10|10 Motion Pictures’ Debut ‘Clean Queens’ Earns Dual Film Festival Selections

Destiny Joelle and Sebastian F. Taylor, the dynamic duo behind 10|10 Motion Pictures, are redefining the landscape of independent cinema. Transitioning from successful careers in sports to filmmaking, their journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and the unyielding desire to push creative boundaries. With their debut short film Clean Queens receiving official selections at prestigious festivals like the Pasadena International Film Festival and the LA Film Festival, 10|10 Motion Pictures is already making waves in the industry. Their mission is clear: to create a platform for emerging filmmakers, amplify diverse voices, and tell authentic, character-driven stories that resonate on a cultural level.

We sat down with Destiny and Sebastian to discuss their inspiring journey, their approach to storytelling, and the groundbreaking work they are doing with 10|10 Motion Pictures.

The Hype Magazine: You both transitioned from sports into filmmaking—a unique journey that requires discipline and resilience. How have your backgrounds as athletes shaped your approach to storytelling and building 10|10 Motion Pictures?

Destiny: I think the fact that sports allow you to encounter so many types of people with so many different stories. If you’re committed, it forces you out of your comfort zone. What we love most about storytelling is the ability to reveal human nature because at the end of the day, people are people—whether you’re on a sports team or the CEO of a company. We’re excited to continue to push boundaries and explore the human psyche.

Sebastian: Sports has always been a way to connect with other people for me. It also has put me in countless situations that tested me both mentally and physically, so much so that anything I put my mind to I feel is possible—whether it’s a film or a company. It’s our new sport.

The Hype Magazine: Clean Queens is set to officially premiere this year, and you’ve submitted to numerous film festivals. What has the submission process been like, and how are you preparing for the film’s big debut?

Destiny: I’d love to say it’s been super fun! It’s tough, but we understand that it’s all part of the process. We’ve put hundreds of hours of work into 14 minutes, and we’re putting it out for the world to see. We’re proud of what we made, so we’re trying to keep the focus and only stay excited.

As far as preparing for the film’s debut, we’re writing! Josie and Janie’s story is a lot bigger than those 14 minutes allow. We’re cleaning up the feature-length script in preparation to start work on bringing it to life.

Sebastian: The submission process is a bit like fishing. You cast out your line and hope for a bite. The big debut is what we hope to work to, to complete the story so that audiences can see what happens next.

The Hype Magazine: With 10|10 Motion Pictures, you’re focused on creating opportunities for independent filmmakers. What challenges have you faced in the industry, and how does your company help others navigate those same obstacles?

Destiny: There are unfortunately way too many barriers to entry in this industry. I think to be a filmmaker, you have to have that thing deep within you that will not let you escape because it’s hard! And there’s no blueprint. But we just know it’s worth it. Making Clean Queens, we learned how incredibly doable it is if you have the tools. So we thought, “Why not create a space that we need to continue making films? I bet others need it too. And if we can get the most committed and talented filmmakers in one space, there’s bound to be some sort of magic that happens.” Worth it!

Sebastian: We asked ourselves why it was so damn hard to make a film. Why was there something lying in wait to pop up and ask for a sum of cash? Why can’t those stories of a film being made on a shoestring budget that got into Sundance be possible for everyone? What happened to it being about the art? There are so many things that as filmmakers, we wanted to remove so that anyone who walks into our doors will have everything they need to make that film.

The Hype Magazine: You’re currently developing a full-length feature. How has working on Clean Queens influenced your approach to this next project, and what can audiences expect from your storytelling moving forward?

Sebastian: It’s one thing to work on a project and not know if it’s any good, or to not really know if you are any good, but then to do it and go through the long hours—not just on set but before you shoot, after you shoot, editing it yourself—and to want to keep doing it; it’s validating in a way. I’ve learned, and now I’m dangerous. I think audiences can expect my work to speak volumes about everything—life, the human condition—but most importantly, audiences can expect that every film I create will be something I’ve poured myself into in the hopes of moving them in some way.

The Hype Magazine: With the upcoming launch of 10|10 Production House, you’re creating a hub for independent filmmakers. What impact do you hope this space will have on the creative community, and what resources will be available for emerging filmmakers?

Destiny: If we do this right, we believe some of the next great filmmakers will pass through 10|10 Production House, and our goal is to help ignite their journey. Filmmakers need other filmmakers to make great films. That will save this industry.

They say you can make a good film from your phone, which is not untrue. But access to quality sound, lighting, editing, and a supportive creative community is still an incredible challenge—especially if you’re new on your journey. We created 10|10 to provide the tools, resources, and connections emerging filmmakers need to bring their stories to life. The only thing you need is the drive to make it happen.

Sebastian: It is our hope that this will invigorate the film industry and provide a place where filmmakers will be able to turn an idea into something that should be on screen. We will have the collaborative space, writing tools and educational materials, camera equipment, editing suites and screening rooms, and all the coffee you could want.

With Clean Queens marking a major milestone in their journey, Destiny and Sebastian Taylor are proving that their passion for storytelling is more than just a pursuit—it’s a mission. 10|10 Motion Pictures is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, building a community of independent filmmakers, and ensuring that art and authenticity are at the forefront of every project. As they continue to make waves in the industry, their dedication to shaping a more inclusive and collaborative space for filmmakers is just the beginning. With the upcoming launch of 10|10 Production House, the future looks bright for those ready to bring their creative visions to life.