User:Jodileib/Jodi Leib

Jodi Leib is an artist and filmmaker. Born and raised in suburban Detroit, she began creating art at a young age, expressing herself through acting, photography, and painting. As a student at University of Michigan, Jodi studied a wide range of subjects including nursing, natural resources, and business administration before choosing an artistic career path as an independent filmmaker. During film school Jodi learned the technology and story-telling skills needed to make movies and realized that her true calling was to write, produce, and direct meaningful stories about women that would influence and inspire audiences worldwide.

Early Career
Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in Film & Video Studies in 1994, Jodi moved to Los Angeles and began working in film production, quickly gaining experience as an assistant director, camera assistant, and electronic press kit director. The highlight of her early career was working for Martin Scorsese as a production assistant on Casino. Jodi retained an important lesson from watching Mr. Scorsese on how to compose dynamic film shots using depth of field so that they translated into compelling scenes.

From there she went on to write, produce, and direct Woman’s Solitude, a short film that won the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Audience Favorite at the 1997 Wine Country Film Festival. Woman’s Solitude touched on themes related to romance and unrequited love. The film has also screened at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Laemmle Sunset 5, New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, Taos Talking Pictures Festival, Palm Springs Short Film Festival and Market, and most recently at the Screen Actors Guild.

Talk It Out!
From 2000-2005, Jodi continued to evolve as an artist and explored other forms of media including starring in a one-woman show and hosting a cable and online program called Talk It Out with Jodi Leib. Through Talk It Out! Jodi interviewed some of the most fascinating artists and activists of our time including The Black Eyed Peas, Janeane Garofalo, Moby, and Gloria Steinem.

Monday's Child and Red Love Redemption
During this time Jodi penned the early drafts of the Monday’s Child screenplay. The story was inspired by the many personal stories people shared about their reproductive heathcare and human rights. Jodi became involved in the reproductive rights movement by attending the March for Women’s Lives as a journalist in 2004 and volunteering as a board member of Young Professionals Council for Choice in 2007, shortly after she moved to New York City in 2005.

While living in New York, Jodi wrote, produced, and directed Red Love Redemption, a short film entry for the FOX reality series On the Lot. The film explores a mother-daughter relationship and received Best Picture and Best Acting nominations in the user-generated audience awards.

Current
In May 2010, Jodi completed her master’s degree in Drama Therapy and Psychology Theory from Lesley University. This area of academic study has helped her become a better director. For her thesis project, Jodi directed an acting class using drama therapy as a technique to unblock creativity.

In addition, Jodi’s newest paintings are currently in an art exhibition at the Bego Ezair gallery in Southampton, NY. She leads the Film Collective division of the University of Michigan Entertainment Coalition alumni club and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. She enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with her partner and his two dogs. ...