Stephanie Pinola works in a male dominated field, but knows how to rise to the top and gain life-long connections. Pinola is a film producer and screenwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. Her work has had rewarding moments at Sundance Film Festival and left a long lasting mark in the independent film industry.
She is most known for producing Fishing Without Nets, which won the Best Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic Category at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, Pinola’s love for art and film allow her imagination and creative voice shine in filmmaking. Her expertise in meeting people and pursuing creative projects allows her to thrive in the film industry.
Pinola focuses on horror, thriller, drama, and comedy genres, but is currently working on a fantasy project. From turning down Oscar-winning projects to writing back-to-back projects and navigating the complex world of film production, Pinola has built an impressive career through her deep knowledge of the industry and creative instincts.
Preparing for this interview I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the film industry. While gaining insights to Stephanie’s career rise and her favorite moments. I learned a lot from her and what it is like being a female in a difficult industry to work in.
Background & Rise to Industry
The interview started with the question: “Can you tell me about your journey into the film industry and what inspired you to pursue this career?” I said.
“Since I was a little younger kid, I mean I just loved film because it was every art form. It was because I love music and I love art. I love acting. I love everything about lighting,” Stephanie Pinola said. “And it’s just one you need each element to make it, you know? So, that’s probably what attracts me the most.”
For Pinola, filmmaking is the unique mix of art, music, performance, and visual storytelling – a talent where every creative detail matters. Her passion has been her driving force throughout her career and navigates the industry’s challenges while staying true to her values and visions.
Breaking into Los Angeles from living in New York was a unique transition and not easy for a female interested in the film industry. Luckily graduating from the University of Southern California helped Pinola prepare for the Hollywood scene. She started her career during what she refers to as the “Harvey Weinstein years” — a time when toxic power dynamics and gender discrimination were rampant.
“I had an exit strategy for any meeting I had because they just assumed you were going to sleep with them or something,” Pinola said. “And I never would. That wasn’t my MO — but I lost a lot of money and jobs because of it.”
One particularly painful moment involved a major deal falling apart at the last minute.
“I lost like a twenty-million-dollar deal overnight because a banker I had dealt with for a year just pulled out the day before we were signing the deal,” she said.
Pinola also shared how the expectation for women to trade personal favors for career advancement was widespread.
“It was like, ‘Oh, you’re a girl and I’m a producer — that means you’re going to have to do this, this, or that.’ It was seriously like that,” she said.
Importance of Having a Mentor
Despite the difficult introduction to the film industry, Pinola met Sandy Climan — a major Hollywood figure who represented some of the biggest names in the business, including Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, Kevin Costner, and Danny DeVito.
“He always protected me,” Pinola said. “He said to ‘tell them you are one of Sandy’s girls.’ So then everyone had respect for me. And I could open any door I wanted.”
Pinola emphasizes the importance of Climan’s role in her career. “I was very very very lucky to have found him,” Pinola said. “That kind of like was my saving grace on that [casting couch], but I’m excited that I get to work with him again, actually.”
Climan’s support gave Pinola not only credibility but also the confidence to establish herself as a serious producer.
Becoming a Producer
In the interview, I transitioned on how the production process happens for her. I asked “what is it like to produce a movie from start to finish and kind of what is that whole process just kind of like?”
Pinola began with describing how to gather a strong team together. For Pinola, building the right team is crucial to a successful production. There are a lot of key roles and personalities that are important to work together.
“Once you have your core team — director, producer, on-set producer — you bring in your department heads. They come with their teams, and it’s about building that foundation,” Pinola said.
She also emphasized the importance of keeping the crew happy and motivated.
“You have to treat everyone with respect. One producer would have gourmet pizza delivered at 3 a.m. — and beers too. Not enough to get drunk, but enough to keep everyone going,” she said. “You become a family.”
Making Creative Decisions
Pinola’s career is noted with both artistic wins and tough decisions. One such moment came when she passed on Manchester by the Sea, an Oscar-winning film.
“I knew it would win — Ben Affleck had just won an Oscar, George Clooney and Matt Damon were producing. But then this billionaire’s daughter swooped in and gave them the money. That would have been amazing because then I would have had Sundance and an Oscar,” Pinola said.
Despite missing out on certain projects, Pinola stays grounded by balancing artistic integrity with business strategy.
“I do some for better money, some for art,” she said.
Although investors swoop in and take control over projects, Stephanie’s passion for film never gets overpowered by downfalls or missed opportunities. Keeping an open-mind and staying true to values is key to maintaining a career in the film industry.
Stephanie Pinola’s journey in the film industry was powered through her MO and creative passions. She overcame industry biases, built strong relationships, and made tough decisions turning challenges into opportunities. Her dedication to the craft has allowed her to bring her creative visions to life and build a successful career in Hollywood.
Source:
Interview with Stephanie Pinola
Natalie Thomas 