My journey into the entertainment industry started at the Santa Monica Film Market, a place where some of the biggest names in Hollywood have walked the halls.
Men and women whose names are forever etched into the history books. I often wonder if any of them ever did it wearing six inch heels like I did.
Walking those marble floors in stilettos, trying to hold my head high, felt like stepping into a completely different universe.
As a transgender woman navigating this world, I’ve faced my share of challenges.
While attending my first Ted Talk at the film market, I was stunned to see a crowd of desperate writers rush the stage. It was like a frenzy, with everyone elbowing their way to the front in a chaotic rush. Unlike the hundreds of hopeful storytellers clutching their scripts and rushing to pitch immediately after the talk, I’ve come to realize that this kind of frantic energy often isn’t the way to succeed.
I genuinely believe that success comes from approaching things intelligently and practicing a bit of strategic patience.

If I were trying to sell a script, I wouldn’t just barge into a room during a Ted talk or sending a script blindly to a studio head with crossed fingers.
No, I’d prefer to buy my seat at the table, or in this case, secure a room at the Santa Monica Hotel and wait for the industry to come to me.
I’m not quite there yet, but I do have an insatiable curiosity about how things really work behind the scenes.

So I splurged on the Platinum Five-Day Pass and gained access to every event, private function, and after-party.
To me, that kind of access was way more valuable than rushing onto a stage with a script in hand.

I’d rather enjoy a glass of champagne and have a quiet, meaningful conversation than get caught up in the chaos of a desperate pitch.
During that week, I rubbed elbows with industry players. I listened, I learned, and I observed. Little by little, I was getting a crash course in filmmaking.
One funny moment that sticks out happened when I was riding the elevator with Rob Zombie, one of the more colorful characters in the industry. Suddenly, the doors opened and two elderly Jewish women stepped in. They looked me up and down, eyes wide with curiosity. One of them blurted out loudly, “How on earth do you walk in those things all day?” I looked down at my heels, grinning, and without missing a beat I said, “Cocaine. Lots of cocaine.”

The elevator burst into laughter, everyone inside cracking up at the absurdity. That joke led to an invitation to a party later that evening. Sometimes, a little humor and confidence can turn an ordinary moment into a memorable connection.
What I’ve realized is that success in this industry isn’t just about having the best script or the most famous talent. It’s about making genuine connections, standing out through authenticity, and sometimes, using a well-timed joke. During the Ted talks I attended that week, I saw how many people are desperate to break into a shrinking industry.

The speakers give their talks and then quietly leave, avoiding the chaos of the crowds eager to pitch.

But at the private social events, those same speakers mingle with attendees.
I had the chance to meet a few industry moguls who are not so eager to be dethroned. Those who understand their roles and play the game masterfully, holding the keys to the kingdom.
The industry can be intimidating, but it’s also full of opportunities. If you’re willing to take the leap, keep your sense of humor, and stay true to your vision, you can find your place.
Through it all, I gained a clearer perspective: if you truly love movies, make them. Make funny, meaningful, fabulous films because of your passion for the craft, not just for fame or fortune.
Whether I’m walking through Hollywood in stilettos or working behind the scenes, my goal remains the same. I want to tell stories that matter because I love it.
I’ve learned that some of the best moments happen when you least expect them, like sharing an elevator with Rob Zombie or raising a glass of champagne at a private party. That’s where the real magic begins.