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The Woman Behind the Award-Winning Documentary Film ‘LIVE OUT LOUD’
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Written by Melissa Salinas
With a focus on captivating content, artistic integrity, people-centric approach, and convenient accessibility on digital platforms, it's no wonder why more and more people are turning to independent films over commercial ones. This trend has been consistently and steadily on the rise. Among the lineup of must-watch films in 2022 was the feature documentary LIVE OUT LOUD by Melissa Gregory Rue. The multi-talented individual wears many hats as a writer, director, and producer. Her passion lies in crafting projects that shine a light on pressing social issues.
In LIVE OUT LOUD, Rue follows three unhoused people who enroll in a free video production class that launches them on a journey of recovery from childhood trauma. As they gain new skills and confidence, the question arises—will they triumphantly embrace the next chapter of their lives or be weighed down by the lingering burden of past traumas? With two decades of experience as an esteemed writing and literature instructor, Rue made a bold leap into filmmaking. Her unwavering belief in the life-changing power of this art form drives her to create works that inspire change and galvanize individuals to take action for the greater good of society. When a friend told her that he and a small group of artists would be teaching video production classes to people experiencing homelessness, Rue jumped at the opportunity to document the program. She knew she had to share this inspiring story with the world without hesitation. It is a breath of fresh air that the unapologetic, fearless work of independent filmmakers like her is finally being recognized.
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Melissa's exceptional work creating a captivating narrative on a restricted budget has garnered global acclaim. From filming to recording sound and editing, she was a one-woman team. Shooting for one year, she was tested physically and emotionally but was convinced to push through. She is among the first filmmakers to openly address the repercussions of second-hand trauma that filmmakers endure. In an interview, Melissa talked about going solo, “Working alone took a toll on my health, and I won’t do it again. I desperately needed at least one collaborator to talk to when I had a bad shoot, encountered personal obstacles, or started panicking that all of my footage might not add up to a film.” Recalling the most challenging phase from her shoot days, she expressed that it was when some participants questioned her intentions regarding the project. “I learned that I need to constantly remind people why I’m making the film.” Rue shared. Thankfully with swift assurance, she re-instilled confidence in the participants who had trusted her.
With her content-driven approach to filmmaking, Rue has captured the hearts of many and gained immense popularity. Currently, she is in pre-production on two projects. One is a short documentary about her personal journey with chronic Lyme Disease in our post-pandemic world. The other is a short film about the epidemic of gun violence through the eyes of kids. Melissa hopes to secure funding to turn both of these shorts into feature documentaries. For more details and information, please head over to Live Out Loud (2022) - IMDb. Read more at Live Out Loud.