Interview with Guernslye Honorés
Anything is possible if you are willing to put in the effort and persist. One of the reasons I didn’t think this was a viable career was because, growing up in the Netherlands, the entertainment industries seemed so far away! The idea of being able to work on a film or TV show seemed impossible. It has taken me years to realise that everything is attainable if you want it enough and are patient and persistent. I have seen producers literally find an agents number online, call them up and pitch their script.
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 Lydia Muir.
Lydia Muir is an international New-York based writer, producer and showrunner. Having grown up in multiple countries around the world and being raised in a bilingual household, she has always been intrigued by the raw beauty of human connections. She became inspired to create films and series that explore relationships in all their messy glory. After obtaining a bachelors and masters degree at a top European business school, she further completed a program in Producing at New York Film Academy. Within a year of graduation, she produced 2 award winning short films and created a rom com web series from script to screen. She is currently in development on various films and TV pilots.
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?
Thank you for having me! Where should I begin? I grew up with a British father and a Taiwanese mother in multiple countries around the world. Every few years, we would move to a new place and so at a very early age, I learned to adapt quickly to my surroundings. Due to my ever-changing environment, I started to fall in love with stories. It started with books and then turned into a love of movies and TV shows. I found comfort in the fact that no matter where we were, stories existed and I could use them to escape into other worlds and lives. We eventually settled in the Netherlands, where I spent my teenage years and continued to get my bachelors and masters degree. Despite my passion for documenting life in high school and writing poetry and stories, I didn’t believe that I could turn that into a viable career. So, I did the safe option and went to business school. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret that decision at all. Firstly, because I had an amazing time and have great memories that I will cherish forever, but also because I gained a lot of extremely valuable skills that were transferable to my career as a producer and showrunner.
After graduation, however, I realised that I wanted to learn more about the creative industries and so I packed a suitcase and moved to London, with just enough savings to survive one month. I was able to network and gain experience as a PA and discovered that the producing path was the one for me. My life pivoted when I moved to Taiwan. I wanted to explore that side of my identity and culture and so I worked as an ESL and preschool teacher for 5 years. After the pandemic, it was time to leave the comfort of Taiwan and I came to New York to return to my life as a producer. After completing a one-year conservatory program at New York Film Academy, I began to get to work, producing short films, music videos and eventually writing and developing my web series. It has been an incredible journey so far and I am grateful to be able to share it with you today.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
During my undergraduate degree, I did a 6-months exchange to the University of Melbourne. While I was there, I wanted to get involved in activities that I couldn’t do while I was in the Netherlands. I walked around the extra curricular fair and stumbled on the theatre club. Despite having no experience and knowledge of the theatre world, I reached out and asked if there was anything I could do to help that didn’t involve acting or being on stage. I immediately got a response from the stage manager saying that their assistant stage manager had just dropped out and they were in desperate need of someone to fill that spot. I told her that I had no experience or knowledge of what an assistant stage manager did but I was eager and could learn quickly. She took me under her wing and taught me the ins and outs of theatre production. To this day, working on their production of RENT, is one of my best memories of my time in Melbourne. After that, I realised that there were so many more positions in the creative industries that didn’t involve performing and it encouraged me to start researching the many roles in theatre, film and TV production. That experience changed my life and set me on the path that brought me here today.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?
One of the things that I find most interesting about filmmaking is how un-glamorous the process really is. I remember for my first short film, my DP and I had to huddle inside a coat closest just to be at the right angle to get a certain shot. Or when we were filming a scene in the bathroom, my DP and boom operator had to stand inside the bath tub. There are lots of little things we don’t think about when watching the final product. However, the most interesting experience was a short film I produced called Sapling, which was shot entirely on an iPhone. We encountered so many unexpected technical challenges, which made it a real learning experience. It also was a great reminder as a producer, to think through as many details as possible and to prepare for anything.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Collaborating with everyone on the crew is consistently enjoyable and fulfilling. Each individual brings something unique to the story, but it’s the actors who often surprise me the most. Witnessing their ability to swiftly embody characters or channel specific personality traits is truly fascinating. There are instances where I may feel uncertain about a character or dialogue, but then an actor interprets it, infusing it with their own ideas, and it magically springs to life. For my web series, The Roommate Contract, there is one scene in episode 3, which has a montage of bad dates that features various short guest roles. Thanks to my exceptional casting director, we found the perfect actors for each part. We thoroughly discussed each role to ensure they had enough material to work with. Prior to filming, I encouraged the actors to improvise and contribute additional dialogue if they felt inspired. The day we filmed that was one of the funniest days on set because of what these guest actors had creatively come up with. I’ll never forget the moment I said “cut” after the first one, and the whole crew exploded with laughter. Some crew members even had to step away momentarily during filming because they couldn’t contain their laughs. It was an unforgettable day, and I believe that energy translated into the final result.
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?
