Reviews

“Missy is an incredible director: such a sensitivity to story and character, skilled with creating a strong executable vision. Can’t wait to work with her again.”

– Leah Weinberger, producer

“I recently had the privilege to work with Missy on a film. I was an actor working with her as the director. The experience is something special that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

To begin with, purely from an artistic perspective, Missy has an eye for composition and story telling. Any single still frame from the film can tell a story. It has a feel, tone, mood, and character to it. It is amazing what she sees before the camera rolls.

Next, working with her as an actor is something that is hard to put into words. She created a safe environment to truly allow the self to disappear and play. She constantly checked in with the actors to ensure that they felt comfortable. I never had to worry about the ego or human part of myself blocking the way for expression and story telling because Missy made sure to ease that part. Missy also has a way of getting exactly what she has envisioned for the part, without silencing the creativity of the actor. She was clear and concise with words and made it organic to get where we needed to go. I’ve never been on a set with such connection with the director and it helped me to create something special on my side. Missy has set the new gold standard for what to expect when working with a truly talented team and director.

5 out of 5 you cannot go wrong with Missy. She will elevate your art and create a new standard for you going forward.”

– Chris Malco, actor

“I’ve had the pleasure of working as Director of Photography with Missy on four of her Directorial projects. She is one of those rare birds in that, as a trained actor, she is totally an actors Director – able to finesse powerful yet subtle performances from even new and less experienced actors. At the same time she has a remarkably keen visual sensibility, understanding on a deep level the power of the image and its place in the story telling process. 

Although Missy is a truly collaborative filmmaker, she always approaches a project with a well thought out and extremely clear vision. A vision that she is supremely capable of communicating to all members of the cast and crew.

Working with Missy is a pure joy! I always feel valued and respected on her sets. She is my favorite collaborator by far.”

– Brad Hoover, Director of Photography

“I have had the pleasure of working with Missy Bell on several projects where I have done Costuming, production design, and other Art Dept. functions. The first time we worked together she was an actor in the film, all other times she’s been the director, so I have seen her directly apply her experiences on both sides of the camera. She is amazing to work with- incredibly professional, flexible, organized, an excellent communicator, a good collaborator, and thoughtful about her approach, anticipating needs before they arise. Missy welcomes feedback & open communication and insists on good working conditions on set. She holds her cool even under very stressful circumstances. I am always looking for more opportunities to work with her.”

– Jessica Gaydos, production designer

“I have worked with Missy Bell in many facets of stagework on many creative projects. On multiple projects, she was an award-winning actor (playing Kari in “Field Guide” and Cop in “Life on Mars”). Missy’s ability and willingness to take roles to deep and unchartered territories is extraordinary and, at times, breathtaking. Missy, as an actor, gets it. Missy is professional during production and solid and dependable on stage. I would not hesitate to work with Missy again as an actor. In fact, it would be incredible.

Missy also does incredible work as a director. I am a playwright, and Missy has directed two of my pieces. Her vision is brilliant. She understands character. She sees things and relates movement to meaning in an inspired way. She makes the most of space, doing as little as possible for a deep, slow, and quiet impact. (And I still can’t get over that toilet in “Butterfly.) She is confident. She takes risks. She delivers. Missy is brave and unwavering in her vision.

In addition, for fun, I took an acting class from Missy. I wanted to understand an actor’s experience. I learned a lot. Missy is a natural teacher—with an actual background in education. Missy, most of all, taught me to trust myself and to reveal myself. It was an experience that made me a better stage writer.

Missy Bell brings so much to the table on all of her projects in whatever capacity she is involved. I highly recommend Missy Bell.”

– Trish Cole, writer

“I was in a class Missy Bell taught, many years ago. She is incredibly talented and has lots of knowledge to share that makes her very well equipped for the field she’s in.

Even today through my acting career I still hold something she said close to me:

“Don’t ever be worried about keeping yourself a neutral way so you can fit into roles. People casting are looking for people, they want to see what’s unique about you. Be fully who you are. Cut your hair, get those tattoos you’ve always wanted. Don’t try and simplify yourself to fit into a box.”

Those weren’t her exact words, but that’s the best paraphrasing I could do all these years later. But the message really stuck with me.

I also really enjoyed her class, and had lots of great opportunities to learn and grow as an actor.”

– Kai Strange, actor