Traci Hays is a DGA Award-nominated director, a production designer, and art director who has received numerous awards for the various shorts she has directed. Her feature directorial debut, Tangled, was named a “must-see movie” by The Hollywood Reporter. She recently directed Blood, Sweat and Cheer, her second feature, which is a dark love letter to Heathers, Mean Girls, The Breakfast Club, and Clueless.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and director Traci Hays, discuss:

Traci’s dream of becoming a pro soccer player before becoming a director

Being rejected to film school 

Meeting incredible collaborators and established mentors in the industry

All the lessons Traci learned as a production designer

Adapting a book to a film for the movie, Tangled


How a soccer team connection led to a directing opportunity

Being surprised by the very thoughtful and meaningful notes from the producers 

Filming Blood, Sweat and Cheer in only 13 days

Casting actors that were serious about the dance scenes



Memorable Quotes

“Having that background as a director feels like a superpower.” [12:29]

“To be in the middle of it, the middle of the chaos, is sort of where I thrive.” [14:15]

“On a lower budget fast moving train, what will kill your day more than anything else is company moves.” [33:15]

“I even tried to learn the dance and let me tell you, I did not get very far.” [40:39]



Mentioned Resources:
Tangled

Blood, Sweat and Cheer

Traci’s website


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