On the thirty- seventh episode of ATFT, I talked with actress/ producer Michelle Calloway! While I wouldn't say this episode is explicit, there is some occasional language.
Michelle Calloway is an artistic filmmaker based in Jacksonville who has been steadily working in the film industry since graduating Columbia College in Chicago with a degree in photography. She initially started working behind the camera in both film and photography but, in recent years as she has made her own films, has stepped in front of the camera. Like Richard Avedon, Michelle's short films explore the inner complexity of the human condition outwardly through visual storytelling. Michelle’s sophomore short titled “Belle Isle” had a successful, worldwide festival run and earned her the award for “Best Experimental Short” at the Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles. Michelle has also starred in various other shorts such as “The Weary Time Traveler”, "The Resident", and “Southern Glen” but has recently made her feature film debut in Rachel Suissa’s comedy Greek Mothers Never Die, which is currently in the middle of a film festival run and recently won the "Best Comedy Feature" award at the Central Florida Film Festival. Aside from her work in film, Michelle is signed with two modeling agencies, Posewell Model & Talent Management and The Peak Agency, and has been featured in commercials and advertisements. Michelle has been established as one of Jacksonville’s most prominent filmmakers whose success will only continue upwards as her work ethic and genuine, singular artistry will take her far.
Michelle’s latest project is the drama short film, “Tallulah Park”. Named after a real park in Jacksonville, this poetic short is focused on Michelle’s character Olivia as she struggles to find herself as she is haunted by her past. After a transformative chance encounter, her mindset changes leading her to seek redemption. Like Michelle’s previous shorts, the internal complexity of her character is explored outwardly, but this time through found music and lyrical writing. For this project, Michelle wore three hats as she wrote, starred, and produced this film. “Tallulah Park” has just begun its film festival run and is expected to have a premiere in Jacksonville at a later date. While you’re waiting for “Tallulah Park” to be released, go to LulahFilms.com to learn more about Michelle’s production company as well as watch her past work!
This is Michelle’s first appearance on ATFT! We have been connected on Instagram for at least a year now but it wasn’t until we recorded this interview that we met in person! Just by following her on Instagram, I knew Michelle was cool and authentic but when I met her in person, I saw how much of a boss she is while remaining incredibly kind. I have the utmost respect for her because of her confident attitude as well as her strong work ethic. I aspire to carry myself in this way as my shy self often hides my specificity and decisiveness. This interview was without a doubt one of the best interviews on ATFT thus far and one I have gained the most from so I am sure all creatives will take away something from listening. This episode was recorded on January 16, 2025.
In this episode, Michelle talks about the evolution of her artistry between photography and film through the years. Even though Michelle claims she is not a cinephile, she certainly knows some hidden gems which turns into a game throughout this episode. Michelle also talks about how her initial fear of acting transformed her, working with Brittany Murphy on one of her last films, and how she has turned her creative work into a successful business. All this and much more on the latest episode of All the Film Things!
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