Check out our interview with Australian award winning Author & Film Director Chrys Phillips.
Chrys has directed and written full scale theater productions, written screenplays, and acted for various roles. She is the author of the best-selling and award nominated book series Magic Wars.
Follow Chrys @chrysphillips_
Hi Chrys, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a passionate storyteller and I’m always writing ideas and manuscripts. I love animals want my own pup again one day too. I’m a female director and screenwriter writing not only creating tv/films but pioneering for other women wanting to do this, when there isn’t always many opportunities and you have to create your own.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Comedic, nature lover, storyteller.
Name one your strengths?
I don’t allow other opinions of actions or gossip define me.
Best advice ever given?
Watch how they treat you, not how they say they treat you.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
I really had no parents growing up and I moved around much therefore I feel biographies like Tina Turners, Goldie Hawn and Viola Davis inspire.
How and when did you start into producing TV & Film?
I started as a young adult as crew and after my daughter grew up I dived into more after writing in LA
What is fun and rewarding about your industry? And what is not?
I feel, everything is rewarding! The feeling of taking a story of mine or another’s off the pages into the world we film it in and then direct the actors to bring that to life, is awe inspiring! what isn’t sometimes rewarding, is the ones who don’t see your skill and argue with you and then think you’re their enemy, the fame chasing people who don’t really want to do the work make it hard for everyone on set
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
That I cannot be everyone’s friend on set, someone has to push to get the ultimate finished job done
The most important thing when you are shooting is?
Ensuring the team involved feel motivated and committed to get the show beautifully created, it’s a team effort
What’s your advice for the newer producers in the TV/Film industry?
Ensure you have a tough skin and the diligence to stay strong on every decision no matter how much conflict you may get. As the producer sometimes must hold together the production and post production responsibilities to be followed through.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
To always believe in yourself as then you succeed and create fabulous screen entertainment.
What’s next for Chrys Phillips in 2022?
I have two feature films and my book series sequels fully launched for the fans!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
A period style film.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fruit.
And your favorite cheat food?
Fries.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Nice question, I’d say peace…where no one is disturbing your energy or environment as you’re free to be you always in every place you go. Freedom of yourself in every way, romance, lifestyle, friendships, career and hobbies.
How would your best friend describe you?
Very friendly, nuturing, creative, comedic and sassy if required.
Who is your biggest career inspiration?
Spielberg in film and Jane Austin & Enid Blyton in books.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Couldn’t pick one… Aiden Turner, Spielberg, Goldie Hawn as I’d love to chat about everything!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Definitely Italy! My daughter.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
Anything with a storyline I don’t predict hah, needs to intrigue / entertain me.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Sitting by my pool, with delicious food and dear friends.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram – @chrysphillips_
Twitter – @chrysphillips
Quote: Never allow anyone to define you
Holiday Destination: Italy
Drink: Cranberry and lemonade
Celebrity Crush: Aiden Turner
Favorite song? Why?
Whatever it Takes by Imagine Dragons as it reflects my life a bit and it’s inspiring to do more …. Do whatever it takes
Sports Team: Not sure … I travel from country to country and it’s harder to keep up with each ones traditional sports
Movie: Too many…
