Articles Inspiring Conversations – Elizabeth Blake Thomas

Meet UWN Global Ambassador – Elizabeth-Blake Thomas | Universal Womens Network™ | @Elizabeth_B_T

Director ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS is a British award-winning filmmaker and philanthropist based in Los Angeles, having recently completed her 8th feature film.  Her latest feature Evie Rose, starring Oscar-nominated actress Terry Moore, follows the heartwarming story of an unusual friendship during the final day of a 100-year-old woman’s life. Elizabeth is the founder and resident director of entertainment company Mother & Daughter Entertainment, whose motto is “Making Content That Matters”, putting the focus on each project starting a conversation amongst viewers.

UWN: Every woman has a story. Tell us about your story!

EBT: I am a “Single British Mom” who moved to LA 8 years ago for my daughter’s career. In the last four years, I’ve shot 8 feature films and set up my Entertainment company: Mother-Daughter Entertainment. I now live on a boat in LA and work on my features every day.

UWN: Are you finding inspiration in stories of courage, bravery, perseverance to support you through this time?

EBT: I’m currently editing three short documentaries all of which are relevant at this current time. One is Consume as Little as Possible. This shows the effect the current situation is having on us as an environment. 1) The Girl with The Crooked Smile based on a girl who was born hearing and through an operation lost her hearing and half of her facial nerves. Against all odds is now the captain of the dead Olympic volleyball team; 2) President Austin, a four-year-old boy from Atlanta. His main mission is to spread kindness; and 3) I’ve also shot a travel show, ironic I know when we can’t travel but that’s the point! It’s called Captain Gemma and the space pirates.

UWN: How does it feel to be acknowledged as a Women of Inspiration?

EBT: It’s wonderful to be able to support other women. I want to be in this position so I can help send the elevator back down.

UWN: We are honoured to have you part of our journey. Why did you make the decision to become a National Ambassador?

EBT: I want to give other young women including my daughter the idea that anything is possible.

UWN: Why is recognizing women in leadership roles critical? Why now more than ever should we recognize the achievements of leaders at all levels, including the unsung heroes.

EBT: We all need to appreciate how hard it is for anyone to get to a position of leadership, and I want to show my support to these women. It’s therefore everyone that can help everyone else, no matter what level. We all need to lead by example.

UWN: How has your adversity, and journey prepared you to lead through a crisis? What is one thing that you swear by that has helped you when faced with uncertainty or a challenge?

EBT: I have been at the very bottom, so when you’ve been at the bottom, the only way is up. I, therefore, have no fear because it can never be any worse than it was. Living with no fear allows you to experience life with as many challenges as it throws at you.

UWN: Has this time of PAUSE given you time to gain a new perspective? What are some of the realizations you have made?

EBT: I’ve enjoyed this time out. When does the world all stop and have a rest at the same time. I’m often working on my own or from home. This has shown me that it’s possible to continue living like this. I’m going to not try and fit so much in to my day.

UWN: How has the Global Pandemic affected you personally and professionally? Tell us how this has changed, motivated or inspired you?

EBT: I’ve been working nonstop at home. My team has all been working from their homes too. It’s meant that actual productions have stopped but all the post and pre-production work can continue. I live a very frugal life anyway so currently this hasn’t changed my financials.

UWN: What words of inspiration and wisdom would you offer for leaders through this historical time?

EBT: Mother Nature has sent us to our rooms to think about what we’ve done. We need to listen. We cannot go back to how life was. What are the changes that could and should be made.

UWN: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

EBT: Employing more freelancers, building Mother-Daughter Entertainment, and ensuring we continue to make good products that everyone wants to watch.