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Daily Inspiration: Meet Emma Dream

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Dream.

Emma Dream

Hi Emma, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a child, a fire has burned inside me—a deep desire to make a difference in the world and impact the lives of others. As an artist, it has become clear that my work is inseparable from my soul. Without giving back to others, though, I believe art loses its meaning. Art that doesn’t come from the soul may be technically impressive, but it lacks the capacity to move humanity forward in an authentic, profound way.

As a writer, I don’t write nearly as often as I’d like. Managing multiple projects simultaneously as a neurodivergent entrepreneur can be a challenge, but I’ve come to embrace the importance of setting honest, achievable goals. Dreaming big is essential, but I’ve also learned to appreciate the power of measurable milestones, especially when dealing with something like time blindness. For me, it often feels like living in a fog, but breaking things down into tangible steps helps me clear the path forward.
From a young age, my imagination was expansive, and I found myself immersed in philosophical thoughts. For the majority of my life I’ve carried around a notebook and filled it up consistently with my ideas, stories, and musings. I have an entire crate of these in my garage.
I was fortunate to grow up in a creative household. My mother was an author and teacher, while my father was a photographer and graphic designer who often collaborated on my mother’s projects. Growing up surrounded by art instilled in me the belief that creativity has the power to change the world.
Today, I wear many hats: poet, poetry teacher, art teacher, filmmaker, journalist, fiction writer, singer-songwriter, philosopher—but above all, I am a storyteller. I believe artists have a unique role in the world: to uplift, to inspire, and to bring love and light. In these turbulent times, we need to come together and transcend our differences to tackle the global challenges that lie ahead.
The arts have always been a reflection of society’s consciousness, and I believe we are in the midst of a creative renaissance. As technology advances and AI rises, people are becoming more spiritually aware and more conscious of the environmental crisis we face. I touch on these themes in one of my screenplays, RENAISSANCE, which follows a soul reincarnating across lifetimes, each one revealing the power of love at its core.
Supporting independent artists is more critical than ever. We’re entrepreneurs who rely on the support of our communities—whether that’s buying albums, attending shows, or investing in films. Art needs to be at the heart of education too, preparing future generations with the skills and creativity to shape the world.
In 2020, I launched Modern Mythic Productions, a female-led production company that champions diverse voices in film. Our goal is to uplift women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, artists from various religious backgrounds, and those with learning disabilities. My film LOVE SPELL is a testament to this mission. With a diverse cast and crew, we created a project that truly reflects the richness of human experience.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue supporting emerging filmmakers and producing stories that subvert expectations and inspire. As a musical artist, I’m also working on my full-length album Country Girls, set for release by 2026. This fall, I released the title track as my debut single under my stage name, Emma Dream. I’m thrilled with the reception so far. Within just a week of its release, “Country Girls” the single has been streamed 100 times and added to three curated playlists, including Alternative Country, Indie Rock Daily, and Indie Hot Playlist.
We’re currently working on the music video, with plans to shoot this November amidst the stunning fall foliage in the mountains. The natural beauty and changing seasons tie into the deeper message of the song—one that reflects my love for the earth and my commitment to preserving the planet for future generations. For me, being a “country girl” isn’t just about where you live; it’s about having a deep connection to the land and understanding the responsibility we all share in protecting it.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking on the Southern Man, Western Town podcast about my personal journey and the raw honesty that country music brings. We talked about the power of rural life, the importance of embracing artists from outside the American South, and how this genre resonates on a universal level.
Beyond music, I’m passionate about bringing people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds together through art. In my film projects, I strive to involve the local communities, hiring local crew and using local resources. I believe in a community-first attitude, and I’m inspired by studios like Angel Studios that allow fans to have a say in what gets made next. It’s a forward-thinking approach to filmmaking, and I think it’s a model worth paying attention to.
As an artist-entrepreneur, I’m always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of creativity while staying connected to my roots. My stories often lean toward the supernatural, the mysterious, and the paranormal, because I believe anything is possible if we can imagine it. It’s a message I think the world needs right now: we are only limited by the scope of our imagination and that’s exactly the mindset we need in order to change the world for the good of all.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an independent artist, I’ve faced my share of challenges—despair, procrastination, fear, and guilt—all the emotions and experiences that come with being human. When I hear people say “in sickness and in health” during wedding vows, I can relate. As artists, we devote ourselves to our craft no matter the external circumstances. We get up in the morning, get our coffee or tea, and go to work just like everyone else.

The battles within can be just as daunting as those we face in the outside world. I’ve lived in various places, from California to Virginia, Florida to Utah, and Oregon to Tennessee. Navigating the industry’s ups and downs while staying true to my artistic vision has never been easy. Being an artist today is exceedingly difficult, and it requires constant inspiration and resilience. But money has never been the driving force. I create because I am called to this path. It’s a calling to change the world through art, to touch hearts, and to leave a lasting impact on humanity. Art isn’t just about self-expression; it’s about crafting something that resonates with others and transforming lives.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a multi-disciplinary artist, I work across multiple creative fields, including filmmaking, music, poetry, fiction writing, and journalism. I specialize in storytelling through various mediums, but I’m most known for my work as a multi-award-winning filmmaker and as a musical artist under the stage name Emma Dream.

