Trusting Your Vision {Brenda Chapman}

Today’s episode features Academy Award Winning film director, Brenda Chapman. She was the head of story for The Lion King, co-director of The Prince of Egypt, and the writer and co-director of Disney-Pixar’s Brave. More about this episode: majomolfino.com/blog/2018/1/28/trusting-your-vision-with-brenda-chapman In this episode, you’ll learn about Brenda’s own heroine journey, how she began directing when she didn’t feel completely ready for it, and her resilience as one of the few women in animation. As an expert storyteller, she also helps us see how we can learn from characters and their flaws, and what they can teach us about our own lives. Share in the wisdom of a true feminist and gifted creative who trusted her vision and kept fighting for what she believed in. Show Notes: -Growing up in a small town in the midwest, Brenda spent most of her time escaping into the world of reading, drawing, and making up stories. [2:50] -How she fell in love with storytelling while studying animation at CalArts. [6:18] -How she got Disney’s attention, her defining moments there, and the circumstance that made her privately ashamed for years. [8:25] -Being one of a few female directors: How she stepped into her leadership, some of the amazing films she’s worked on, and leaving Disney for Dreamworks. [13:45] -The inspiration behind the story of Brave, a love story between mother and daughter. [18:05] -Working at Pixar, and how her biggest challenge made her a stronger artist, director, and creator. [26:24] -How the support of her colleagues helped Brenda through a dark time, and the surprising opportunities that poured in. [31:39] -How the heroine’s journey differs from the hero’s, and Brenda’s insights on the importance of using external metaphors to shine a light on internal obstacles. [34:47] -The flaw Brenda had to overcome/embrace on her own heroine’s journey, and her final words of wisdom. [39:07] References: Majo's website – majomolfino.com Brenda's website – brenda-chapman.com Music by Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs – carolynpennypackerriggs.com Want to support women's voices? Go to patreon.com/heroinefm & become a bigger part of the Heroine community. Check out our rewards for supporters.