Step into the world of Nicole G. Leier, where the spotlight is her canvas and storytelling is her brush. An award-winning actor, writer, and film director, Nicole has carved her niche in the entertainment industry with a unique blend of talent, passion, and relentless dedication. Her portfolio boasts a string of award-winning films and commercial projects that showcase her prowess in the art of storytelling. In her most recent venture, Nicole wrote and directed the adrenaline-fueled action film “Sworn Justice,” produced BET+. The star-studded cast includes award-winning actresses Mishael Morgan and Vivica A. Fox. We caught up with Nicole to discuss the project, her career, and what else is in the pipeline.
Nicole, thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. For readers unfamiliar with your background, what drew you to a career in the arts?
I’ve always been captivated by the arts. It’s like this cosmic force that just resonates with my soul, you know? The way it can transport you to different worlds, evoke emotions you didn’t even know you had, and challenge the status quo. It’s like a rebellious spirit, breaking free from the mundane and embracing the unconventional. The arts have this rad ability to connect people from all walks of life, sparking conversations and inspiring change. It’s like a never-ending adventure, and I just had to be a part of it. So here I am, riding the artistic wave, seeking inspiration, and creating magic along the way.
Who were your early influences and how did they impact your career?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with influential figures in the film industry, such as Robert Redford, James Cameron, Nicolas Cage, and Seth Rogen. While some collaborations were brief, I learned an immense amount from each of them. Redford taught me about storytelling with depth and authenticity, Cameron inspired me to push boundaries and embrace innovation, Cage encouraged risk-taking and character immersion, and Rogen showed me the power of humor in storytelling. These experiences have shaped my career and continue to inspire me to push the boundaries of storytelling.
You’ve worked with several award-winning filmmakers in the industry. What would you say are the three most important lessons you’ve learned about filmmaking?
Throughout my career, working with many talented and esteemed filmmakers has truly taught me the immense importance of collaboration in the world of filmmaking. Collaboration is the foundation upon which great films are built, bringing together diverse talents, ideas, and perspectives to create a harmonious and impactful final product. It is not just about working together but about valuing each individual’s contribution and embracing the collective intelligence and creative energy of the entire team. Collaboration extends beyond the immediate crew to include actors, producers, writers, and other professionals, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued. By embracing collaboration, I aim to create a space where creativity flourishes, ideas are nurtured, and the collective genius of the team can shine, ultimately pushing the boundaries of storytelling and leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Is it fair to say your break began when you landed a role in the CBC TV series Edgemont Road Please tell us more about working on the series and how it impacted your career.
Being cast in the CBC TV series “Edgemont Road” was a pivotal moment in my career. It served as a springboard for my journey as an actor and opened doors to new opportunities. However, it was just the beginning for me. I am thrilled to continue working on new TV shows as both an actor and director, and I am even considering the possibility of taking on the role of a showrunner. I am excited to delve into new projects, explore different creative avenues, and make a lasting impact in the television industry.
You’ve gone on to produce several films. Your film Black Chicks, produced with acclaimed writer, director, and Showrunner Neil Labute, awarded you a prestigious Leo award nomination, and Henry’s Glasses, which you co-directed & produced, won Best Canadian Short Film by the NFB. Of your many achievements, what are you most proud of, and why?
“Black Chicks”, in collaboration with the acclaimed writer, director, and Showrunner, Neil LaBute, is one of my most proud achievements in the film industry. This project holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.
The subject matter of the film is incredibly important to me as we aimed to shed light on the intersectional struggles faced by black women and spark conversations about race, gender, and identity. I am proud to have been a part of a film that tackles such significant and thought-provoking themes.
Working with Neil LaBute was an absolute privilege. I have always admired his writing style and the way he pushes audiences to think for themselves. His ability to craft complex and nuanced characters, coupled with his sharp dialogue, creates a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Collaborating with Neil allowed me to learn from his expertise and witness his mastery in storytelling firsthand.
The recognition “Black Chicks” received was truly gratifying. It was an affirmation of the hard work, dedication, and creative vision that went into the project. Being acknowledged for our efforts and seeing the film resonate with audiences and industry professionals was incredibly rewarding. I believe it exemplifies the kind of impactful and thought-provoking storytelling that I strive for in my career.
Whilst most will argue the industry has made some progress over the last decade or so, what would you like to see more evidence of, concerning productions from a black and female perspective?
As a passionate director, I am inspired by the progress that the film industry has made in embracing diversity and inclusivity. It is crucial that we create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the world of filmmaking.
