Meet Alexis Monét | Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Monét and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, how do you think about risk?
When I first embarked on this journey behind the lens, in 2016, I was afraid of risks. I was terrified to fail and have to start over and over again. I found myself having to readjust to all the changes that come with this industry. Truthfully, it was hard. Well, it’s still pretty tough to grasp the idea of being in a line of work that is constantly evolving and pushing you to step outside the box and try new things.

I look at taking risks as stepping out on faith. It’s the act of not being able to see the end result, but believing that it’ll all work out for your good. Today, I am an advocate for taking risks because it encourages creatives to allow their imagination to be the focal point of their artistic foundation.

Stepping out on faith/taking risks begins in the writing phase of my creative process. I was told once before that my imagination was too big for the current resources provided in Dallas, Texas. Who says that? Even with all the doubt, taking risks to exert new ideas has landed me in a new realm of creativity. I’ve shocked myself with the current outcome. I fully support risks taking and I will continue to step out on faith to conquer my dreams.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my career as a model/actress in 2014 while attending the University of Louisiana as a scholarship Track athlete. While in college I created my very first web-series and found myself yearning to do more behind the camera. A few years after I graduated I decided to step out on faith and move to Woodland Hills, California. I was able to meet some amazing people and start my professional career as a full-time model. During that process I had the pleasure of being on large commercial/movie/major network film sets; such as: VH1 TV Show ‘To Catch a Beautician’ and Mayvenn Hair national commercial. This was my opportunity to learn as much as I could before I began working on my own sets as a Writer, Director, Producer. While in California, I wrote my first full series entitled, ‘A Milli Series’ which premiered February 24, 2021.

How I began to operate my casting calls and movie sets were an exact mirror of what I witnessed in Los Angeles. I became aware of not only the crew expectations, but also what the actors were anticipating while being on set. Having that knowledge is what sets me a part from most filmmakers that are not familiar with the concept of being in front of the camera. I can put myself in the shoes of the cast members while capturing what’s written in the script.

Throughout the process of creating ‘A Milli Series’ I ran into so many obstacles that pushed me to be a better filmmaker. I had to scratch an entire episode after reviewing blemished audio in post production. I taught myself the concept of editing and marketing throughout this process. After 60% of audio was damaged due to a crew member I joined ‘Youtube University’ (jokingly) to begin my self teaching expedition to figure out a way to make it all work. And I’m proud to say, the end result was great! Although now it seems like it’s not a big deal based on the explanation, this took an additional 4 months in the editing process because I was completely novice. Every day I questioned if this is what I should be doing, because it all seemed extremely difficult. Little did I know, it was preparing me for the voyage ahead. I learned perseverance and determination. I learned to not allow circumstances to stop me from fulfilling my purpose. I learned patience.

I want the world to know that I’m a fighter and I won’t stop thrusting myself into new challenges. I will always seek greater knowledge and learn from my mistakes. I don’t expect this journey to be easy, so I embrace every obstacle willingly.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dallas is my favorite city and maybe it’s because I’m biased. A few of my favorite places to eat in the city are XOXO Dining room, Kitchen and Kocktails, Whistle Britches, Felix Culpa, Sugar Factory and RH Rooftop. I am huge on ambience so any little cute set up with dim lights will get me every time.

Let’s not forget about good turn up spots. There’s nothing wrong with a slight turn up here and there with the girls. Deep Ellum is where I go when I want a good drink with even better music. I can go there any day of the week and enjoy myself.

Fun places I like to go are Sandbar Cantina, Dallas Museum, Six Flags, Sweet Tooth Hotel, Top Golf, SkyDiving, and a Mavs/Cowboy game. It’s safe to say I am a big kid and I love fun outdoors activities.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother, Ms. B, deserves a whole lot of credit. Through the beginning of my career as a model/actress in 2014 to today she has supported the passion I have for this field of work. I went through a phase in my life when I lost my job and instead of allowing me to slump she encouraged me to go into film full-time because she believes it’s what I’m called to do. Talk about support!

Over the past 5 years I’ve wanted to quit film so many times, but she was the ONE person who didn’t allow me to. As a creative you dream about having a solid support system and I can truthfully say I would not be here with her love, support, encouragement, and efforts. Oh, and did I mention she is on every single set from the time we say action to the very last ‘THATS A WRAP’. I look forward to the day when I can retire her.

Love you Mom!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.alexismonet/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNr48TjXwKv6l-UCnzjEqA