for theater directing or design– depending on how the chips fell. But, I’d always had a little voice in the back of my head wondering what it would be like to be in the film.

That voice went from a vague musing to a rousing shout when I entered my freshman year of college. It was a culmination of things that prompted me to start my own film company. First, I met with a huge group of creatives all driven to do the work and pursue their passions in the now.

Second, I watched the documentary “This Changes Everything”. And third, was a two-hour conversation on a first date where we came up with the entire idea for Saint’s Landing. And two months later, we officially launched Saint’s Landing and have been working ever since.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting started was the biggest struggle for me personally. The films that I make, barring any clichés, all have a little part of me within them. Whether directing or screenwriting, I’m exploring a part of myself in everything I make.

There are moments from my life I’ve expanded on, quirks from friends become character traits, and pieces of dialog pulled from memories. Because of this and because I care so much about the work I do, I’ve always been scared to put myself out there.

That fear of vulnerability and that people judging my work meant them judging me caused me to put my ideas on hold– for years. The most recent film Saint’s Landing released has been a draft script on my computer for about two years. Finally, taking that jump, and holding hands with all those fears, has been unbelievably rewarding.

Since we started, my crew and I hit the ground running. I’m so grateful I had support around me to help me make the first step and start working with these amazing people on some terrific projects.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a female-owned film production company. Out of our ten official crew members, eight of them are women, which I am very proud of. Saint’s Landing aims to be a place of inclusivity on all counts of diversity and to make good art.

Art both conveys and reflects importance. For too long, those who have been creating and calling the shots in the film industry have been telling a narrow view of the story. I wanted to set out to change that by having women and people of other genders, people of color, and people with different faith backgrounds pave the way for creating and telling their stories through film.

We just finished our first featured short film! It was a true labor of love and a crazy learning curve. It was directed by myself and was assistant directed by my right-hand lady Erin Tillman. This script has been on the shelf for two years and finally putting it in production with Isa Derrick (Nora) and Nolan Van Haren (Patrick) as our leads was an incredible experience.

It premiered on April 1st on our YouTube channel “SAINT’S LANDING PRODUCTIONS”.

What does success mean to you?
Success is kind of a tricky thing to define within creative industries. There’s a balance between commercial success and making meaningful art.

Personally, I want to create things that I’m proud of, artistically and with emotional relevance. Within that, for me, I want to give my crew members as much work and as expansive of a creative outlet as possible.

Through this, I can help them gain experience and find their creative voices. If one of these talented women can get work because of a reference from me or adding to her resume, I’ve done my job.

Contact Info:

• Email: saintslandingproductions@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saints.landing/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC287A5uqqoPzGpRpMjCEo3g