Nicole Dorsey - Writer & Director
Nicole declared her desire to become a director when she was just nine years young. While she might not have known exactly what that entailed back then, she certainly does now (see: the 12 short films, tons of commercials and a feature film under her belt). From putting on plays for her parents as a kid to writing and directing for film and TV today, Nicole’s unwavering passion for storytelling has continued to evolve and entice audiences near and far.
The Basics:
Hometown: Toronto, ON (Raised in Burlington)
Current city: Los Angeles, CA
Alma mater: Ryerson University
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film)
Very first job: Convenience store clerk at 14
Hustle: Writer & Director
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
So many to choose from! Maybe I’ll keep it film-related and say Celine Sciamma. I’ve loved her work since Tomboy, but was floored by Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Her ability to capture the subtle nuances of the (often painful) human experience is uncanny.
Go-to coffee order and/or adult beverage?
I’m an avid tea drinker. Green in the morning, black in the afternoon and herbal in the evening.
What are your after hours tricks for unwinding?
Definitely an epsom salt bath.
What’s something that others may consider unusual that you love?
Cleaning my apartment! I find it therapeutic before diving into a new project.
Favorite film of all time?
It changes so often, but my usual go-to is Boogie Nights. I saw it young (much younger than I should have) but I think it informed my early tastes as a filmmaker.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
I’m a writer/director for film and TV. Currently, most of my time is spent at home (in whatever city I happen to be in) writing scripts and developing projects. Like most creatives, I have a slate of things in various stages, from written scripts to TV bibles, to pitches and a feature in pre-production. I also just wrapped shooting an hour-long psychological thriller in Western Ontario—so it’s a bit of everything!
Have you always had a passion for storytelling and creating? Where do you think this stems from, and when did you decide to pursue these interests professionally?
Yes, 100%. As a kid, I was always putting on little plays for my parents and using the family camcorder to make movies with the neighbours. I think it stemmed from being an only child. You spend a lot of time alone, and storytelling becomes a part of play—building a world around you bigger than your own. I think I was about 9 or 10 when I declared to my parents that I wanted to be a director—long before I understood what it actually meant. But I suppose my mind was made up, because right after high school I only applied to film school.
What types of projects do you direct? Which project are you most proud of?
I’ve directed about 12 short films, lots of commercials and my debut feature film that premiered at TIFF in 2019. I’d say I’m most proud of the latter. It was truly a labour of love, and so thrilling to see it take on a life of its own and be well-received by audiences.
How are your roles in commercial and long-form filmmaking similar? How do they differ?
I think the biggest difference for me so far is that when directing commercials I’m serving a client, and in long-form filmmaking I’m serving my own vision (though that can change slightly when directing studio pictures). Overall, I’m always trying to inject myself into each project, and my approach to storytelling doesn’t change too much. By the time you get to set and your prep work is done, directing is kind of like conducting an orchestra—everyone has a role and your job is to drive the rhythm and tone.
What makes a video or film impactful? What types of questions do you ask when first starting a project to ensure you convey the message clearly?
I think it’s something that moves you emotionally. That can mean 100 different things. To thrill you, excite you, educate you, reflect your own experiences back to you. I suppose that’s part of the research I first do when starting a new project. What’s the purpose of this story? What will people have to reflect upon when the story ends? What kind of message do I want to put out into the world?
How do you manage to stay on top of deadlines (etc.) in such a demanding industry?
An agenda! I’ve purchased the exact same Moleskine weekly planner for the past 10 years. If it goes in there, it gets done. There’s something satisfying about writing by hand and crossing completed tasks off.
How have your past professional and academic experiences and lessons prepared you for the work you do today? How have they not prepared you?
After graduating film school, I had no clue how to start my career as a director, so I scrounged and worked for years in various roles on set. Everything from being a PA to a director’s assistant to casting to camera to a script supervisor. I learned a lot about how sets function and how TV and film are made. There were many moments where I felt discouraged, like I’d never reach my directing goals, but in reality it was the best thing I could have done. Now working as a director, everything I learned in all those roles informs the decisions I make and strengthens my abilities as a director on and off set.
What’s one of the most worthwhile investments you’ve made in your career?
Probably all the short films I made. They helped me find my voice. They’re hard work and often go unrewarded, but by the time I made my feature I felt ready and knew what kind of film I wanted to make.
How has being a woman impacted your professional experiences? What can we collectively do to support and empower women in your industry today?
Early on in my career, I found it difficult to be taken seriously. I was often dismissed for my ambitions. I was quite stubborn and never let it stop me. A few years ago I heard the expression that men are hired on their potential whereas women are hired on their track record. And this hit hard as it’s a bit of a catch-22 and one I felt applied to me for a very long time. But I have seen and continue to see change. Not just for women, but for BIPOC and those in the LGBTQ+ community as well. We’ve got a long way to go, but providing opportunity, platforms and funding to those who historically have gone without is a start.
What’s something you didn't expect about your experience in the film industry?
That I genuinely like Hollywood. Hah! Maybe it hasn’t turned on me yet, but I just love being in a community of storytellers. There’s this excitement in the air and the possibilities are so much bigger than my suburban Canadian younger self could have ever imagined.
Rafa Lovich
How do you get past burnout or roadblocks in your work?
I take breaks. It’s so incredibly important. When you create your own schedule and you’re motivated, it’s very easy to work all day, every day. So when I feel that creeping exhaustion (and I’m able,) I take a couple days off and try to do something that has nothing to do with film. That could be a little road trip, camping or simply staying in and reading for the enjoyment of it. I find my work is better this way, and I’m actually more productive and inspired than I would have been if I just kept powering through.
Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?
I’m always inspired by power houses like Ava DuVernay. She’s Wonder Woman in my eyes. Then of course there are amazing directors like Andrea Arnold and Ana Lily Amirpour who have taken on both features and television, bringing their unique styles and perspectives. I’ve been following Nia DaCosta as of late. Her rise is so impressive and I’m stoked to see her shake up the Marvel world.
What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career so far?
Making Canada’s Top Ten for my feature after its premiere at TIFF. It was a big moment for me after working for so many years to get the film off the ground.
Career and/or life advice for other babes (both inside and outside of your industry?)
Feel confident in saying no. So often we take on jobs out of fear—fear of not working or fear of letting someone down or fear that we’re not worth more. I have never, ever regretted saying no, and in fact, have only found it to up my self-worth and professional value.
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