In order to achieve true inclusivity, we must address the historical discrimination that has marginalized certain groups within the industry. This includes not only black females but also individuals from all marginalized communities who have faced barriers and prejudice. By dismantling these barriers and providing equal access to resources, funding, and opportunities, we can foster a more inclusive and representative film industry.
It is essential to recognize that diversity is not just a buzzword, but a fundamental aspect of storytelling. By embracing a wide range of voices, experiences, and viewpoints, we can create films that truly reflect the richness and complexity of the human experience. This means actively seeking out talent from underrepresented communities and providing them with the support and platforms they need to thrive.
Furthermore, it is crucial for industry leaders, studios, and organizations to take proactive steps in promoting inclusivity. This includes implementing policies that ensure diverse representation in decision-making roles, creating mentorship and training programs for aspiring filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds, and actively seeking out stories that challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices.
By championing diversity and inclusivity in the film industry, we can not only create a more equitable and representative industry but also produce films that resonate with a broader audience. This shift towards inclusivity is not just a moral imperative, but also a creative and commercial opportunity that benefits the industry as a whole.
I believe the film industry should be open to everyone, regardless of their gender, race, or background. By actively addressing discrimination and embracing diversity, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant film industry that reflects the diverse world we live in. It is through this commitment to inclusivity that we can tell powerful and transformative stories that have a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
As a film director and writer can you walk us through how you approach a project, from what inspires a story and the methodology you adopt for producing it for the screen?
Certainly! As a filmmaker, my approach to a project begins with finding inspiration for a story. Inspiration can come from various sources such as personal experiences, current events, literature, or even a simple observation. I believe that the key to a compelling story lies in its ability to resonate with the audience on an emotional and intellectual level.
Once I have found inspiration for a story, I dive deep into the research phase. This involves immersing myself in the subject matter, conducting interviews, and exploring different perspectives. Research helps me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the world I want to create and ensures that the story is grounded in authenticity.
With a solid foundation of research, I move on to the pre-production phase. This involves developing the script, creating a visual storyboard, and assembling a talented team of collaborators, including producers, cinematographers, production designers, and actors. Collaboration is key during this phase, as it allows for a diverse range of ideas and perspectives to shape the project.
Once pre-production is complete, we move into production. This is where the magic happens on set. As a director, my role is to bring the script to life by working closely with the cast and crew. I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment on set, fostering open communication and encouraging creative exploration. This allows for the organic development of the story and the characters within it.
After production, the project enters the post-production phase. Here, the footage is edited, sound is designed, and visual effects are added. This is where the story truly takes shape and the vision comes to life. As a writer, director and actor, I am involved in every step of the post-production process, ensuring that the final product aligns with my creative vision.
Throughout the entire journey, my methodology is rooted in storytelling. I believe that the most impactful films are those that engage the audience intellectually and emotionally. I strive to create stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire conversation. I am constantly refining my craft, experimenting with different techniques, and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.My approach to a project involves finding inspiration, conducting thorough research, assembling a talented team, fostering collaboration, and staying true to the core of the story. By adopting this methodology, I aim to create films that resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact.
Please tell us more about your production company, Black Tree Pictures.
Black Tree Pictures is a visionary production company. With a deep passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. At Black Tree Pictures, We strive to produce thought-provoking and visually stunning films that push the boundaries. With a focus on originality and artistic expression, Black Tree Pictures has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following of cinephiles.
One of the defining characteristics of Black Tree Pictures is our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. I believe in giving voice to underrepresented stories and perspectives, and this is evident in the diverse range of projects undertaken by the company. From compelling character-driven dramas to mind-bending science fiction, Black Tree Pictures is consistently working to deliver captivating narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Please tell us more about your current projects and activities in the pipeline.
I’m thrilled to share what’s happening in my world. Firstly, I have an exciting thriller movie in the works, which I’ll be shooting this March. I can’t divulge too many details at this stage! Stay tuned for updates and teasers as we progress with the production!
In addition to the thriller movie, I am also about to produce, and co-star in, a play in LA. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin in April, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this incredible story to life on stage. It’s a project that is close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you.
I’ll be sharing exclusive content, sneak peeks, and announcements about these projects as they unfold.
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Thank you! If you’d like to find out more about me and stay updated with my latest projects, you can check out my Instagram profile @nicolegeleier. Let’s connect!
Images by Farrah Aviva.
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