Meet Alisanna Vincent | Filmmaker & Show-Businesswoman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisanna Vincent and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisanna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always been a person who knew where I wanted to go in life. Even before film school, I had my eyes set on a career in the film industry and my very own film production company. Though it is still just taking its first steps, I’ve recently created Martini Shot Films. Its goal is to create elevated filmmaking experiences and center female filmmakers and those not often given a voice in the film industry.

At its core, Martini Shot Films is a place focused on female inclusion in the film industry. From the start, I knew I wanted to make a difference for women in this field. I wanted to create a space where women could come together and create beautiful and captivating films. Our team is entirely female-led and built of incredible show-businesswomen with expertise from producing to photography. We are currently working on a slate of productions and expanding our network to connect with more female filmmakers looking for a space to grow together in this industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been creating art. To me, filmmaking was the culmination of every art I loved. I’ve always had a foot in every pool, and a desire to explore and tell a story. When I was in high school I took part in courses with NYU and DePaul University where I dove deeper into film, and ended up creating my first short film that was featured in film festivals across the country. After that, there was no doubt film school was the only option. I have kept creating short films and recently wrapped production on my television directorial debut. With another show beginning in the fall, I am booked and busy, and I’d have it no other way.

Over the years I’ve been able to find my artistic voice. Since I was young, I wanted everything on screen to look like art. I used to say that I wanted to be able to pause my films at any point and be able to frame them, and I still hold that goal. I’d describe my style as heavily vintage-inspired, sometimes to an almost fantastical degree. I’m constantly fueled by vintage designs, pieces, films, and works of art. I found that when I’m at my most creative, I’m playing with time period. It’s my favorite world-building opportunity.

I pride myself on my artistic instincts. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to trust my gut. I’ve always been a person who knows where they want to go in life. If I could be a word I’d be “ambition”, and I know no matter what adversity I’ve faced or is coming my way, nothing deters me from my goals.

I also have such a fire under me to center female voices. Both in the heroines and stories I work to tell and the people I want to work with and support in making them. I’ve fallen in love with collaboration. I love passionate creatives and being able to grow and evolve artistically together. Nothing makes me happier more than seeing people do what they love, and helping to bring that to its greatest form in a finished product. At its heart, creating films is a social art form, and at my core, I will always want to support creatives and help bring their visions to life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Recently, I just finished directing for an unscripted television show through my university, chefATL, which explores the diversity of Atlanta through its dynamic culinary landscape. It was so wonderful to involve myself in the Atlanta food scene. During my time on the show, I researched and learned about so many wonderful chefs, and successfully pitched and led two episodes.

I just came off directing an episode on Forough Vakili of Le Bon Nosh. The restaurant is the perfect scene for any time of day; morning brunch with a slice of Cardamom Cake, dinner and Duck Confit, or a monthly cooking class headed by Forough Vakili herself. I also worked as Lead Story Producer of an episode on Terry Koval of The Deer and the Dove. It’s also a staple for amazing seasonal food, and no weekend is complete without a bagel from their connected bakery B-Side.

Despite how proud I am of creating these two episodes, the best part of the experience has been immersing myself in Atlanta. We’ve been able to shoot at the amazing Millennium Gate Museum, Decatur Square, and nothing beats weekend visits to the Freedom Farmers Market.

There truly are such great minds involved in the production. I wouldn’t have been able to meet such incredible chefs, artists, writers, farmers, and everyone else involved in these restaurants without this show and the opportunity to be a part of it. I am so grateful for the opportunity the show has been and for the amazing people I was able to meet and work with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to my family. I would not be able to pursue my dreams of filmmaking without their guidance and belief in me. My parents’ support is at the center of all I do. I also want to thank my boyfriend for his support and partnership as we navigate this industry together. Having someone so dedicated by my side and knowing I’m not alone in the creative world is the greatest thing I’ve achieved.

I also want to dedicate this to the wonderful women involved in Martini Shot Films. Nothing moves me more than seeing talented and passionate women excelling in their craft and sharing their art with the world. If I get to be a part of bringing that to the screen I will always feel successful in what I create.

Website: https://www.alisannavincent.com

Instagram: @alisannavincentfilms

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisanna-vincent-79a641262

Other: Check out Martini Shot Films at our website www.martinishotfilms.com and on our Instagram page @martinishot.films

Image Credits
Rhiannon Shakir