There are so many people that have helped me in some way to get to where I am today. From the Rajs who gave me a job in London while I figured out my film path to my Taiwanese family who cared for me when I lost my Mom to the teachers who encouraged me at NYFA to all my friends who continue to believe in me everyday. Every chapter of my life has had important people who have helped me through it. However, there is one person who taught me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to and has given me the drive and ambition to chase my dream and that is my Dad. Growing up, he always encouraged me to think bigger. I remember one time, I told him I wanted to be a teacher. He told me to think bigger and to open my own school. He taught me that the world is my oyster and as long as I work hard, have some backup plans and believe in myself, everything is achievable. That drive and work ethic has pushed me to become the producer and showrunner I am today.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Strong back, soft front, wild heart.” — Brené Brown
This quote resonates deeply with me because it is about being strong, curious, vulnerable, brave, kind and loving all at the same time. People often think that strong people aren’t warm or kind people are weak but this quote is a reminder that we can be all at once. I’d like to hope that people see me as a kind person. However, that kindness doesn’t mean that I will let myself get taken advantage of, which is where my strong back comes in. I am confident in my abilities and can stand tall in the face of challenges. My soft front, however, makes me approachable and keeps me curious because that is how we learn and grown. Finally, my wild heart is what gives me the courage to follow my heart, open up to others and spread happiness to others.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I am currently in the final stages of releasing the first 3 episodes of my romcom web series The Roommate Contract, which I am very proud of. Next up, I am working on developing some other TV pilots as well as some short films. The project I am most excited to share with the world is a TV pilot for a series called I Dare You To which is a heart-warming comedy centred around 8 characters in a grief support group. Each one has a very different background and situation, which cause them to grieve differently too. Despite their differences, they share a common thread of pain and loss. In each episode, they are tasked with completing a dare that pushes them beyond their comfort zones. Some dares are light-hearted and whimsical, while others push them out of their comfort zones. But at the core of the show, it is a reminder that there is a healing power in connections.
Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?
Creating stories that matter to people is really important to me. When a line makes someone laugh or an emotional scene touches someone’s heart, that is a great feeling. However, what I am really proud of, is that I am able to create these meaningful and effective stories in a positive, collaborative, safe and fun environment. There have been so many stories of toxic work environments and people not feeling comfortable at work, that I make sure to take additional steps to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels safe and supported. I strongly believe that you are only as strong as your team and thus, as a leader, why wouldn’t you want to create an empowering environment where everyone can thrive? For example, I always schedule some time at the beginning of each shoot day to make everyone aware that this is a safe space and we do not tolerate abusive or unkind behaviours. If anyone feels uncomfortable in any way, I want them to know that they can come to me. I sometimes use movie quotes to set the tone of the day or hang quotes around the set. Furthermore, I take the time to get to know my cast and crew: what they like to eat, how they like to work etc. Ensuring there are plenty of snacks and that everyone is fed is also a way for people to feel cared for. There are so many little things you can do to make people feel happy and at ease that can be very meaningful. So, I am most proud when someone I have worked with tells me that my set was one that they enjoyed working on the most.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Always have some form of stable source of income or a good amount of savings. This career path is not an easy one and for most people, it can take some time before you are able to financially live off of it. In my experience, creativity doesn’t do well under pressure. If you are writing a script because you need money or working that job in the toxic environment because you need to pay the bills, it can take away from the joys of choosing this industry. Even if it is just a part-time job in a cafe or bartending or tutoring, having some form of income will give you the space and the freedom to be true to yourself and your creativity. Another option is to spend a few years working full time and saving up money before you fully pursue this path. I worked for 5 years, creating a healthy cushion of savings before I moved to New York to pursue this dream. This meant I could really focus on the projects that could help me long term rather than just what would pay the bills. This may sound like boring advice, but in my opinion, it is so valuable and will give you a head start to many others starting out in the industry.
- Anything is possible if you are willing to put in the effort and persist. One of the reasons I didn’t think this was a viable career was because, growing up in the Netherlands, the entertainment industries seemed so far away! The idea of being able to work on a film or TV show seemed impossible. It has taken me years to realise that everything is attainable if you want it enough and are patient and persistent. I have seen producers literally find an agents number online, call them up and pitch their script. It can be as simple as that. Is it the only actor they call who agrees to do it? Probably not, but if you have a great pitch, there’s a chance that someone out there will agree to read it eventually. Will the first person who reads it, agree to be a part of it? Probably not, but if you have an amazing script, there might be one person in that hundred who read it, who says yes. I’m not saying it is easy but it’s also not impossible and that’s the key. Keep working on your craft, pitching it and don’t give up.
- No one will believe in you until you believe in yourself. As much as it sounds like a cliché, it is still very true that confidence is a powerful tool. When I first started, I would tell people “I want to be a producer”. One day, someone told me, you should try saying “I am a producer”. The difference in people’s reaction and how they saw me based on the wording of that one sentence was insane. The reaction changed from being “oh, that’s nice” to “What are you working on?”. It took a long time to adjust my mindset but the truth is, this industry also involves a lot of risk taking, and no one is willing to take a risk on someone who doesn’t even believe in themselves. And here’s a little secret: you can still have doubts and you can still be scared. Believing in yourself and your project doesn’t mean things can’t go wrong, it just means that you believe the efforts and time and resources you’re putting in to it are worth it. There are so many successful filmmakers that I know, who still have moments of insecurity and lack of confidence, but we push through it and focus on the project because ultimately we choose to believe in ourselves.
