Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. We frequently spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.
This Q & A is with Kyle Ann Stokes, the Co-Founder of IRIS focused on promoting women in film and the Co-Founder of The Writers Lab, filmmaker, mother, and community volunteer. Kyle is innovating her field of work with IRIS’s first venture is The Writers Lab, a screenwriting lab for women over 40, funded by Meryl Streep.
1) What was a pivotal moment of reinvention for you?
This I love. I went to an event at the U.N. I had never been there before and was in awe of this massive room, full of people from across the globe, phone translators and all, and the joy that surrounded them. They were there to celebrate the release of the book Founding a Movement: Women’s World banking 1975 – 1990. I heard stories of their struggles when trying to find ways to empower women financially. One of the stories triggered a time for them and the next thing I know everyone stood up and sang This Little Light of Mine. It may sound silly – but I cannot tell you how moved I was. Walking out of the building that night I remember feeling absolutely elated. I went home and devoured the book which was life changing. I immediately saw the parallel between the old boys club of banking and Hollywood and knew I had to build rather than try and change or penetrate the film industry. Then somehow I used some of that phenomenal energy that was present that night at the U.N. and forged ahead.
2) Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?
Michaela Walsh. She is the extraordinary woman who started Women’s World Banking. She has been unbelievably generous; sharing her wisdom and time, and I am so grateful to get to know her. Oh and of course Meryl Streep!!! She blew the roof off with her tremendous grace and power.
3) What is your biggest goal right now?
My short-term goal is to make sure that we lay down a solid foundation for the Writers Lab and become a cornerstone for female filmmakers. And then make my own movie!!! I miss filmmaking.
My long-term goal is an IRIS film series – similar to something like the old school movie of the week – but maybe a movie of the month (or one per season?) It is great to develop projects but ultimately we want the films to be seen and there is so much potential in a branded film series that would help facilitate the proliferation of the female voice. In my mind it is absolutely vital to share stories from the female perspective – that is what binds us, informs us, and helps shape our growth.
4) How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?
I was looking for a contact – anyone – who worked in the film industry and a friend of mine gave me her cousins phone number. I called the cousin and she said she had just hung up with a friend who worked in the development office at Spring Creek Productions and he was looking for an intern, so I of course applied for the job. I had to write coverage of a script – luckily he liked what I wrote and brought me aboard. The production company had a lot of relationships with various companies – one of which was a boutique Literary and Talent Agency, The Tantleff Office. The people at Spring Creek knew I was looking for a paying job and when they heard the agency was hiring they suggested I apply. Again I was lucky that they picked me because I needed to get paid.
5) What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning?
In my dreams I wake at 5, meditate, write in my journal and do yoga. In reality, I get up at 6:30, make my son a huge breakfast and lunch, make the beds, and take him to school.
6) How did you feel on your 30th birthday? What were you doing at that time?
I was working as an apprentice editor on the film Kundun. I sometimes worked 90-hour weeks – but I loved every second of it! Thelma Schoonmaker, the editor, is an incredible woman. She gave me lots of room to rise to the occasion, and when I did, I would find flowers or some lovely typed sticky note on my workbench. On my first day she asked me to work with a film print and I had no idea what I was doing– mind you I am talking about a Martin Scorsese film print – so I was very nervous. Anyway, I snapped it and then yelled an expletive. Thelma ran into the room and patiently said, “It’s all good, don’t worry. However, we don’t raise our voices in here, but more importantly, let’s assume you don’t know anything – which is absolutely fine – just come and ask me anything at all.” She made me feel so welcome.
7) How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?
I hike. Some months I find myself going once a week but when that’s not possible I walk through Central Park. I also meditate and do yoga – and watch my son play little league baseball.
8) What’s the best networking contact you’ve made? How did you make it?
Gerri Peroni. Gerri was a highly respected film editor and as soon as I worked for her, more doors started to open. This was at the beginning of the digital revolution and I was working for a company that installed highly sophisticated non-linear editing equipment (I had left the agency because I wanted to be closer to actual filmmaking). Anyway, I was in Chicago visiting family and the company called and asked if I would stop in Gerri’s cutting room and check on some computer hardware that wasn’t working. (She was editing a Nora Ephron film at the time). I went in and fixed the problem – which they greatly appreciated – and therefore asked if I wanted to stay on and work on the film. She was fantastic: powerful, thoughtful, and inclusive. I feel very lucky to have been taken under her wing – and I was finally working on an actual film.
9) What was the last business book you read?
I haven’t been reading business books but I’ve been listening to the From Scratch Podcasts – I find the stories inspiring.
10) What cause do you most want to advance?
This was on the bottom of emails for a long time:
This world has lost its equilibrium but if more women took leadership roles we could encourage balance.
11) What song can’t you get out of your head?
Led Zeppelin’s Ramble On
12) What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
When I was in my early 20’s my dad and I got into a big fight and he said, “I have put more effort into this dinner than you have put into anything in the past year.” That really stuck with me.
13) Who on the list of prior Honorees would you like to meet?
All of them!
Check out Kyle Ann Stoke’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!
Author information
Whitney Johnson
Whitney is the author of the acclaimed Dare, Dream, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare to Dream. She has been named on numerous Smart Thinkers and People to Follow lists by major media such as Inc. Magazine, Business Insider and Huffington Post and is quoted in Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fast Company, Forbes and more.
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