We had the good fortune of connecting with Nora Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nora, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is an opportunity, a door waiting to be opened. As someone who grew up without knowing many risk-takers, in a small town with extremely limited opportunities, I knew from a young age I wanted to be the kind of person who took chances, who would navigate the path my life would take with curiosity and bravery. I made a pact with myself to say yes to every opportunity that I possibly could, not dwelling on the “what-if’s” (or trying my best not to, at least) and instead dedicating myself to doing my best to find success in that risk – or, if success wasn’t the outcome, a lesson. Doing this became reflexive, a practice that grew easier over time. The fear never really goes away, but letting it take control is much less fun than harnessing it to drive you forward.
As a creative person, resiliency is as crucial as courage. It takes having the strength and determination to continue knocking on doors that won’t open, to recover from failure (even the soul-consuming, “I’m-ready-to-give-up” kind). I’m fueled through the highs and lows by pursuing the art that I know has value, that I’m beyond passionate about, that I can’t *not* make. I think you have to fear failing to succeed less than failing to try in the first place. Cliché as it is, I knew I’d never regret taking risks, opening doors that could lead to who-knows-where, but I would always remember the doors I never tried to open, and wonder what I would have found behind them.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I often describe myself as a “jack of all trades:” throughout my journey, I’ve been a painter, poet, and performer. But, after discovering the honesty and connection that can be found through the lens of a camera, the moving image became my medium of choice. In high school, I took a broadcast media class where we filmed news packages, music videos, and short films on MiniDV tape, logged and captured it onto a computer, and edited the pieces together in Final Cut 7. As class projects, these were able to be messy, selfish, and flawed, without much fear of judgement – something I’m so grateful to have experienced as a budding filmmaker.
During my last year in college, I was commissioned by PNC Bank’s Grow Up Great initiative to produce a documentary telling the story of the collaborative work of the Head Start programs in Baltimore, MD. This project was an incredibly illuminating one for me, reigniting my love for non-fiction films, launching my passion for mission-driven filmmaking, and demonstrating the importance of highlighting women’s voices. In this project (and the several documentaries I worked on afterwards), I saw firsthand the importance of artistic work that has the capacity to inspire change. It also was a catalyst for my career, connecting me with other documentarians that became collaborators and allowing me to launch a production company that would embody these values. By creating work I deeply believe in and know has value, I often find and connect with others also seeking to make a positive impact on the world.
To date, my professional portfolio is just as much a jack-of-all-trades as I am, comprising narrative and documentary film, web series, music videos, live theatre, commercials, photography, design, and more. Whether drama, doc, or comedy, I often explore themes of family, sexism and gender roles, mental health, and our relationship to the natural world. As a producer, director, and cinematographer, I’m always seeking to create dynamic, purposeful, inspired media with a mission in mind. No matter the medium, I hope my art always remains focused on telling impactful, important, and innovative stories.
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?
My favorite place to spend a sunny day in Atlanta is the botanical garden, which is incredible no matter what time of year you visit (though Spring is my personal fave). Walk or scooter to midtown to visit the High Museum of Art, downtown for a concert at the State Farm Arena, or Buckhead for dinner at True Food Kitchen. Other great places to grab something to eat: Slutty Vegan (!!!), Jinya Ramen Bar, Cafe Sunflower, Herban Fix, and Eclipse di Luna.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m so incredibly lucky to have met my favorite creative collaborator (also now my husband) almost a decade ago, who’s been the best sounding board, supporter, and friend I could have ever asked for.
Website: phlogistonfilms.com
Instagram: instagram.com/norajanelong
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norajanelong/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/norajlong