Stephanie Allain
Stephanie Allain is a legend. She is an OG of what she describes as the “true badass bitch era of Hollywood”, power suits and all.
It was the highlight of my month to spent this hour with her.
Through her production company Homegrown Pictures, she’s produced Hustle & Flow, Something New, Beyond the Lights, Dear White People, Burning Sands, French Dirty, Leimert Park, Juanita and The Weekend.
Pretty. Impressive.
Consider, however, that even though she grew up near Miracle Mile in LA, she didn’t really know anybody in the business.
Her journey began as a reader/story analyst at CAA, a job she held while also adjusting to life at home with a newborn. An experience that she reflects on very honestly and candidly in our time time together, expressing feeling like she messed up the first time as a mom by spending too much time working.
After many years as a reader, she realized there were many paths available. It was thanks to her mentor, Amy Pascal, that she chose to follow in her footsteps towards the trajectory of a studio executive. Watching Amy in the room taught her how to go to the next level. She realized quickly, however, that where she was going was not exactly what she thought it was going to be.
And then John Singleton walked into her office at Fox with a script called BOYZ N THE HOOD and changed her life. Making that movie with John taught her how to be a true producer because he was “gangster straight” to protect it. It cemented her desire to work with writer/directors because of their singular, clear vision.
Their professional relationship eventually branched out into a friendship with solid roots.
Years later, she found herself at a crossroads in her life. She had the family, the nice house in Hancock Park, the career; she had it all. But she found herself wondering, “is this it?” And that’s when a little indie film about a pimp with a dream called HUSTLE & FLOW entered her world. Together, her and John decided to finance and produce the film together; prompting her to sell her house. It was a dark time.
Her passion and her hustle got me thinking…how far would I go for my dream? Could I ever bring myself to take similar risks? How far would you go for yours?
Four years later, they finally made HUSTLE & FLOW and the main song “It's Hard out Here for a Pimp” went on to win Academy Award for Best Original Song.
She served as Director of the LA Film Festival for 5 years, turning it into the most diverse film festival in the world. She had a stint that we won’t talk about at The Jim Henson Studios, which is grateful for making her stronger and better on the other side.
After 34 years in the business, her roots are deep and her reach is ever blossoming. And she’s just getting started.
In this week’s chat, Stephanie reveals how John Singleton re-introduced blackness into her life, her advice to young producers, and what her legacy will be.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode!
Beijos, Caca
