The Producer’s Producer: How Lorna Miller Is Building a More Inclusive Film Industry, One Set at a Time

Lorna Miller didn’t just fall into producing — she manifested it. “I have this journal — I call it the Prayer Rain Journal,” she explains. “You literally write down what you want to happen as if it already happened. And I remember, before I started working at Seven Knots, I was writing about being on set, not being the only Black person, producing, getting along with clients, and adding value to a company... even grossing a specific amount of money. And everything I wrote down has happened.”

That practice, rooted in visualization and faith, reflects the clarity and intention she brings to every aspect of her work. As Head of Production at Seven Knots Production in Philadelphia, Miller has become a quiet powerhouse behind the scenes — a producer known not just for delivering, but for doing so with empathy, vision, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.

With a background that spans BET Network, NFL Films, and The Montel Williams Show, Miller has built an impressive resume over the past decade. But her work at Seven Knots represents something deeper: a chance to create the kind of production environment she once dreamed of. One where young Black creatives feel seen, supported, and heard.

Seven Knots, founded by director Tim Harris, is a boutique production company that crafts compelling, human-centered content for brands in the sports, pharma, and nonprofit spaces. But for Miller, it’s more than just a workplace — it’s a platform for equity. As a producer on Don’t Wait Your Turn, the documentary chronicling Malcolm Kenyatta’s historic U.S. Senate bid, she helped tell a story that reflects the very values she brings to her own work: resilience, representation, and possibility.

“Being a part of Kenyatta felt like real, meaningful work,” she says. “It’s not just branded content or ads. It’s something that can change people’s lives, something thought-provoking.” In a field where producers are often imagined as cutthroat gatekeepers — slashing budgets, demanding creative control — Miller represents a different kind of leadership. She blends precision with care, and structure with mentorship. Colleagues describe her as “the producer’s producer,” someone who sees both the big picture and the human dynamics that make production work.

Under her leadership, sets are more organized, safer, and more collaborative. Her approach to project management doesn’t just solve problems — it prevents them. And she’s known for cultivating environments where underrepresented talent can gain real experience, free from the pressures of tokenism or burnout.

Miller’s impact is visible not just in the projects she oversees, but in the people she uplifts. Her collaborators cite her ability to teach by example, to create space for others to grow while never compromising the quality of the work. She believes in healthy sets, open communication, and passing down the kind of industry knowledge that too often stays behind closed doors.

When asked about the future of Seven Knots, Miller is open and optimistic. “I’d like our team to grow a little,” she says. “I’d like us to branch out — not just sports and pharma, but work with interesting, diverse brands. I’ve watched Seven Knots grow, and I imagine I had a lot to do with that. But there’s still more growing to do.”

She’s also excited about the potential for new genres — feature films, political documentaries, and projects beyond Philadelphia. And while the future of the industry remains uncertain, particularly in a shifting political climate, Miller remains grounded in collective strength. “I still believe in humanity,” she says. “I believe in the power of people.”

She recalls the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when freelance creatives — especially 1099 workers — were left out of unemployment benefits. “We all stuck together,” she says. “We spoke out, and months later, people were able to access some support. That showed me that when we focus on what’s right and band together, we can shift things.”

Miller continues to embody the kind of leadership that balances purpose with practicality. Her work is rooted in care, but never coddling — always direct, always intentional. As she looks toward the future, her vision is clear: more inclusive sets, more meaningful work, and more opportunities for the next generation of creatives to thrive.

Lorna Miller isn’t just producing content — she’s producing culture. And with each project, she’s showing what it means to lead with integrity, vision, and heart.