Hello there! My name is Leah Schmidt and I am an aspiring filmmaker from Cleveland, Ohio. I recently graduated from the University of California at Berkeley this past December with a bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Arts. After graduating, I decided to move back to Cleveland to spend some time with my family as well as travel abroad before I enter the film industry full-time. During my time here in Cleveland, I plan on gaining more knowledge about the industry by getting myself involved with projects around the area as well as using my time at home to focus on my writing. When I’m not working on a set or writing in a cozy coffee shop, I can usually be spotted somewhere in a gym with a volleyball. Having competed in the Pac12 as a part of the UC Berkeley Women’s Volleyball Team, I delight in passing my expertise through coaching to aspiring young female athletes. I also enjoy dancing, hanging out with friends, baking, and learning how to play the drums.
A lot of my favorite films tend to lie in the following genres: Dramas, dark comedies, thrillers, science fiction, and horror. If you’re familiar with Letterboxd, my top four films are Midsommar, Best In Show, Black Swan, and 2001: A Space Odyssey. I’ve always enjoyed the works from directors Roman Polanski, Ari Aster, Stanley Kubrik, Darren Aronofsky, Sofia Coppola, and Greta Gerwig. Although I am always into a good plot twist, thanks to films like Pride and Prejudice, Twilight, and 10 Things I Hate About You, I would classify myself as a romcom fanatic as well. Recently, I’ve been obsessed with the Hulu TV series Abbot Elementary as well as HBO’s Big Little Lies.
I wanted to intern at the Greater Cleveland Film Commision because of their vision for Cleveland to play a larger role in the film industry. It’s inspiring to see how the GCFC has affected the number of big productions coming into the Cleveland area, providing more jobs and opportunities for people who are wanting to become a part of the industry. Through this Internship, I hope to gain more insight on how the industry works and better understand the stepping stones necessary for me to take in order to excel in my career/future. I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded creatives who also share a passion and interest in film. I hope to someday become a screenwriter whether it be for a feature length film or as a member of a writers room for a TV series. I’d love to be able to share a story that someday resonates with an audience enough to where it can impact their life in an impactful way.