Pillow Talk with James Elinski
James Elinski
In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the queer media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood.
James Elinski (He/Him) is a multifaceted artist, creating behind and in front of the camera. Originally from Wilcox, PA, James moved to California to pursue a degree in film production at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. He now lives in LA as he continues to express his creative passion through writing, directing, and live performances as his drag alter ego, Missile Aneous.
What are you best known for?
My most recent short film, PILLOW TALK. PILLOW TALK was my senior thesis film at Chapman University which I wrote and directed during quarantine. As of the writing of this article, PILLOW TALK has screened in 20 film festivals around the world, including winning awards for best queer screenwriting and best directing.
What is the first thing you worked on professionally?
When I was living in Pittsburgh, the first professional set that I worked on was MINDHUNTER. I was a PA on a rainy overnight shoot in a seedy part of town. I had to lock a street down for filming. It rained for hours while I was outside hiding under a bus stop while a vintage police car was parked beside me for the shoot. I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in when I handed David Lynch his dinner and I got a sneak peek at the world he was in and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
What are you working on that no one knows about yet?
Right now, I’m currently developing a hip-hop musical called MR. CRYBABY. It’s about a young girl in a toxic relationship with her imaginary friend who cries for her when she’s sad. The story focuses on her attempting to feel her own emotions without the help of MR. CRYBABY. I’ve always dreamed of making a musical and this story came to me on an airplane years ago and has been stuck in my head ever since. I’ve developed a short version of the feature that I want to make as a proof of concept hopefully to someday soon bring MR. CRYBABY to life!