Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Karina Michel Feld of Tallulah Films Is Helping To Change Our World
To be involved in community in any way you can, in whatever way that means to you. If you can influence one person — that will carry on to others. It’s a domino effect.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Karina Michel Feld.
Karina Michel is an Emmy nominated Actress, producer and journalist with 20+ years of experience in the entertainment business. She’s been involved in nearly all aspects of content production, development, branding/marketing, distribution, and writing and producing for television and feature films. As the Owner and Executive Producer of the production company Tallulah Films, Karina is passionate about film that matters. She is a member of The Producers Guild of America. Her films can be found on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Channel 4 and other VOD platforms and her films have screened at over 80 film festivals worldwide.
“Our mission with our social work is to bring together community leaders and non-profits and connect their brand with captivating storytelling to produce award-winning TV and film projects. We continue to be drawn towards projects that are meaningful, influential, and uplifting.”
Karina is a co-owner of FreshPatch.com (as seen on ABC’s Shark Tank). She is also an entertainment journalist and a host for the multi-award-winning podcast, “Coffee with Karina — Entertainment Unfiltered.”
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
I started in front of the camera as a model and actress working with many known brands and artists. I was always in awe of the creative process and listening and learning to everything I could. My experiences on set and in front of the camera ignited a deeper interest in what was happening behind the scenes.
I was always drawn to the intricacies of production and realized that my true passion lay not just in performing, but in shaping narratives and bringing stories to life through creating impactful content. With over 20 years in the industry, I founded Tallulah Films, a production company dedicated to producing meaningful and influential projects. We’ve done many national and international films and over the last couple of years we were fortunate to work on local documentaries and charity videos. Then the vision was clear: to connect local businesses and entrepreneurs with the power of storytelling, showcasing their unique narratives through film and television. I believe that every community has stories worth telling, and our team enjoys highlighting these voices through our work. We’re thrilled to have received an Emmy nomination for Heart of FL : PD, and we’re excited to do more in our area.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I don’t really view anything as a mistake as it helped get me to where I am today. To me, it’s more about the shots you don’t take as you don’t want to miss an opportunity. I’m sure I do have a few funny stories though.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
To not lose site of your “WHY”, never take no for an answer, and know that everything in life comes down to timing.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
I would have to say Yitzi / Editor of Authority Magazine! I met Yitzi in 2020, when everything had shut down and nothing seemed to be going anywhere at the time…
He had so much faith in me as a journalist and really encouraged me to start my podcast.. I’ll always be grateful to him for that!
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’m working on a couple of projects right now.. I’ll say they are both impactful conversations. One talks about the importance of sharing your story to help others. Another local role has been on the Sheriff Advisory Council. This has been an incredible experience so far.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
Rotary International has influenced my life tremendously the last few years. I come from a family of a few lifelong Rotarians, and although I didn’t quite understand the mission as a child. It has come full circle now. It’s made me become a champion for local charities and businesses, using my platform to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. I hope that the work inspires others to do the same, proving that with passion and dedication, it is possible to create art that matters.
Can you share with us a story about a person or business that was impacted?
Our most recent project was for the The Way Center in Haines City, Fl. This was the second year doing their annual fundraiser video and it’s always such a blessing to work with the women of The Way. They’re a wonderful organization helping women and children and it’s amazing to see them continue to grow in the community.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Well, I think another way that we’ve been supported is when we’ve filmed movies here in the area. It’s amazing to have a community come together to help with locations and resources and also to feature a family restaurant in a film and see them become more visited and successful.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
1. That your heart needs to be in it.
2. Always be authentic
3. Having a great team makes everything better
4. Don’t overthink decisions
5. Always remember your WHY, the reason you started.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
To be involved in community in any way you can, in whatever way that means to you. If you can influence one person — that will carry on to others. It’s a domino effect.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
Woody Allen’s quote of 80% of life is just showing up.. it’s so true. It’s all about doing the work, and then showing up and doing your best.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Definitely Elon Musk..
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Thank you so much for the interview.
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Karina Michel Feld of Tallulah Films Is Helping To Change… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.