Dec 11 2024 47 mins
Christin Marie Baker is an American producer, director, and screenwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. She is the founder and CEO of Tello Films, a streaming network, production, and distribution company of films and web series with a lesbian focus.
www.instagram.com/christintello/
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Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.
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In this episode Kaia interviews Kristen Baker, a pioneering lesbian filmmaker, Emmy-nominated producer, and CEO of Tello Films—the longest-running LGBTQ streaming platform dedicated to showcasing diverse queer narratives. Our discussion explores her rich career, which spans over the years as she has dedicated herself to amplifying authentic lesbian stories in film and television. Kristen’s work is a testament to her commitment to increasing visibility for LGBTQ narratives, especially in a landscape where such stories are frequently sidelined.
As Kristen recounts her journey into the film industry, she shares how a serendipitous opportunity as an extra on a film set ignited her passion for storytelling and led her to pursue a career in filmmaking. We delve into her educational background and early work experiences, which include invaluable insights gained from her time at Regency Productions and the Writers Guild of America. Kristen reflects on her pivot to non-profit work and eventual return to the industry as she founded Tello Films in 2007, recognizing the urgent need for a platform offering queer narratives.
The conversation transitions to the importance of representation in holiday rom-coms, a genre historically dominated by cisgender heterosexual narratives. Kristen highlights Tello Films’ groundbreaking contributions, including "Season of Love," the first lesbian holiday rom-com focused on main protagonistic characters rather than side roles. She expresses her frustration over the industry's slow progress concerning funding and supporting LGBTQ projects, emphasizing Tello's mission to provide a space for stories that resonate with queer audiences.
Kristen further discusses her current projects, showcasing Tello's latest festive releases and their emphasis on authentic representation. We explore her dual role as a creative producer, where she not only manages projects but actively participates in scriptwriting, encouraging a collaborative environment that nurtures the next wave of queer storytellers. Her work on a travel show focusing on lesbian festivals marks a refreshing expansion into unscripted content, revealing the vital need for safe spaces for queer women to connect and celebrate.
Throughout our conversation, Kristen thoughtfully addresses challenges faced by LGBTQ filmmakers, particularly in securing financing and building a supportive audience. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, networking, and finding mentors as essential tools for budding creators. Reflecting on her personal experiences, Kristen suggests that cultivating a dedicated following through smaller projects can help aspiring filmmakers gain recognition and funding for larger works.
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