- You don’t need permission to start. For the longest time I thought “I can’t be a writer because I didn’t specialise in it.” Or “I can’t be a showrunner because I’ve never done it before.” Want to hear something crazy? Every writer, director, showrunner, producer started with a project with no experience. You will always have a first project and you don’t need permission to make it. This isn’t school where you have people telling you that you’re ready or will train you every step of the way. No one is going to walk up to you and say “That’s it! You’ve read 20 books about screenwriting, you can now write a script.” The best thing you can do is to just start. Create something and put it out there. Get feedback and learn. If you want to direct something, find a writer and some actors and do it. It is the most common advice in the industry and yet, it is still necessary for people to hear. Keep your expectations low, you’re not going to be a Oscar-winning filmmaker on your first try but you have to start somewhere and you don’t need anyone’s permission to do it but yourself.
- Who you surround yourself with is so important. This advice is relevant to the filmmaking process because as we all know, it is a collaborative industry. However, this is also relevant to your daily life. The film and TV world is brutal and there are so many ups and downs that you spend half the time wondering why you’re even in it (because despite how hard it is, you love it!) So having a good network of support is vital to your sanity and mental wellbeing. If the people around you are not able to encourage you or be forgiving when you “miss that birthday party for a super important pitch meeting, which ends up being completely useless, but you had to try” then life will just get harder. Find people who will celebrate your victories and remind you why you started this path in the first place. Surround yourself with other creatives who inspire you and are just as hard working and proactive as you. You will lift each other up and it will make the challenging parts of this path, so much more bearable because there are people you can cry and laugh with. A show might not get picked up, a film might lose funding right before production or get written off as a tax break but the connections you make can last a lifetime.
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?
Just this morning, I was listening to an interview with Quinta Brunson as she talked about the reasons she hasn’t incorporated certain themes or topics into her show Abbott Elementary despite other people’s opinions or comments. She then shares a story about how a child may draw something and it may look like a whale to you, but if the child says “no, it’s a dolphin” then it is a dolphin. As a former preschool teacher, this is something I saw on a regular basis. Most children don’t change what they’ve created just because you don’t see it and that is something I think we can all learn from. In the creation stage, you can’t focus on what you think people want. Find your message, your values and your voice and use that to guide your film or series. Once something is out in the world and people are interacting with it, I do think it is important to see the impact it is making on its audiences. If it is connecting with people and making audiences feel something, then great, keep going! If not, try something else. Realistically, if you need money to make your film or series, then you may have to explain why your project IS something people want, but hopefully you can do that while staying true to your voice and message.
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. 🙂
One of my biggest goals in my stories and also in my life in general is to spread the importance and power of simple kindness. As a society, we often reward those who are successful in their career, who have huge achievements or have gained large financial wealth. However, we rarely highlight individuals who are kind unless they have impacted thousands of people. By doing one act of kindness or helping one person, you could be making a huge impact on one person’s life, which can start a ripple effect of behaviour. My mom was not the brightest woman, nor was she particularly “successful” in her career (if you define success by status or financial wealth). In fact, she started a few companies that all failed before she eventually became an assistant teacher. She stayed in that position for the last 15 years of her life but I wouldn’t say that she was unsuccessful in life. In fact, I’d say the opposite, because at her funeral, I lost count of the number of people who came up to me and said “your mom’s kindness helped me” or “I will never forget your mom because of her warm presence” or “she had the biggest heart of anyone I knew”. You don’t have to change the world to make a difference. If you can be kind to the individuals you encounter during your day and spread some joy, that to me is a successful day.
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. 🙂
There are so many TV shows that have changed my life or affected me in some way and thus so many show runners who have been an inspiration to me. From Greg Berlanti to Quinta Brunson to Jon Favreau, they have all created something that I believe has rocked the industry but also maintained a strong heart at its core. Having said that, the one showrunner who, I’d love to have a conversation with is the incredible Shonda Rhimes. She is the queen of building worlds and creating characters that you feel so emotionally attached to, you talk about them as if they’re your friends. Not only has she created multiple series that will be remembered forever, but she has continued to use her voice and success to empower other women and individuals who don’t always get the opportunity to be heard. She has pushed boundaries and broken ceilings and walls with her shows and is an inspiration to any writer, producer or showrunner.
How can our readers further follow you online?
I am always happy to connect with fellow filmmakers or in general talk to new people! You can find me on instagram @lydiamuir_film or you can subscribe to my monthly newsletter on my website www.lydiamuir.com.
Most of my work is on YouTube, also at Lydia Muir Film.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
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.
Lydia Muir: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.