NYWIFT Blog

By Camille Felipe

Welcome to NYWIFT, MéLisa Best!

MéLisa is an award-winning producer and director creating culturally rooted, visually rich narratives across film, branded content, and immersive media.

She is the founder of HAUS of Infinity Studios, a boutique creative production house and visionary agency that provides branded content and immersive storytelling experiences that center culture, clarity, and creative truth. The HAUS is an extension of herself, guided by abundance, alignment, and possibility, with a unique “yes, and” approach that builds worlds where story isn’t separate from impact.

MéLisa told us about her journey in filmmaking, her vision for creating culturally rooted narratives, her work with Black Women Euphoria, and her exciting upcoming television pilot project.

NYWIFT Member MéLisa Best

Welcome to NYWIFT! Please give us a brief introduction for our readers.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome! My name is MéLisa Best, and I am an award-winning multidisciplinary artist who wears the titles of director, producer, and creative visionary in this space. I’m also the founder of HAUS of Infinity Studios, a creative and production studio that brings branded content and culturally rooted narratives to life.

What brings you to NYWIFT?

I believe you can go far alone, but even further together. Joining NYWIFT was about expanding my network and realm of possibility, while also offering my own lens and perspective to this vibrant community. In just a few months, I’ve connected with the genuine sisterhood of incredible women and artists—and I’m excited for the future of what we can build together.

What initially drew you to filmmaking, and how did you develop your vision for creating culturally rooted narratives?

It’s always been in me. I’ve been a cinephile and storyteller for as long as I can remember—practicing movie lines in the mirror as a little girl, fascinated by cinematography before I even knew what to call it.

Professionally, my journey began in branded content, where I fell in love with being on set and leading productions—from narrative pieces to documentary-style webseries that went on to win awards like the Shorty and Telly. That experience gave me the foundation to launch my own studio and expand into film, media, and soon, television.

As for culturally rooted narratives, I return to Quentin Tarantino’s advice to artists: “Tell the truth.” That’s my compass in life, and it’s the throughline of everything I create.

Can you tell us about your work with HAUS of Infinity Studios and what makes your approach to storytelling unique?

Absolutely! Well first, HAUS of Infinity Studios is a boutique creative production house and visionary agency that provides branded content, and immersive storytelling experiences that center culture, clarity, and creative truth.

The HAUS is an extension of myself, guided by abundance, alignment, and possibility. What makes us unique is our “yes, and” approach—we build worlds where story isn’t separate from impact. Every project is a chance to ask, ‘What becomes possible if we lead with truth?’

NYWIFT Member MéLisa Best

What has been your most meaningful project as a producer and director, and what made it special for you?

Two projects stand out to me.

First, a commissioned series for one of the largest healthcare systems in NYC, called SPLIT. The series highlights the dual identities of future doctors. The project went through a few iterations and became a testament to two creative truths: one, sometimes you just have to make it exist first and refine it for excellence later; and two, a lesson that’s stayed with me from the book How to Fly a Horse: “Creation is a long journey…The most important thing creators do is work. The most important thing they don’t do is quit.” SPLIT went on to be recognized by the Shorty Awards and became one of the main pillars in the brand’s content strategy.

Second, my original production under the HAUS, Black Women Euphoria, is a transformative multimedia experience reclaiming how Black women are seen—in art, in media, and in the living algorithm of daily life. This project is close to my heart because it is rooted in collaboration and community—from partnering with two other multidisciplinary artists and their studios (Palate Studios, Founder: N’Deyah Belle; and BLANC Studios New York, Co-Founder: Sydney Shaw), to the muses who shared their stories vulnerably for the documentary film, to the sponsors and partners who contributed to our premiere event.

We recently partnered with EMPACT, the first action-oriented discovery platform for impact entertainment, and secured fiscal sponsorship. We welcome support to fulfill our goal to bring the Black Women Euphoria Experience (photo gallery, screening, and experiential wellness activations) to six cities, submit the project to film festivals, expand the short film into a feature, and explore distribution channels.

As the director and executive producer, I was also honored to screen the film at Unseen, Unfolding at The Gathering Spot in Los Angeles, and speak alongside five other powerhouse filmmakers: Tracey Belizaire, Maryna Bogdan, Cyn Hilaire, Monique Lindsey, Phoenix Rush, and host Destiny Muse.

Black Women Euphoria is a movement, and a testament to the power that truthful storytelling and uplifting the community holds.

MéLisa Best speaking with Tracey Belizaire, Maryna Bogdan, Cyn Hilaire, Monique Lindsey, Phoenix Rush, and host Destiny Muse.

What kinds of stories excite you most, and what do you hope audiences take away from your work?

I’m most excited by stories of transformation—characters and communities who dare to reimagine themselves when the world tells them otherwise. My hope is that audiences leave my work feeling both seen and expanded. At its best, storytelling is an invitation and a reminder that possibility is infinite.

Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?

Yes! In addition to being currently in partnership with EMPACT to bring the next wave of Black Women Euphoria to life, I just finished writing a television pilot script that I’m incredibly excited about bringing to the market. At its core, it’s a love letter to women who dare to start over—a dramedy that reminds us reimagining is not only possible, it’s powerful.

MéLisa Best with Sydney Shaw and N’Deyah Belle, co-creators of Black Women Euphoria.

And finally, what’s the best and worst advice you’ve ever received?

The worst advice: “Play it safe; play it small.”

The best advice came from Rayna Campbell, one of my mentors and coaches: “Always remember that you are a gift and a contribution to every room you walk into.” Mic drop.

Connect with MéLisa Best at her LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram at @melisathebestofficial. Learn more about HAUS of Infinity Studios and Black Women Euphoria.

(All images courtesy of MéLisa Best)