Get to Know our Member Spotlight: Shealyn Fitzsimons

Meghan Dubitsky

Each month we highlight a Production Lot member through our Member Spotlights, which include a featured position on the Production Lot homepage and a Q&A to help the rest of our community get to know our Spotlight member better.

This month we’re highlighting Shealyn Fitzsimons!

Meet Shealyn Fitzsimons

Shealyn Fitzsimons is a US-based production assistant with experience working as an office PA, set PA, and post-production PA on TV series, independent films, and shorts. She is committed to developing a strong practical skill set in every aspect of production and using that experience to create her own films. 

Ready to learn more about Shealyn? Check out our Q&A with her below, and don’t be shy – Ask her a question in the comments!

Spotlight Q&A: Six Questions with Shealyn

What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

Growing up, movies and television were very much an anchor to my relationship with my brothers. I also come from a family of 2D artists, which included my Uncle Jim who is a storyboard artist. Seeing the movies that have shaped me through the lens of his work inspired me at a young age to pursue my own passion for scripted media.

What is something about your role you'd like people to know more about?

The most successful people I know in the industry are the ones that carve their path in unconventional places. Desk work and unpaid gigs may feel distant from your dream, but the right opportunity can come from anywhere, so long as you’re around to take it. Persisting rejection is only half the battle. You still have some lemonade to make.

If you weren't in your current role, what other industry job would you like to have?

I have always been drawn to the art departments on set. Getting to cultivate an aesthetic from script to screen is one of my favorite aspects of filmmaking. As a 2D artist, I think cinematography would be fulfilling in a similar way. So much of what I learned in my art classes throughout the years feel applicable to that craft, if I had the technical aspects down.

What advice do you have for people just starting out in the industry?

As an assistant in any case, you learn to embrace the absurdity of paying your dues. My key to success has always been to live outside of your comfort zone. How many times are you willing to say yes to something you’ve never done before and have no confidence in? If there is a limit, it's not enough.

How would you like to advance your career in the industry?

I would love to be a director’s assistant, as my ultimate goal is to one day be able to direct something of my own.

What is your favorite production or project you've worked on?

Skeleton Crew will forever be my fondest memory on set, as it was the first BIG project that I was lucky enough to be a part of. Getting to see some of the most talented working directors in action, plus a courtside seat in front of the StageCraft Volume was a true lotto ticket. You can never accurately picture in your mind how insane the artistry of production can be until you get to see something of that scale for yourself. I came out of that project with a far better understanding of what I was chasing and was so inspired by the people I encountered at Lucasfilm. 

Want a chance to be featured as a future Member Spotlight? It’s easy. Register for a Production Lot account, complete your member profile, then start engaging with the community!