CREATE WITHOUT FEAR: Transforming Creativity into Action

By Elizabeth Blake-Thomas

Director | Author | Creativity Coach | Podcast Host

Crafting My Own Path: The Journey of MDE

Who am I? This is a question I find myself asking regularly. It applies to all aspects of my life—career, personal growth, and everything in between. As a 46-year-old woman, I wear many hats: single mother, author, neurodivergent, middle-aged British founder, director, keynote speaker, minimalist, entrepreneur, vegan, filmmaker, dog lover, hat-wearer, spiritual seeker, and so much more. But what I’ve realized is that I can be all of these things because they all contribute to my bigger picture—transforming lives through creativity.

Currently, I channel my passion as a film and TV director, creativity coach, and keynote speaker. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that we don’t need to fit into a single box. There isn’t just one way of doing things—and that’s exactly how MDE (Mother Daughter Entertainment) was born.

I founded MDE alongside my daughter, actress Isabella Blake-Thomas. As what some might call a “Nepo Mum,” I played a pivotal role in shaping her career from a young age. Isabella started acting at four years old on the UK children’s show CBeebies, while I worked behind the scenes as her chaperone, theatre company director, and writer. As she grew, so did my vision for our journey together. At 10 years old, Isabella landed a lead role in a film alongside Holland Taylor, which led us to Los Angeles. I knew that together, we could accomplish so much more, so a decade ago, I officially started MDE.

The best advice I ever received when stepping into the industry was from Sean McNamara: “How do you become a director? You just say you’re a director.” And so, I did. I leveraged my skills and built a long-term vision, creating an umbrella company for all our creative endeavors. We developed a manifesto: Making Content That Matters. Over the years, Isabella was homeschooled, worked as a director of development for production companies, and completed a psychology degree—all while acting, producing, and writing. A year ago, she officially joined MDE full-time, and I can’t imagine a better producing partner. With numerous exciting projects lined up for 2025 and 2026, we continue to grow and learn together.

MY TOP THREE TIPS FOR INDUSTRY SUCCESS

For anyone looking to break into the film industry, pivot careers, or reignite their passion, here are my top three pieces of advice:

1. Find a Strong Producing Partner or Team PlayerGoing it alone is possible, but having someone who shares your core values, long-term vision, and work ethic makes a world of difference. Isabella and I hold each other accountable, align on our goals for at least 3–5 years, and push each other to be better.

2. Be UnafraidI even wrote a book and launched a podcast called Filmmaking Without Fear because fear holds so many people back. In my first year, I directed four feature films—if I had let fear dictate my decisions, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Choose your projects wisely, weigh the pros and cons, but most importantly, take the leap.

3. Embrace the NowIf someone offers you the opportunity to create something, don’t wait—do it now. My book and podcast Living With Intention focus on the importance of acting with purpose. Even if you don’t have a multi-million-dollar budget, find a way to start small. Every project you complete is a stepping stone to your next big success.

   
   

   

   
   

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL: 18 YEARS IN THE MAKING

We don’t just talk the talk; we live it. Cannes Film Festival is a perfect example. Our preparation for this year’s festival began 18 years ago when Isabella was seven. She had a film in the marketplace, and though I didn’t know it at the time, we were planting the seeds for the future. Over the years, we returned, made connections, and gained industry insights.

Post-COVID, our hard work intensified, and today, we attend Cannes with clear goals. For us, Cannes is more than just a festival—it’s a culmination of our past work and a launchpad for the next year.

Some examples of why you might go to Cannes:

• Selling projects

• Networking and making new industry connections

• Pitching new ideas

• Speaking on panels and attending key events

  
  

We’ve structured our trip strategically, stopping in the UK before heading to Cannes, where I’m directing a feature, executive producing a short, and finalizing projects to sell in the marketplace. If you’re attending Cannes or pursuing any creative endeavor, be intentional about what you want to achieve, but leave room for spontaneity. The connections you make today might shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine. Take notes, stay open, and above all—enjoy the journey.

CREATE WITHOUT FEAR: THE COURSE FOR CREATIVES

If you are interested in taking your creativity to the next level, check out Elizabeth's course “Create Without Fear”—designed for creatives who want to make it happen.

As a special offer, use the code SHECANNES25 for 25% off! Enroll here

Elizabeth and Isabella will be at Cannes this year—if you’re around, feel free to reach out. This is just the beginning!