Fail Fast, Dream Big | Erica Duffy on Reinvention, Mentorship, and Building Midwest Film

In this episode, Mishu sits down with Erica Duffy—founder of Camera Ambassador and longtime champion of Chicago’s film community—to talk about taking leaps before you’re ready, why “fail fast” has become her north star, and the power of designing spaces that spark collaboration. 

They get into Erica’s intuitive decision-making process (including the literal dream that sparked her company’s new CineCity Studios HQ), her five years steering the Midwest Film Festival, and how she’s using workshops and mentorship to lift up the next generation of storytellers.

Erica founded Camera Ambassador in 2014, growing it into one of only three women-owned rental houses in the country. Under her leadership, it’s become Chicago’s most vibrant hub for gear, guidance, and community—anchored by hands-on workshops, inclusive networking events, and a culture of genuine support. From CineCity to film festivals, her work has consistently pushed Midwest film forward.

We talk about:
→ Why Erica trusts intuition over analysis paralysis
→ Designing Camera Ambassador’s new 11,000 sq ft CineCity space
→ Lessons from five years running the Midwest Film Festival
→ The “fail fast” motto and why experimentation matters
→ Mentorship, workshops, and building community infrastructure
→ The balance of business expansion and creative passion

More from Erica:
🔗 cameraambassador.com

Instagram:
@cameraambassador
@hello.erica.duffy

Listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @mischiefpod.
Produced by @ohhmaybemedia.