Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Friedman.
Hi Sara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started acting in local productions in my home state of Maine at the age of 6, and always knew it was what I wanted to do forever. While attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts for acting, I also began to realize a love for creating my own work and took as many directing classes as I could.
After graduating, I went to work for a TV network for 2 years where I worked in development and current productions. I left in 2015 to begin my life as a freelance actor, director, writer, and producer. Every step on my journey has taught me about various facets of the industry and allowed me to gain the knowledge to raise funds, write, direct, and star in my debut feature film this past year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Embarking on a creative path as a career is always difficult. My major struggle has come from there is no one way to do it; what works for someone else may not work for you! I have also faced issues with people telling me I need to “pick a lane” – am I an actor or a director? A producer or a writer?
I am grateful that I have remained stubborn in my belief that I don’t need to limit myself. I find as much fulfillment in acting as I do in directing, and an immense sense of pride when I produce and bear witness to a piece of art from the ground up.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actor, director, writer, and producer. I typically work in independent film, but I have spent time working in every medium. One thing that sets me apart from others is my commitment to being multi-faceted. Instead of solely engaging with my creative side, I worked in TV and film development and production so I could learn the logistical and business side of the industry.
This allows me to be a director that producers appreciate, as I understand budgets and logistical challenges. I am proudest of my debut feature film ‘HEIGHTENED’, which I wrote, directed, executive produced, and starred in. . It was a challenge that required using both sides of my brain, and I was grateful for the time I had spent honing not only my creative skills but my productive acumen as well.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
When I was 10 years old I appeared in my first professional theatre production at a summer stock theatre in my home state of Maine. We were putting on ‘Ragtime’ and I was in awe to be sharing the stage with Broadway vets. On our opening night, we performed the very first number – a thrillingly choreographed routine highlighting the ‘Ragtime’s’ themes of civil rights, discrimination, and immigration.
When the song was over the audience leaped out of their seats into a standing ovation. We stood, frozen, for almost a minute until they were done cheering. I will never forget the realization of that moment; I had been a part of something so powerful that emotionally impacted hundreds of people. (I’ve yet to see another standing ovation for an opening number!).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarafriedmanfilms.com
- Instagram: @saramintaha
Image Credits
Jessica Fee, Rose Fadem-Johnston, and Hollywood Reel International Film Festival
