Izzy Stevens is a woman of multiple accolades. When we think of this Australian superstar, we can’t help but imagine a powerful force of femininity and power. Not only is she a professional filmmaker and actor, Izzy also started her own podcast, Indie Spunk, where she shares and discusses all the ins and outs of film making. When she isn’t making films she can be seen coaching people looking to get into film and even has her own scholarship program set up for new people in film. In addition to all this, one of her passions is to work with nonprofits like Polaris and Overdue. Let Jejune Magazine help you delve deeper into the life of Izzy Stevens!

Where are you based?

Los Angeles is home now, however I was born and raised in beautiful Sydney, Australia.

What got you interested in acting and making films?

As a kid, Titanic was one of the first movies that left an enormous impact on me. I couldn’t believe that the pictures dancing in front of my eyes could make me feel so much. I obsessed over Kate and Leo. Later on, in primary school, my best friend Eliza and I would spend full weekends improvising these short film-type skits. They were ridiculous and so much fun. Acting and filmmaking became a satisfying source of creative expression that developed into a lifelong love affair. So far, anyway!

Your profile has an impressive number of accolades from acting to directing to producing to having your own podcast! Do you have a favorite? How do you have time for all the things?

Directing is my number one. Juggling many projects at once has become second nature, but everything that I do leads back to a love of directing. I still enjoy acting and I actively audition, however nothing gives me quite the high like being on set as a director and collaborating with a team. When I began directing, I would also produce because, as indie filmmakers, that’s sometimes the only way the project will ever get finished. Producing is more creative than many think. The podcast is another way for me to lovingly obsess and share insight into directing and producing and pursuing a career in this industry. My goal is to make it actionable and accessible so that more creatives have the confidence and information to make their own films. I guess I want everyone to drink the kool-aid with me. Honestly, there’s never quite enough time in the day for it all, but I truly love what I do. From growing my production company and coaching business, to the indie spunk podcast, to the films I am writing, directing and producing… It’s a lot. I’ve found that if I build collaborative teams and strong systems, and prioritize my down time, then I can juggle effectively and enjoy the creative process.

We’d love to know more about your role in ‘Occupation’ and how your character resonates with you as a person.

I loved playing Bella Bartlet. Bella is strong willed, outspoken, fiercely loyal, and an independent thinker who deeply cares about her community. I found myself in Bella very easily, and relished the time I got to spend playing her.

Last year your short film Seafoam, which you directed and starred in, came out. Can you tell us a bit about this film? How was it playing both sides of the camera?

Thank you. Seafoam is a psychological thriller about a young woman called Billy who, after visiting her mother in a psychiatric ward, believes she’s being followed. Think Alice-down-the-rabbit-hole. I enjoyed experimenting with sound design, music and editing in the hopes I’d take the audience on a visceral journey alongside Billy, with a reveal in the final moments. This was actually the first time I had directed and acted in a project simultaneously. It was a challenge that I really enjoyed, and I learned a lot from the process. We’d be filming a scene where my character is sort of crazed, losing her reality, then we’d cut and I’d immediately be answering questions about the next set up, and spending time with my other actors; I loved it. I’ll do things a little differently next time, but I wouldn’t change a thing about the experience. I love figuring it out. That’s the best part of filmmaking. You just get to try something and learn and then try another thing.

Right now you seem more focused on your podcast, Indie Spunk. Why the change? What inspired this podcast? Can you tell us more about ‘Indie Spunk’?

Just a perfect excuse to talk about what I love, and share with other peeps like me. Who are inspired and driven to build an empowered career in this industry, on their own terms. I started to coach emerging filmmakers during COVID and it has been growing ever since. I get to work with amazing clients and help them go from script to screen. The podcast was born out of the many conversations we have in my programs, and the special guests I bring into the community. I wanted more creatives to have access to creative and career guidance so they can do what they lurve.

What do you think are the challenges faced by women in film?

Women still make up less than 24% of the entertainment industry workforce behind the camera. Yet there is no shortage of women (and other underrepresented groups) who are driven, passionate and skilled. People who are ready for the job. Why is this? We’re still battling uphill much of the time. I wish it was old news. But it ain’t. But we have superpowers. If you’re a woman and you want to succeed in the film industry, then keep lifting other women up, seek mentorship, build a strong community, and break all the rules. Let’s get more ladies in decision-making roles. Movies get better!

Can you tell us what you think about the film industry and accessibility to resources in such an industry?

For so long, the industry held this alluring facade of shiny, impenetrable perfection. But I think we’re moving into a different time. Information access has changed. Social media, podcasts, the internet — more ideas and experiences are circulating. I wish, when I first started out, I had access to the resources I am sharing now. But I wouldn’t have even known it was a possibility.

We love that you also actively give back. Can you tell us about Overdue and your work with them?

I have volunteered with Overdue a few times to help pick up trash at the beach, and it’s always such a fun time! I bring a friend and we catch up and walk around on the beach, while we do something goooood for the planet. Groovy.

We are not surprised to hear that you are a part of Women in Film (WIF). Can you tell us a bit about your work with them?

I’m a proud and grateful member of Women in Film, who work to advance equality in the film industry. It’s an amazing support network with educational tools, programs and events. I believe in what WIF stands for, which is to expand access to the industry, build sustainable careers and advocate for change.

You are also very passionate about Polaris. Can you tell us a bit about this organization and why it’s important to you?

I am frightened at the state of sex trafficking in the world. I can’t imagine how awful this reality would be. No one should experience it. Polaris works to end sex and human trafficking, and gives support to survivors and their families.

Finally, we heard that your company Indie Spunk, awards an Underserved Scholarship for film coaching to a member of a diverse/underrepresented community. Can you tell us a bit about this?

Back when I started coaching, I worked with a business coach who encouraged me to consider my values and the mission of my business. I have given a scholarship every year since. This industry is all about access, I want more people to have it. Consider it another way to satisfy the part of me that’s drunk on the hopeful vision of a diverse industry.

How would you like the general population to get more involved in indie films?

Go see films in theaters!

It has been a rough few years, how have you been staying positive during these times?

I am generally an optimistic person, but when things are tough I try to seek community as much as I can. It’s common for me to want to go inward, but there’s nothing better than support from peeps that get it. I also feel like my job as a director and a coach is cathartic. Creativity keeps my chin up. Doing what I love. How about you?

What is your motto in life?

Ask for what you want. If you don’t, the answer is no anyway.

To learn more about Izzy Stevens, check out the below links:

Listen to indie spunk podcast here.

instagram: @indiespunk and @izzystevens

Photography by Camila Noriega.