Ceylin Kocagoz: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
Embrace Failure: Early in my career, I faced setbacks on a project that didn’t go as planned. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I used it as a learning experience, which ultimately led to more refined and successful projects.
As a part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Ceylin Kocagoz.
Earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Filmmaking at Koc University, Istanbul as well as a certificate in acting and production at New York Film Academy. She has continued her education at UCLA in their Entertainment Studies program in Los Angeles as well. She has a passion for directing, creative development, and script development. She is enthusiastic in every phase of production. Her goal is to combine her knowledge of psychology and acting to bring diversity into the film industry. She continues to grow as an actress and in creative development.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit of the ‘backstory’ of how you grew up?
I grew up in Turkey and attended an American collegiate institute since elementary school, which gave me a unique blend of cultural influences. My parents were incredibly supportive of my creative endeavors, encouraging me to explore various forms of art. From a young age, I was deeply involved in music, theater, and film, often taking on leadership roles in school productions and community arts projects. I was always trying out different art forms, from painting and sculpture to dance and poetry. This diverse artistic background eventually led me to merge my interests into a cohesive career in entertainment.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey into the entertainment industry began with a deep-seated passion for storytelling. I initially pursued a degree in psychology, fascinated by the complexities of human behavior and emotions. However, my love for film and theater never waned, and I decided to pursue a second degree in film. Studying at UCLA Film School, along with short programs at NYFA and NYU, allowed me to blend my understanding of psychology with my passion for storytelling, creating a unique approach to filmmaking. A pivotal moment was during a college theater production where I realized the profound impact visual storytelling could have, solidifying my decision to follow this career path.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?
One of the funniest and most interesting experiences happened on the set of a Netflix movie. I had just moved to LA and was quite new to the industry, so I wasn’t familiar with many celebrities. During the shoot, I befriended several cast members without realizing how famous they were. It wasn’t until later that I discovered I had been casually chatting and sharing laughs with some of Hollywood’s big names. Additionally, on this project, I worked closely with Kimmy Gatewood, who was then building her credits. Yesterday, I learned that she has been nominated for an Emmy, which is a testament to her incredible talent and dedication. Kimmy was immensely supportive of women in the industry, and her journey has been truly inspiring.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
One of the most interesting people I’ve interacted with is Kimmy Gatewood. Working with her on a Netflix project was a formative experience. Kimmy’s dedication to her craft and her support for women in the industry were evident in every aspect of her work. She was always encouraging, pushing us to explore our creativity and break boundaries. Another memorable interaction was with Leanna Billings, my boss during my internship. Leanna believed in my potential from day one, offering me invaluable opportunities that shaped my career. Her mentorship and unwavering support have been instrumental in my professional growth.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am immensely grateful to my boss, Leanna Billings. When I interned at her company, she saw potential in me and took me under her wing. From the very beginning, she involved me in significant projects and provided opportunities that were beyond what I had imagined. One notable instance was when she entrusted me with a major project just a few months into my internship. This project was a huge success and opened many doors for me in the industry. Leanna’s belief in my abilities and her continuous support have been crucial in my journey, and I always mention her in every interview as a key figure in my career.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Creativity takes courage.” — Henri Matisse. This quote has been a guiding principle throughout my career. Pursuing a path in the creative arts often requires taking bold risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. When I decided to merge my background in psychology with film, many were skeptical about how these fields could complement each other. However, staying true to my vision and courageously exploring this unique intersection led to innovative storytelling techniques and a distinctive voice in my projects. This courage to be creative and different has been instrumental in my professional journey.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I just wrapped up a short film titled “Desert.ed,” which I co-produced, co-wrote, and acted in. This project is incredibly special to me, and it’s currently doing the festival run, receiving positive feedback. Additionally, I’m working on two book adaptations, an animation short, and a documentary. These projects are in various stages of development and pre-production, but they are all very exciting. The documentary, in particular, delves into a social issue close to my heart, and I’m eager to bring these stories to a wider audience. Each project allows me to explore different aspects of storytelling and push the boundaries of my creative abilities.
Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?
One aspect of my work that I am particularly proud of is fostering collaboration among diverse teams. During the production of “Desert.ed,” we brought together a group of artists and technicians from various cultural and professional backgrounds. This diversity enriched the creative process and resulted in a film that was both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. One memorable moment was when we blended traditional Turkish music with modern cinematography, creating a powerful and unique scene that became a highlight of the film. This experience reinforced the value of collaborative creativity and the importance of diverse perspectives in filmmaking.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
Embrace Failure: Early in my career, I faced setbacks on a project that didn’t go as planned. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I used it as a learning experience, which ultimately led to more refined and successful projects.
Network Relentlessly: Building connections is crucial. A chance meeting at a film festival led to a significant collaboration with a well-known producer, opening doors I never imagined.
Stay True to Your Vision: On one project, I compromised my artistic vision to meet external expectations, and the result felt inauthentic. Since then, I’ve learned to balance feedback while staying true to my creative instincts.
Understand the Business: Knowing the financial and logistical aspects of filmmaking has been invaluable. It has helped me secure funding, manage budgets, and ensure the sustainability of my projects.
Adaptability is Key: The film industry is ever-evolving. Embracing new technologies and storytelling methods has kept my work relevant and innovative, allowing me to reach broader audiences.
When you create a film, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on the artistic and cinematic choices you make? Is it the viewers, the critics, the financiers, or your own personal artistic vision? Can you share a story with us or give an example about what you mean?
While my personal artistic vision is the driving force behind my projects, I recognize the importance of balancing it with the perspectives of viewers, critics, and financiers. For instance, during the development of a recent film, feedback from test audiences highlighted a subplot that wasn’t resonating as intended. Taking their input into account, I reworked the narrative, which ultimately enhanced the film’s emotional impact and reception. Similarly, investors’ insights on market trends have guided some of my decisions, ensuring that my films remain commercially viable without compromising artistic integrity.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I could start a movement, it would focus on providing accessible art and film education to underprivileged communities worldwide. Storytelling is a powerful tool for change, and by empowering individuals with the skills and resources to tell their own stories, we can foster cultural exchange, promote diversity, and drive social progress. Imagine a world where everyone has the opportunity to share their unique perspective, contributing to a richer, more inclusive global narrative.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)
I would love to have a private lunch with Kathleen Kennedy. She is a powerhouse in the film industry, known for her incredible work as a producer on some of the most iconic films. Her vision, leadership, and dedication to storytelling are truly inspiring. I would love to discuss her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her insights on the future of the industry. Her experience and success make her a role model for many aspiring filmmakers, including myself.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can follow me on LinkedIn at Ceylin Kocagoz and on Instagram at @ceylinkocagz. I regularly share updates on my projects, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes content.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Thank you! It was a pleasure to share my journey with you. I appreciate the opportunity and wish you all the best as well.
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
