Director Traci Hays Talks Filmmaking, Female Friendships, and Her Journey to Success with “My Bloody Galentine”
Award-winning filmmaker Traci Hays opens up about her journey from soccer dreams to filmmaking, overcoming obstacles, and her female-driven comedy “My Bloody Galentine” streaming on Tubi.
Traci Hays: From Soccer Star to Award-Winning Filmmaker
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the most exciting directors in Hollywood right now, Traci Hays. If you haven’t heard her name yet, trust me, you will. This award-winning filmmaker is making waves with her Tubi original “My Bloody Galentine”, a female-driven comedy that mixes friendship and hilarity in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Traci’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and breaking down barriers as a woman in film. Here’s what she had to say about her journey from soccer star hopeful to celebrated director.
A Shift from Soccer to Storytelling
Traci’s story begins far from the film sets of Hollywood. Born and raised in Northern California, Traci was an aspiring soccer player, dreaming of playing professionally. But when a health scare required her to undergo a third open-heart surgery as a teenager, her soccer dreams were put on hold. During her recovery, she fell in love with films—an experience she compares to stepping from black-and-white into Technicolor, much like “The Wizard of Oz”.
“I realized I had a passion for visual storytelling,” she shared, recounting how she spent hours watching films while recovering. Soon, she was making home videos with her siblings, unknowingly laying the foundation for her future career.
Finding Her Path in Filmmaking
Traci’s passion led her to Chapman University in Southern California, where she fully immersed herself in film studies. During this time, she made a series of award-winning short films, including “Lions Among Men” and “40ish”, which earned her accolades like Best Director at the LA Film Awards.
While in film school, Traci also worked as a production designer to support herself, learning the ins and outs of set design and gaining invaluable experience working with industry legends like Lawrence Paull (Blade Runner) and Martha Coolidge (Real Genius). “It was a grind,” she admits, but these experiences taught her how to build creative worlds from the ground up and gave her a deep appreciation for collaboration in filmmaking.
Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt
Traci’s rise in the industry wasn’t without its challenges. Like many creatives, she faced moments of self-doubt, especially as she navigated the highly competitive world of directing. “I struggled with impostor syndrome for a long time,” she admits, but 2020 proved to be a pivotal moment. Traci decided to refocus on her true passion—directing. She hired a career coach to keep herself accountable, and within six months, she landed her first feature film.
That decision paid off—today, she’s directed four features in four years, with more on the way.
Creating “My Bloody Galentine” and the Power of Female Friendships
When the opportunity to direct “My Bloody Galentine” came her way, Traci was immediately drawn to the story’s focus on female friendship. “It’s a hilarious, wild ride, but at its core, it’s about the strength of female bonds,” she said. Working with Tubi and production house MarVista, Traci brought this vision to life with a talented cast, and the chemistry between the leading ladies was undeniable.
“The energy on set was electric,” she recalled. Traci was especially proud of the improvisational moments that added a unique charm to the film. “There’s a scene where the actresses just started dancing—it wasn’t in the script, but it felt so authentic. Moments like that remind me why I love filmmaking.”
Partnering with Tubi: A Platform for Emerging Voices
As we talked, I was curious about Traci’s decision to partner with Tubi, a platform known for its range of content. Traci explained that Tubi has become an incredible space for emerging filmmakers, offering opportunities that bigger studios might not. “They’re taking risks and giving chances to women and new directors, which is so important in this industry,” she said.
With “My Bloody Galentine”, Tubi offered Traci the creative freedom to explore her vision fully, resulting in a film that feels both stylistically distinct and deeply personal.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Traci Hays
As our conversation wound down, I couldn’t help but ask what’s next for this powerhouse director. Traci smiled, hinting at her next project—a thriller, also with Tubi and MarVista, set to start production soon. “It’s very different from “My Bloody Galentine”, but I’m excited to dive into it. It’s gritty, grounded, and focused on family dynamics,” she teased.
While she couldn’t reveal too much, it’s clear that Traci Hays is just getting started. With her undeniable talent, passion for storytelling, and a clear vision for the future, there’s no doubt she’ll continue to make her mark in Hollywood—and I can’t wait to see where she goes next.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Traci’s Journey
One of the things that struck me most about Traci is her humility and her dedication to the craft. She talked openly about the importance of collaboration and respecting every member of the crew, whether they’re the director of photography or a production assistant. “You never know who’s going to be hiring you in the future,” she said with a laugh, but there was a deeper truth in her words. In an industry that can sometimes feel isolating, Traci’s focus on community and creativity shines through in her work.
Traci Hays is not just a filmmaker—she’s a storyteller with heart, and “My Bloody Galentine” is just the latest example of her ability to blend humor, emotion, and stunning visuals into a cinematic experience that resonates. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you stream it on Tubi. It’s a fun, fresh take on female friendships that will leave you laughing—and thinking.
Some Stats!!!
- Has been featured in numerous publications including Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, FOX40, Fangoria, MovieWeb, and Collider just to name a few
- Won Best Director at the LA Film Awards for her short Frederick along with various other awards
- Was honored as Best Director at the International New York Film Festival for her short 40ish, which also won Best Short and numerous other awards
- Was a finalist at the DGA Student Film Awards for Lions Among Men which led to a Best Director and Best Picture nomination at The Cecil Awards
- She is a proud member of Women In Film, Member of Alliance of Women Directors, Free The Work, and Film Fatales
- Her short Frederick won Best Picture at the NYC Film Awards and the LA Independent Film Festival Awards
- An alumna of Chapman University’s Film & Television Program where she was mentored by legendary directors Randal Klesier (Grease), Martha Coolidge (Valley Girl), and John Badham (Saturday Night Fever)
- Other film projects include Blood, Sweat and Cheer, Tangled as well as the short films Disconnected, and Hooked
You can check out our full Live Session conversation below!!!
TweetAbout the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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