spotlight on Grace Morgan
What is your name, how does the world know you?
My name is Grace Morgan and I’m a disabled filmmaker.
When did you know what you wanted to do? Was there an ‘aha!’ moment?
For me it was quite gradual. At first, I started off with editing, I used editing as an escape when I was going through a rough time at school. I also attended acting classes in my spare time too. I think all the other elements of filmmaking subtly fell into place around me over the years. Although making my short film On My Level allowed me to view myself as a filmmaker for the first time (I guess in a way this is my ‘aha!’ moment.)
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself.
I have a Hearing Dog called Winston. He’s been so life changing and given me so much more independence as he can alert me to things such as the oven timer, fire alarm and even my mum calling me from downstairs!
Where did you study and how did that aid you into getting to where you are, where you want to go?
Being honest, most of my education has been appalling in terms of the support, inclusivity, and education. However, I wouldn’t change a thing about this as it has made me the person I am today. This isn’t to say things don’t need to change for other people. THEY DEFINITELY DO! I feel like my negative experience in education has pushed me to take my future and learning into my own hands, which I think has made me more resilient and determined as I’ve done a lot of self-teaching. Currently, I have just transferred to the University of Gloucestershire and am studying a Filmmaking Production degree which I’m really enjoying.
Tell us something good about your career/line of work
I love being able to tell the truth in my films. I don’t want to sugar coat things. People need to see and hear stories of those who are under-represented, and our struggles/journeys.
I also feel like those you meet in this industry along the way (in my experience) are always so inspiring, motivating, and wonderful people to connect with.
Tell us the weirdest, maddest story you have from your job.
There was one morning during filming for On My Level where we had lost a few extras the night before. So, the DoP and I were running around my Neighborhood at 7am knocking on doors asking for any teens who’d want to take part! In the end, I had to step in as an extra which was felt so weird for me as this whole shoot, I was watching scenes from behind the camera or on the monitor, so trying to direct a scene whilst also being in it was challenging but fun.
What’s next for you?
I’ve got quite a few projects lined up for this year which I’m really excited for! Something else i’ve been working on is a mentoring programme to support and mentor young autistic girls. I’m also hoping to film and edit a wedding this year too which I’m looking forward to. As well as this I’m also going to be focusing on my university work, I just found out that my first-year short film got greenlit so I can’t wait to work on this more and direct it next month.
Goals for the rest of the year?
My biggest goal right now is to get On My Level submitted and hopefully into film festivals! I will definitely be focusing a lot of my energy into this! I would also love to meet/connect/work more with like-minded people.
How can we find you? Social links, email, website.
Instagram and Twitter - @officialgmorgan