Four Inane Questions with Inclusivity Media’s Michelle Davidson

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If Michelle Davidson had her way, Missouri would be an even bigger mecca for filmmaking than it already is. As the recent president of Film In MO, Davidson helped successfully advocate for the reinstatement of the Missouri film incentive to attract film and television series to the Show Me state. 

In 2022, she helped form Inclusivity Media, a Missouri-based non-profit organization. The group’s mission, you ask? To foster inclusion and accessibility in film, television, and digital media of women, people with disabilities, historically marginalized populations, and underrepresented groups.

If you think Davidson looks familiar, you’re not alone. In addition to writing and directing countless award-winning short films, she was the former co-host of Kansas City Live on KSHB 41. With five regional Emmy Awards under her belt, the perpetually busy Davidson is now ensuring a new generation of filmmakers have their voices heard. If you see her out and about, be prepared to cough up some dough to donate to this worthwhile cause. 

We caught up with the actress/filmmaker to inundate her with our inane questionnaire. Don’t worry. We brought popcorn for her to graze on while she answered. 

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The Pitch: How far would you get if you competed on Dancing With The Stars?

Michelle Davidson: I think that Mirrorball trophy would be far out of my reach! I may have been a dancer growing up, but ballroom was not my thing. My hips don’t lie, and they tell me they hurt after too much dancing. While I think I would be booted from the show very early on, I would be blinged up as long as I lasted. 

As a dance mom, I have very talented friends (and fellow dance moms) who can cover any costume in stones and fringe to distract from some of the mess that would be my dance moves. If my husband was my partner, he would swing me around so fast you might miss the mess. We probably wouldn’t make it very far, but we would have a blast doing it!  

If you were a condiment, what condiment would you be?

I think I’m ketchup—a little sweet and not too spicy. I’m pretty agreeable and go along with most things, just like ketchup.

If given the opportunity, what celeb are you casting in your next film without an audition? 

I would cast KC’s hometown hero, Paul Rudd, and give him a role that’s against type. I would love to see him play the villain in a thriller. He has that face where you expect him to be the good, decent guy and can’t help but like him. I enjoy movies that play against expectations. 

While on set, I would also find out about Mr. Rudd’s skincare routine, but I think I would just learn good genes are responsible for his lack of aging.

What’s the hardest you’ve ever laughed? Details, please.

I laugh a lot, especially with my girlfriends. There is something very therapeutic about the way you can laugh with friends who get you. When I’m out with my friends, we may be that loud table at a restaurant that others are annoyed with or desperately want to join the fun.

Bonus 5th Question: What dance choreography can you do from memory if put on the spot?

I remember the MIZZOU Golden Girl’s fight song dance and some of the other sidelines. I might throw out a hip if I tried to show you, but those moves are locked in my brain.