Sammie Lei filmmaker

Sammie Lei: A Journey from Actress to Independent Filmmaker

https://www.minds.com/Talon123/blog/interview-with-sammie-lei-1240723083788562432 

In the vibrant landscape of the London and Milton Keynes film scene, Sammie Lei has emerged as a notable figure, seamlessly transitioning from her roots as an English actress to a dynamic independent filmmaker. With a compelling background in performing arts, including dance, Lei's creative journey has been marked by resilience, passion, and a commitment to storytelling.

Born in Hanover, West Germany, Lei moved to England at the tender age of two. Her early exposure to performing arts From the ages of 7 to 18, she delved into the world of theatre productions and entertainment, setting the stage for her multifaceted career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqemHSZMAnQ

Sammie Lei's first venture into filmmaking was "Roofied" in 2017, a project that delves into the harrowing experiences surrounding her teenage years. The film paints a poignant picture of a young woman named Lucy; a dancer lured into the dark world of sex trafficking.

Lei's personal experiences in Greece inspired the storyline, highlighting the grim realities of the UK sex trafficking industry today

Her latest project, "Deadly Trio," has piqued the curiosity of audiences and critics alike. In a recent interview, Lei provided insights into the film's storyline, explaining the inspiration behind exploring this theme and detailing how it differs from her previous works.

https://www.instagram.com/sammieleifilmmaker/?hl=en Sammie Lei shares updates on her projects on her Instagram page (@sammieleifilmmaker)

Can you provide more details about the storyline of "Deadly Trio"? What inspired you to explore this theme, and how does it differ from your previous works?

Unfortunately, we were unable to finish The film Deadly Trio, as there were many issues with unreliable cast and crew,

One of the hardest jobs as Producer is getting everyone onset at one location at the same time,

If one actor or crew member doesn’t show up this causes the whole project to have issues and when more than one person does this, it becomes extremely stressful.

I’ve learned that if its not fun its not worth the aggravation, after all this filmmaking is a passion of mine and if the energy on the production isn’t right, I have no interest in working with people who are out for them self’s, it takes a team to make a successful movie and as we know there’s no I in team

Deadly Trio is a short story surrounding the webcam business, I tried the job out a few years back, I must say I admire the models who run Only fans and such like websites full time

Unfortunately, the job sometimes has a stigma with some people, but what I found was these women and men are fabulous Entrepreneurs, the way the internet has changed the way models can cut out the middleman Is amazing and so empowering for women as only a few years back you would have to be represented by an agency which was usually run by a man making profit from the model.

Also agencies tend to put pressure on the models who end up with various illnesses due to weight loss, we now live in a world where every women is beautiful in the eye of the beholder

I wanted to bring this to people’s attention, it’s just another job, they’re not stealing or selling drugs to people’s kids.

It’s an honest living these models shouldn’t be hated for being comfortable with their bodies.

If you got it flaunt it, I say because one day we will all be old and all proud of the way we once looked.

Enjoy your youth whilst it lasts.

Deadly Trio unfortunately was not one of my best films due to several issues and not being completed to its full feature potential.

I had to sadly make decision to walk away from the production and some actors did not get the opportunity to Film their scenes, due to the lack of loyalty and responsibility. From other members of the production

Sometimes you need to know when to cut your losses and do something better.

Your collaboration with horror filmmaker Jason Impey for "Deadly Trio" is intriguing. Could you share how this collaboration came about, and what unique elements he brings to the project?

I have known Jason since I was 12 years old, we went to the same school,

Jason is a fantastic Director of photography along with his wife Rachael Impey

The two have been an asset to 3 of my productions over the past 6 years,

The Two always provide Great Quality footage From "Roofied" 2017 to "Deadly Trio" 2022.

The challenges of the independent film industry and the emphasis on trust are themes you've touched upon. How do you navigate the process of selecting team members to ensure a collaborative and reliable working environment?

My Workshop is a nonprofit agency, meaning no money was made up until Roofied was published on Amazon this year,

The group was initially set up for aspiring actors to gain show reel footage and experience on set

Until Roofied hit big in 2017 and we had more professional actors wanting to join the group,

I am now moving the workshop into the feature film sector for publications internationally so it’s exciting stuff.

It is extremely hard to know who the reliable ones will be and who to trust unless you already know the Actor or Crew member, I believe everyone deserves a chance,

As acting roles can be extremely hard to get if you have no connections or show reel footage,

I do set boundaries and tend to only work with people who I know or if they have been referred by another actor I know, as I have endured some unprofessional behavior from Followers on social media.

