How I Built This with Guy Raz – ARRAY: Filmmaker Ava DuVernay (2021)

Intro

In this episode of “How I Built This with Guy Raz,” filmmaker Ava DuVernay discusses her journey in the film industry and how she built her production company, Array. She shares insights into her upbringing, her experiences as a publicist, and the challenges she faced as a Black female filmmaker. DuVernay’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to creating opportunities for people of color in the film industry.

Main Takeaways

The Power of Ownership and Control

• More creative types are taking control over how their work is used, owned, distributed, and marketed.
• Ava DuVernay has built a movement in Hollywood by constructing a bigger enterprise, including Array, a production company, distributor, non-profit education center, community space, and resource center for people of color in the film industry.
• Array is not just a distribution and production company, but a movement with outreach and a database of people of color working in the industry.

The Influence of Upbringing and Role Models

• Ava DuVernay’s mother and aunt played a big role in her upbringing and exposed her to art and culture.
• Murray May, Ava’s stepfather, was a big influence on her as a child and adult. He owned a small carpet and flooring company.
• Ava’s upbringing and experiences inspired her to create Array, a production company, distributor, non-profit education center, community space, and resource center for people of color in the film industry.

From Publicist to Filmmaker

• Ava got into film publicity because she was interested in media and the shaping of stories.
• Ava’s time as a publicist was her film school in many ways.
• Ava transitioned from being a publicist to a filmmaker by weaning off her business and distributing her own films.

The Journey to Success

• Success requires grit, talent, and the ability to perform at the highest level.
• Ava DeVernay’s film “Middle of Nowhere” won Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival, which was a turning point for her to pursue filmmaking full time.
• Ava DuVernay believes in the power of hard work, but acknowledges that luck and blessings play a role in success.

Challenges and Triumphs in Filmmaking

• DuVernay had to rewrite the entire script for Selma to fit the budget and had to recreate Dr. King’s speeches without using his exact words.
• Creating historically accurate locations and props is a major challenge for period productions.
• Black film festivals can be a valuable resource for independent filmmakers.

Summary

The Power of Ownership and Control

Ava DuVernay has built a larger enterprise with Array, a production company, distributor, non-profit education center, community space, and resource center for people of color in the film industry. This movement reflects a growing trend among creative types to take control over how their work is used, owned, distributed, and marketed.

The Influence of Upbringing and Role Models

Ava’s upbringing and the influence of her mother, aunt, and stepfather inspired her to create Array. She was exposed to art and culture from a young age, and her stepfather’s entrepreneurship inspired her to start her own business.

From Publicist to Filmmaker

Ava’s experience as a publicist in Hollywood shaped her understanding of media and storytelling. She transitioned from being a publicist to a filmmaker by distributing her own films and gradually weaning off her business.

The Journey to Success

Success in the film industry requires hard work, talent, and the ability to perform at the highest level. Ava’s film “Middle of Nowhere” winning Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival was a turning point in her career.

Challenges and Triumphs in Filmmaking

DuVernay faced challenges in rewriting the script for Selma to fit the budget and recreating Dr. King’s speeches without using his exact words. Creating historically accurate locations and props for period productions is also a major challenge. However, black film festivals can provide valuable opportunities for independent filmmakers.

Conclusion

Ava DuVernay’s journey in the film industry is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and commitment to creating opportunities for people of color. Through Array, she has built a movement that aims to empower and support marginalized voices in the film industry. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and highlights the importance of ownership, representation, and creative control in the entertainment world.