In film, I’m proud of my fantasy thriller LOVE SPELL, which played in 16 festivals around the world, won 11 awards, and premiered at FilmQuest in Provo. The film had a diverse cast and crew, which speaks to my commitment to inclusivity in the arts, particularly advocating for women, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people of color. Additionally, my fantasy horror script APOCALYPSE MESSIAH and co-written fantasy script SUFFER HER RAGE were official selections at FilmQuest in 2023 and 2024, respectively, which I consider a huge honor.

As a singer-songwriter, my sound is deeply rooted in the folk tradition, drawing inspiration from beat poets like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac.

I grew up in the small town of Bristol, Tennessee, known as the birthplace of country music. My childhood summers were spent square dancing, listening to hog calls, and old-time country music at The Carter Family Fold. The roots of my musical journey were planted deep during those early years, nourished by the traditional hymns and folk melodies my grandmother sang, and the poetry my mother performed. These experiences set the stage for my artistic journey.

My time on the road with Nathan McEuen, Bobby Mason, and David Starr, performing poetry at venues across the U.S., sparked a desire to create something musical of my own. Performing at venues including Beyond Baroque in Venice, SoHo in Santa Barbara, and The Victory Theatre Center in Burbank solidified my love for storytelling and performance art.

Living in Southern California and immersing myself in artistic communities in San Francisco and Aspen, Colorado, helped shape me into the versatile artist I am today.

In 2022, I took a pivotal step towards realizing my musical dream by recording two original songs at Magic Square Recording Studio in Nashville, TN, under the guidance of producer Jordan Grubbs, known for his work with Collin Dupuis.

I’m excited about my upcoming poetry collection, Morning Comes Roaring Down the Mountain, from Finishing Line Press, coming out in October 2025 and featuring the artwork of Utah local, Elizabeth Walsh. The poetry mostly covers my time living in Utah during the pandemic years.

What sets me apart is the versatility I bring to my creative work across music, film, and poetry, while maintaining a cohesive artistic voice. As a singer-songwriter, I draw inspiration from the lyrical storytelling traditions of artists like Brandi Carlile, and Gillian Welch, and the mystical vibe of artists like Stevie Nicks. My music has been described as cinematic and emotionally rich, with a strong emphasis on lyrical depth.

Playlist curators have offered thoughtful feedback on my song, “Country Girls.” “Voice truly captivating,” from Carpe Night Music; “Vocal lines good,” Roadie Music;” Enjoyable atmosphere,” from Cosmonauta Radio.

As a filmmaker, I strive to create original, genre-bending stories that blend horror, fantasy, and thriller elements. My short film LOVE SPELL was recognized for its creativity and production value by industry professionals like Val Kuklowsky (Independence Day, Game of Thrones), who called it “an admirable piece of work.” Film Threat Magazine noted how the film successfully merges fantasy and horror, while Patrick Beatty Reviews appreciated its ability to subvert expectations and deliver a surreal experience.

In my film OUROBOROS, I explored the themes of personal pain and scientific obsession through the lens of science fiction. Film Threat described the concept as innovative, especially in its portrayal of time travel as a tool for emotional reconciliation.

As a poet, my work is often described as cinematic, filled with vivid imagery and emotion. I see myself as a lyric poet, weaving together visual and emotional storytelling across all the creative fields I work in.

I bring my love of storytelling into everything I do, whether I’m working behind the camera, writing scripts, or composing music. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with incredible talents across industries, including Simon Moore, Peter Sherayko, Tony Toscano, Errol Sadler, and musicians like Nathan McEuen, Brent Young, Michael Levinson, and Peter Stahl. I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside actors like Kether Donohue. As a movie critic, I’ve interviewed notable figures such as Milla Jovovich, Emma Roberts, Awkwafina, Jordan Firstman, Sebastián Silva, Eiza Gonzalez, Alice Waddington, Sepideh Moafi, Chris Coy, and Clayne Crawford. These experiences have broadened my creative horizons.

What I’m most proud of, though, is the impact my work has on others. Whether it’s through my poetry performances, my films, or my music, my goal has always been to uplift, inspire, and challenge people to think differently. I believe in the power of art to change the world, and I strive to create work that fosters understanding, unity, and positive change.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is about the impact my work has on others and the fulfillment I find in creating something exciting, new and different. Success is when my art—whether it’s a film, a song, a poem, or a piece of fiction—resonates with someone, stirs something deep inside them, inspires them, or challenges them to think in a different way. It’s also about personal growth, constantly evolving and exploring new terrain as an artist, and staying true to my creative vision while making a positive difference in the world. Ultimately, success is the alignment of purpose with creative joy and the courage to continue creating even through raging storms in order to save lives. I do believe that art saves lives, and I hope that through your own creation and enjoyment of art, your life will be transformed, too.

Pricing:

  • Scriptwriting Services: Starting at $30 per hour
  • Film Production Consultation: Starting at $30 per hour
  • Editing Services (Writing): Please reach out for a personalized quote based on the scope of the writing project
  • Freelance Writing Services: Please contact me for a customized quote
  • Freelance Filmmaking Services: Pricing varies by project—feel free to inquire for a tailored estimate

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