Considering the success and challenges you faced with "Roofied" and "Cyber-stalked," what valuable lessons have you learned that you're applying to "Deadly Trio" to make the filmmaking process smoother?

I don’t see Cyberstalked as a success in fact I think it’s sad I had to make the film at all.

My Rapist and his friends would not leave me alone online trolling and enticing people to hate me, As well as the police corruption and ITV production Jeremy Kyle

I was left with no choice but to share the evidence online.

You could call it Damage control.

Although we had many issues filming Roofied, it took 4 years and I am so proud of the work and dedication everyone put in, it was my most challenging film to date.

Luing Andrews who plays Marcus Mathews was the only man for the part,

I first saw him in Eastenders when I was just a girl

10 years later, he was on my set.

I felt Honored for sure.

what an amazing actor Luing never fails to please the Directors and producers from King Henry the 8th in Rumpelstiltskin 2020 to mob leader Marcus Mathews in the Roofied Franchise 2017

I am pleased to announce that Luing Andrews will be joining the lead cast for our next production Narc this summer.

As well as Aftab Sarkar who gave the most brilliant performance in Rumpelstiltskin.

He didn’t need to audition, the part was written for him, Aftab is a dream to work with and I look forward to working with both actors this year.

The lesson I have learned is to stop trying to please everyone, its impossible

The right ones will see it through and the ones who don’t.

Well, they’re just on a different journey to me.

Working with both familiar faces from "Roofied" and introducing new talent in "Deadly Trio" is fascinating. Can you share insights into your casting process and the qualities you look for in actors for your projects?

To be honest in the past I have tried my best to let anyone one who wants to get involved a chance, whether it be an extra role lead role or supporting artist and I still do,

The work shop I run is open to anyone with a passion for filmmaking,

I have just learned that not everyone who comes onboard has the same passion or my best interests at heart and that’s ok if they don’t pretend to,

The Film industry is a beautiful ocean of opportunity, but you must be careful there are sharks about

As an independent filmmaker, you've explored various genres. Can you talk about your future project? Or is there a specific genre or type of film you haven't delved into yet but would like to explore in the future?

Our next film is called Narc, it’s bringing awareness to Narcissistic abuse,

I can’t say much, as we are still in the pre-production stage.

I am really looking forward to getting back on set this summer and seeing the team, and we would be happy to share our filmmaking journey with you as we go on .

Reflecting on your experiences with trolls and cyber-stalking, how has this influenced your approach to engaging with the online community? Do you have any advice for aspiring filmmakers dealing with similar challenges?

Over the past couple of years, I really struggled receiving so many threats and publicity calling me a liar over a rape, there were somedays I didn’t want to live anymore, being called a liar was worse than the attack itself for the assault lasted 2 minutes but his constant bullying and harassment went on for years,

Over the past 6 years I have seen many stories just like mine, so many victims of abuse and sexual assault being ignored or staying silent in fear of not being believed, it’s an epidemic a broken system, I no longer take it personal.

You get 3 types of people in this world Empaths = supporters

Narcissists = Haters and

psychopaths

The people who have time to contact you on social media always have a reason, you need to work out if they’re genuine? If not, then Block.

The independent Film industry is huge stretching to every country on the planet and people love to Network it’s an amazing tool for promotion and contacting your team in one place.

Yet it is open for anyone to follow, even your ex, to all your haters back in middle school.

For me it was everyone who decided to stay friends with my rapist I had to cut ties with everyone in the industry who remained in his bubble for my own safety,

I can’t continue to network with anyone who is connected to any of the men who went all out to rape punch and humiliate and torment me online and on mainstream Tv.

And for this decision my attacker became more powerful collecting people who didn’t understand what I was going through but only for a while

Since then, things have moved on.

I have rebuilt bridges with people who have realized I am telling the truth and for the ones who never doubted me.

I am so grateful.

I had to go through the storm to separate the diamonds from rough and I think that will be an ongoing ritual through life.

At the end of the day people change like the seasons

You must do what’s right for you?

Some people are just on a different path.

I look forward to sharing our journey with you through this summer as we start filming our summer 24 project The Narc

An awareness film surrounding Narcissistic abuse.

distribution Amazon 2025

Looking ahead, could you provide any hints or teasers about the unnamed project you're working on? What themes or ideas are you excited to explore in this upcoming venture?

Once again, thank you for your time, Ms. Lei. I am eager to follow your future projects and wish you continued success in your filmmaking endeavors.