Katie Fellion of Light Iron: Fearless Filmmakers

I am so excited to debut our new series Fearless Filmmakers that showcases the remarkable work of filmmakers who are setting the tone for the future of the industry as it continues to grow in the world today. We are taking a first look with this series on Women in Film with Katie Fellion of Light Iron. We’re going to take a deep dive into the unique character traits of fearlessness and resiliency that helped on their path to success. Women must excel and prove themselves in a way that is both unconventional and extraordinary. Currently, they are significantly underrepresented in all areas of the film industry, both above and below the line. The intention of this interview series is to both inspire and deliver educational value, whether you are just beginning your journey or a seasoned veteran.

Music via Musicbed: Generdyn – “Third Day”

The themes of fearlessness and resiliency feel very personally significant, as my life journey has necessitated healthy doses of both. As a young girl, change was constant and I learned to embrace it rather than resist. My parents divorced when I was very young and my mother was not present in the way she would have liked, due to her bipolar disorder. My father was the primary parent in the 1970s, which was unusual at that time. As a clergyman, his job required a lot of travel, so my grandparents and a few key families in the village of Aurora, New York helped out quite often. Flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances became part of my regular routine. As an adult, I changed career paths multiple times from nursing to forensics to life coaching and marketing, married Shane who constantly traveled, survived my father moving to Thailand just as my children were born, and started a business with Shane based on the idea that delivering educational value really comes from sharing mistakes and industry “secrets” that were taboo to discuss. I have learned not to let worry stand in the way of trying something new and I am not daunted by risk or an incredible amount of work.

After spending time with Katie Fellion at Light Iron, I realize she has a similar mindset. Katie is Head of Business Development & Workflow Strategy. As Post Producer and Digital Intermediate Supervisor, Katie has worked on dozens of projects – consulting, advising, and supervising through all the stages of the post process. She was the DI Producer for David Fincher’s Gone Girl, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Social Network, and oversaw the on-set data processing and DI for Hitchcock and Ender’s Game. However, her most impressive credential is being the only female co-founder. Katie joined Light Iron in 2009 from PlasterCITY Digital Post, where she played an integral role in guiding PlasterCITY through their first Stereoscopic Digital Intermediate. Prior to that, Katie served as New Media Assistant Director for CBS Radio’s 97.1 KLSX, leading the redesign of the company’s award-nominated website. Before her work in postproduction and radio, Katie spent five years with entertainment technology education organization HD Expo/Createasphere. As Production Manager, she was a technical producer on numerous live shoots, panels, and industry events. She interfaced with clients from nearly every camera, lens, and technology company in the content creation industry.

Spending time with Katie is rich, fun and rewarding. Please enjoy!

Thank you to our entire crew:
Director David Weldon
Editor Dylan Leong
Camera Operators Kyle Klebe, Larry Pinto, and Megan Pham
Hair and Makeup Stylist Krista Jee Baxter
Sound Gopal Bidari
Original score by Musicbed and David O.
Executive Producers Lydia Hurlbut and Shane Hurlbut, ASC

Equipment List for this shoot: