Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Lee
Hi Melanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, first off thank you for having me. I am a full time Director and Certified Intimacy Director/ Coordinator. When I get to work with talent and they feeI safe and completely present in their performance my heart is full.
It’s so wonderful to have found what I’m good at and honestly, I had no idea the road was going to lead me here Because when I was a kid I wanted to be an actor. I knew I loved it. I loved the community. So I did all the things to set myself up to get better at my skill, add to my resume and build a career in TV Film and Commercials. Improv and dance in Chicago, theater in Cleveland, Classes, coachings and workshops in LA and it was marvelous!
I was fortunate enough to have been a working actor in LA but there wasnt room for me to do theater there and that was ok! Until…..
I moved to Panama in 2009 and rediscovered my love for theater and that community, Theater saved me as a kid. It was my home. It made me so happy to be able to help rebuild an amazing theater in Panama with a great group of humans, and then be a part of the rise of professional theater at the National level there.
I was working as a director and choreographer in Panama, Miami and then back in LA and loved it, but I had no idea how much further I wanted to take my career until I met an Intimacy Professional and realized how much I wanted to bring this new language to the stage and each cast I was working with.
There is nothing more freeing to an actor, singer, dancer than feeling completely safe and vulnerable on set. What they are capable of to enhance the story is incredible when you build trust and create a space for them to be completely present to tell the story.
Intimacy Directors used to be known as the HR Police – back in the day – and now they are an integral part of every story being told.
As a director I get to bring this practice to the shows I do, and as an IDC I get to work for the Director and help create their vision and bring the story telling to the next level.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Finding your way through this industry is never a smooth road. You have to be brave and just know – its what you do! Its who you are.
That being said you can have a CAREER in the entertainment industry but there are things to remember when you decide that is your path.
1. Do the work – Hone your skill. Memorize, get coaching, and be vulnerable.
2. Make friends along the way. Be easy to work with, be a good cast member, be on time and always present
3. Its NOT LUCK. Do the two things above so that when the opportunity shows up. You’re ready.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My business partner Brooklyn Sample and I have a production company called Blind Toe Productions that we started in 2019 as we began our Moms Art Too Podcast.
Since then it has grown to produce music videos, live theater and events, we are developing a new musical, Produced at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and we coach up and coming industry professionals to advance their career and works.
Blind Toe is a Development Company. We can help you grow and bring your story to life.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. It makes you better,
Networking is not a dirty word. Being present, going to shows, taking classes, working on personal projects is the best way to make connections.
Everyone wants to work with their friends.
Pricing:
- Free consultation for your career or production
- 1 hour private career coaching
- 1 hour private performance coaching
- SAG day rate for on set IDC
- Team Building Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melglee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MelanieGilpinLee
- Other: https://www.blindtoe.com/
