Season 07, Ashutosh Garg, Female, English, Business Leader, Finance; Fin Tech, USA

How Ela Thier, Founder of The Independent Film School

Posted on by inknuts
19
Jul

How Ela Thier, Founder of The Independent Film School

  • Developed a passion for storytelling even before learning to speak.
  • Used imagination as a way to shape and understand reality.

Podcast

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Overview

In this inspiring episode of The Brand Called You, Ashutosh Garg speaks with Ela Thier, writer, director, educator, founder of The Independent Film School, and author of How to Fail as an Artist. The conversation explores the art of storytelling, the emotional core of filmmaking, overcoming creative challenges, and the purpose-driven mission behind both art and life.

Below are the key moments from the episode, along with their insights and timestamps.

00:48-What first inspired Ela Thier to become a filmmaker and storyteller?

  • Developed a passion for storytelling even before learning to speak.
  • Used imagination as a way to shape and understand reality.
  • Was inspired by watching Mary Poppins at the age of three.
  • Discovered her calling after organizing and directing a school play.

02:43-How did finding a purpose help Ela overcome the challenges of independent filmmaking?

  • Independent filmmaking is inherently challenging.
  • Joy and creativity remain the strongest sources of motivation.
  • Having a clear purpose or a compelling “why” helps sustain perseverance.
  • Collaborating with others often reignites inspiration during difficult times.

03:56-What were the biggest lessons from making her earliest films?

  • Feeling stuck often results from trying to do everything alone.
  • Creativity should extend beyond the work itself to building a creative community.
  • Collaboration is essential for growth and progress.

04:55-Why is emotional connection so important in storytelling?

  • Audiences seek stories that help them reconnect with their emotions.
  • Emotional repression in society makes authentic storytelling even more meaningful.
  • Powerful films evoke laughter, tears, hope, and genuine emotional responses.

06:08-What does it take to create a truly moving story?

  • Storytelling is a craft that can be learned and refined.
  • Emotional impact is just as important as technical excellence.
  • Hope within a story creates emotional safety, allowing audiences to connect more deeply.

09:00-What is the central theme of 109 Billion Followers?

  • Explores how relationships with parents shape present-day connections.
  • Demonstrates how healing past wounds can strengthen current relationships.
  • Described as a hopeful, emotionally powerful film that inspires reflection and healing.

10:55-What conversations did Tomorrow Ever After spark about society?

  • Presents a utopian future while portraying today’s world as the true dystopia.
  • Challenges the normalization of poverty, inequality, and exploitation.
  • Encourages audiences to question long-held societal assumptions.

11:52-Why is the conversation around failure so important for artists?

  • Redefines success as creating meaningful work alongside people you enjoy working with.
  • Suggests that constant comparison distracts from genuine creativity.
  • Emphasizes finding fulfillment in the creative process rather than external validation.

RESOURCES:

Learn more about Ela Thier: LinkedIn 

Enjoyed this podcast?

One of the key themes from this conversation is the importance of purpose. During challenging times, reconnecting with your personal mission can provide the motivation to persevere—especially in a demanding field like independent filmmaking.

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Profile

  • Ela Thier is a writer, director, educator, and the founder of the The Independent Film School, dedicated to nurturing independent filmmakers.
  • She is the author of How to Fail as an Artist, offering candid insights into creativity, resilience, and the realities of an artistic career.
  • Ela specializes in storytelling, filmmaking, and helping aspiring artists develop authentic voices through emotionally compelling narratives.
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