The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Nicole Conn’s Journey: From Filmmaker to Author with “Descending Thirds”
Feb 26, 2025•29 min
Episode description
Nicole Conn's Journey: From Filmmaker to Author with "Descending Thirds"
Nicoleconnfilmsglobal.com
About the Guest(s):
Nicole Conn is a pioneering filmmaker with a remarkable career spanning 35 years. Known for her cult classic, "Claire of the Moon," which is celebrating its 35th-anniversary re-release, Nicole has carved a niche in the world of cinema with her lesbian-themed films. Her notable works include "Elena Undone," known for the longest on-screen kiss, "A Perfect Ending," "Little Man," and "More Beautiful for Having Been Broken." Beyond filmmaking, Nicole is the creator of "Coming Out for Love," the first-ever LGBTQ dating competition show. As a writer, she has been published by Simon & Schuster and continues to influence the narrative of women's films globally.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes the multi-talented filmmaker and author, Nicole Conn. Nicole discusses her illustrious career and her latest novel, "Descending Thirds," which has been 25 years in the making. With her extensive background in LGBTQ filmmaking, Nicole brings a passionate and insightful perspective on art and storytelling. Listeners are introduced to her diverse body of work, including pioneering films and her latest project, the LGBTQ dating show "Coming Out for Love."
Nicole dives into the personal inspirations behind her filmmaking, drawing from her experiences and relationships. She shares the challenges and triumphs of creating authentic narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. The conversation also touches upon her journey in the entertainment industry, the impactful stories within her films, and her dedication to advocacy through art. A segment of the dialogue is devoted to the theme of artistic integrity versus commercial success, highlighting the enduring impact of her creative projects.
Key Takeaways:
Nicole Conn's groundbreaking film "Claire of the Moon" is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a re-release, continuing to inspire new generations with its narrative.
"Descending Thirds," Nicole's newest novel, is a deeply personal project interlacing her love for classical music and storytelling, showcasing themes of art, family, and personal sacrifice.
The groundbreaking dating show "Coming Out for Love" highlights LGBTQ representation in a reality TV context, providing diverse visibility and engaging narratives.
Nicole shares her transformative personal experiences, illustrated by her documentary "Little Man," which follows her family’s journey with her special needs son.
Films and storytelling offer powerful means of healing and connection, as illustrated by the real-world impact of Nicole’s work on various audiences.
Notable Quotes:
"Projects only happen when they're ready. It doesn't matter what you do."
"It's one of those things that I learned about 20 years ago because I would want to do something, and then something else would happen."
"I let the world show me where I was supposed to be."
"Film can be so healing and so many different ways."
"Every time I do a love scene, I try to do something different."