Meet Maddie Cobb | Director & Cinematographer

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

Hi Maddie, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want to use my voice to speak for those who can’t. I’ve never been one to sit by and keep my mouth shut, and I want to use my craft to help speak up for underrepresented communities. I want to tell real stories, and I don’t want to sacrifice authenticity just to make an audience comfortable. Real life is ugly, sad, and uncomfortable, but it can also be beautiful and filled with joy. I want people to know that their stories matter, and that they are never alone. Especially for other creatives, I want them to know that you don’t have to change the entire world just to give your story and your characters the value that they deserve. If you only help one person, that’s still one person that you’ve helped.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I recently made a film, “Antithesis”, as my capstone project. That film helped me explore avenues of healing, and it helped me to connect with women like me. I received so many “thank yous” for this film, and it helped me to realize that the stories I’m telling are helping others.

I just graduated from college this spring, so I haven’t had much time to grow professionally. But, while in school, I faced a multitude of challenges. I was told I wouldn’t make films worthy of awards because of my year, but I did. I was underestimated constantly because I’m a woman, and I showed them time and time again of my worth. I have been, and still am, constantly questioned because I’m a woman. I have made it a point that I am just as worthy as my male counterparts.

Women in this industry have to work 10x harder to get the same amount of recognition as a man. I hope to make it clear that women are just as capable in this industry, and their gender has nothing to do with their filmmaking abilities.

It has not been easy for me, but that’s okay. I always like challenge.

I’ve learned that, as a woman, if you command respect, you’re often seen as rude or mean. I’ve been on sets before where I made it very clear that I am to be respected, to which I had people confide in me after that they were scared of me, all because I took my job seriously. In this industry, you can either be seen as inferior or rude. Thankfully, I’ve never cared much if people find me rude. If they would like to make assumptions about me because I take myself seriously, that’s okay. This is an issue within others, not within me. I hope one day this changes.

My story isn’t finished yet. I mean, its barely started. But I want the world to know that I haven’t stopped fighting for women and underrepresented communities, and I won’t. Films cast out ignorance, at least, to those willing to listen.

As well as being a filmmaker, I’ve been trying my hand at photography. I’ve always been obsessed with photography, so with the new skills I’ve found within film, I’ve started to build that knowledge into my photography. I’ve done grad shoots, nature photography, and I shoot a good amount of BTS for my friends. I hope to continue growing within photography, as I truly do have a passion for it. There’s something so special about creating a still image that speaks more truth than any human. There’s a quietness to photography that you don’t get with film. I like that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be honest, I’m a huge homebody. I don’t go out much. But, I used to visit Little 5 Points a lot a few years back. I just enjoyed looking around and meeting all kinds of new people. I wasn’t raised in a big city so I love any opportunity I have to explore and broaden my horizons. I also just enjoy being outside, so Piedmont Park is always a nice visit. But, I’m new to the city. I’m open to any recommendations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this to my parents and my good friend Abby. My parents have been my biggest supporters in my life, and I hope one day I’m able to give them everything they’ve given me tenfold. Abby Strickland is my best collaborator and my closest friend. She has sacrificed so much just to help me grow and succeed, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything she has done for me.

Website: https://maddiecobb.my.canva.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddie.cobb/ and https://www.instagram.com/madds.cr3/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-cobb-5500aa35a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@madds.cr3

Image Credits
Abigail Strickland

Chrysander Mandragora

Lizzie Colgin