How I Built This with Guy Raz ARRAY: Filmmaker Ava DuVernay (2021)
Sep 18, 2023
Ava DuVernay, an award-winning filmmaker and founder of ARRAY, shares her inspiring journey from publicist to pioneer in Hollywood. She reflects on how her roots in Compton and experiences in the hip hop scene shaped her storytelling. Ava discusses the importance of representation in film and the impact of social issues on her work. She recounts her triumphant moment at Sundance, revealing how her commitment to diverse voices reshaped her filmmaking path and continues to influence future generations.
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Publicity as Film School
- DuVernay's publicity background provided valuable skills in storytelling and marketing.
- She views publicity as an essential toolset, akin to film school, shaping her approach to filmmaking.
Starting Her Own Agency
- DuVernay's father, Murray, encouraged her to start her own publicity agency after analyzing her income.
- This realization, along with seeing other Black women succeed, led her to entrepreneurship.
Inspiration from Collateral
- Working on Michael Mann's Collateral, DuVernay saw digital cameras used in filmmaking.
- This, combined with the film's setting and representation, inspired her to direct.