Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie M. Bailey.
Hi Maggie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been dancing most of my life. As a part of my dance degree, I stumbled through a short dance film. I fell in love with the opportunity to decide what the audience would see intentionally. I liked choosing locations, creating movement for the camera, and editing. I wanted that film to have so much control, whereas much of someone’s experience in a live proscenium performance depends on where they are seated. After graduating, I started auditing film classes at a technical college. I would shoot small side projects with friends, but I was a one-woman team – producing, directing, shooting, and editing all myself. I eventually decided I wanted to go to graduate school for film. I got into UT Austin. I quickly fell in love with documentaries. I loved new meeting people, discussing their stories, and hearing about their lives. In my second-year film, SWEET SWEET KINK: A COLLECTION OF BDSM STORIES, I found a passion for telling stories that explored sexuality in a way that was closely tied to emotions. Kink, BDSM, sexuality, and sex education are all topics that I want to continue making work inside of. It’s a space that most people feel uncomfortable talking about, yet it unifies us, even in our different identities and preferences.
My most recent documentary, MOVING TOGETHER, just had its World Premiere in New York with Dance on Camera at Film at Lincoln Center. This film is a celebratory love letter to music and dance that explores the intricate collaboration between dancers and musicians in Flamenco, Modern, and New Orleans Second Line. I was lucky enough to collaborate with six different artists from these disciplines: Michael Wall, Jesse Zaritt, Michelle N. Gibson, Thaddeus Ford, Olivia Chacón, and Isaí Chacón. Olivia and Isaí are based in Austin and co-direct the company, A’lante Flamenco. In making this film, I kept returning to the idea that there is something so visceral about how music and dance are disciplines that you put your body into – you feel them in different ways from other art forms. I feel lucky to announce that we will be having our European Premiere next month with Cinedans in Amsterdam.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Shifting disciplines from dance to film was challenging, but my dance background positively influenced my filmmaking. Previously I worked in female-dominated environments. In the film, that is only sometimes the case. Trusting my instincts while navigating a new art expression was tricky for me, but as I’ve continued to work I have surrounded myself with collaborators who I trust and respect. I’ve found I make my best work with them. Naturally, fundraising, grant writing, and finding money to make the work I want to make is always a struggle, but I love the creative freedom we get to experience in an independent film environment.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I work as a freelance producer and director in film and video. As a director, I make documentaries. I am interested in doing work that promotes sex positivity and explores unheard voices and niche communities. My work has screened in festivals including SXSW, Frameline, DOC NYC, Atlanta Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, EnergaCAMERIMAGE, BAMcinemaFest, CineKink, and more. My film SWEET SWEET KINK: A COLLECTION OF BSDM STORIES is currently streaming with PinkLabel.TV. I feel very honored to have helped produce a film called SHOUTING DOWN MIDNIGHT, currently streaming Peacock, which is executively produced by Trevor Noah and Richard Linklater and directed by Gretchen Stoeltje, a local Austinite. This film explores the ripple effect of activism that Wendy Davis’ filibuster in 2013 ignited in Texan women. I loved being a part of this film and witnessing the power of community. I am currently in production on two documentaries that I am producing; both are centered on the female experience. I sometimes work as a photographer. I am most interested in shooting large-format film photos. For subjects, I prefer nude models. I am interested in capturing the female form.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I work in many different capacities within film and photography, but I’m always working with people. I consume media focusing on intimate relationships, work relationships, or my relationship with myself. As a documentarian, I can’t help but want to listen and watch and read about people and their intimate lives. I devour all the podcasts and media that Esther Perel makes. I highly recommend the documentary Fire of Love. Some books I’ve read and loved recently are Three Women and Animal both by Lisa Taddeo, Open by Rachel Krantz, Girls & Sex and Boys & Sex both by Peggy Orenstein (I think all teenagers should read both of these books), and Girlhood by Melissa Febos.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maggiembailey.com
- Instagram: @maggie.m.bailey (photo page) / @mmackb (personal)
Image Credits
Maggie M. Bailey
