Editor’s Note: Each March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Reel Chicago shines a spotlight on the remarkable women shaping Chicago’s film, television and advertising community. From directors and producers to editors, strategists and creative leaders, these women bring talent, vision and determination to an industry built on collaboration and storytelling. Through our Reel Women series, we invite them to share their journeys, the lessons they have learned and the experiences that continue to inspire their work.
Today we include Stacey Nuzbach, the Head of Post Production at Picture North in our celebration of Reel Women.
Stacey is a Chicago native who has had her hands in just about every medium of storytelling that rolls through the diverse content of the Midwest market. As a freelance producer for over a decade, Stacey dominated production from high-profile cable reality shows to popular music videos, political commercials, and branded experiential marketing events. Her versatility has provided a unique perspective when approaching each new project in her current role as the Head of Post Production at Picture North.
Let’s hear Stacey’s story.
What’s your origin story? Where did this journey really begin?
As a Chicago suburb kid, I grew up singing and dancing. There was rarely a quiet moment in the house, as I practiced solos and choreography every waking minute of the day. On the rare occasion when I wasn’t performing or playing sports, I followed my big sisters around the world, exploring new cultures and soaking up as much as I could from my travels.
As the youngest of three high-achieving girls, my first mentors in life were without question, my grandmother, mom, and sisters. They created a space for this artsy little weirdo to grow and embrace the passions that were sometimes foreign to them but instilled so much joy in me. They taught me the importance of loving who you are, while always striving to help others do the same.
I have always loved being surrounded by passionate, creative people. Whether at a sporting event, a show, or just a local farmer’s market – being a part of someone’s “moment” inspires me to find joy and excitement in everything I do. Finding a career that has allowed me to explore so many different mediums of storytelling has been an amazing adventure that keeps me on my toes.
When you walk into a room today, what do you want people to understand about you before you even speak?
People First. I want people to automatically feel a welcome comfort and ease, knowing I am a teammate and a leader who will prioritize humanity and community first and foremost as we work together to make great things.
What’s one decision you made that shifted your trajectory?
Without question, my current role has shifted the trajectory of my career. After over a decade of freelance work in production, embracing a full time staff position that brought me from the field / set to an office / edit bay, has been a pretty incredible change in my day to day. The mindset shift from “hired gun” to long term growth continues to help me flex a new set of professional muscles.
Chicago’s production landscape continues to evolve. Where do you see the biggest opportunity for women right now?
The biggest opportunity for a woman in film right now is anywhere she wants to be. We see women like Autumn Durald Arkapaw busting through the glass ceiling for Cinematography on the Oscar stage, and there is no limit to where a woman can make her mark in production. If she wants it, it’s there for the taking.
Imposter syndrome is real for many women. When did you stop questioning whether you belonged in the room?
I don’t know if “imposter syndrome” ever really goes away if you are constantly knocking on doors to new spaces and pushing the boundaries of what you’re creatively capable of.
For me, quieting that voice comes from a place of being grounded in my values, trusting my ability to keep learning and growing, and finding community wherever I am. There’s belonging in any room, if you approach it with humble confidence, honesty in what you don’t know, and a genuine desire to create something to the best of your ability.
What conversation about women in this industry still isn’t being said loudly enough?
Working Moms. I’ve never been more in awe of a badass production designer than when this new mama was casually collaborating with a director and delegating to her team on set, while not a single crew member noticed she was also successfully pumping handsfree. Women can truly do it all.
Have you ever walked away from a lucrative opportunity because it didn’t align with who you are or where you’re headed?
Many times. Throughout my decade + of freelance work, multiple teams extended offers to stay with them full time. The stability of a constant paycheck is always appealing, but the timing, role, and team all have to be the right fit.
What are you building that will outlast you?
Bonds. When you’re building a post team with strong women like Christine Wolf, Olivia Curry, Tatiana Goodman, and Neha Schultz, you’re building a foundation for growth. We value a culture that nurtures personal passions, unwavering support, and genuine friendships that last far beyond the job wrap. Those innate intangibles are fundamental to the teams I choose to foster, and I truly hope they stick with everyone with whom I get the pleasure of working.
Name three women in the Chicago industry you’d like to shine a spotlight on.
Christine Wolf – absolute boss Senior Editor with a creative eye that can take on any visual challenge with grace and power.
Olivia Curry – Editor. Director. Boxer. You name it. She can do it.
Tatiana Goodman – the most positive, hard working, incredible Post Coordinator I could ask for. Keep an eye out for her!
If you could change one structural thing about this industry tomorrow,
what would it be?
The easy, quick answer here could be “bigger budgets” or “longer timelines.” But realistically every industry is always going to strive to create a product cheaper and faster.
Real answer: More women in creative leadership.
What’s the title of the chapter you’re currently living in?
Working Mama: Producing a Human
After all the grind, what still excites you?
New talent. Finding that perfect match, whether it’s a director and editor, an assistant and editor, a music composer and creative team – helping people connect and collaborate to work together in a space that feels effortless – that’s the magic.
Bonus: What song plays in your head when you land a big win? And do you happy dance?
There’s always a dance, no matter the song. But what’s on loop at the moment is a Pop Divas playlist – Gaga, Beyonce, Taylor, Adele, Florence, Alicia – can’t go wrong with that powerhouse.
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