Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, a crowdfunding and distribution platform for independent filmmakers. She’s also the publisher of Bright Ideas Magazine. Emily has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in crowdfunding for film, and contributed to over 300 campaigns to date through Seed&Spark. She brings experience from producing live theatre and running restaurants to the film industry, and lets us into the world of investors and film distribution. Emily was named one of the 2013 Indiewire Influencers, 2014 New York Women of Influence and 2015 Upstart 100. She’s a daring individual who encourages us all to create meaningful communities around our work. Furthermore, things get personal when we discuss matters of the heart and how being independent and driven can affect personal relationships.
Name: Emily Best
Current City: Los Angeles, CA
DOB: 8/1980
What are you listening to now? First Aid Kit, both albums
What film/book/show/piece of media changed you? An Iranian film that came out in 1997 called "Gabbeh." It was the first thing I ever went to see in my local independent theater (The Tower Theater in Sacramento, CA). I was dragged there by a MUCH cooler friend. I couldn't move when the credits started rolling. I didn't know film could be like that!
Who is your career role model? I have so, so many. Sue Nagel. Jill Soloway. Oprah. I mean, how you know you made an impression, you only go by one name...and Diane von Furstenburg.
What is a tool you can't live without? The little doggy poop bag dispenser that attaches to my dog's leash. So simple. So convenient.
How do you drink/take your coffee/tea? Little whole milk little sugar
What's your spirit animal?
“The thing about being an artist is there’s always room. But now more than ever if you want to make a sustainable living it’s your responsibility to find the people who also want you to have a sustainable living doing what you do. There’s something about being really committed to a set of ideas that are important to you, and continuously articulating that value system to yourself and to your community in a meaningful way. And you will find your people. ”
Music Featured in Episode 15 is by ZIEMBA
A Pure Mirror and a Damn Prison (album)
- Under Clouds
- El Paso
- Ugly Ambitious Women
Nearness (album)
- Phantom See
- Now Seed
- White Black Red Yellow
Clips Featured In This Episode
Credits
Produced by Elaine Sheldon & Sarah Ginsburg
Illustration by Christine Cover
Sound Design by Billy Wirasnik