Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Brittain.
Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Before I got into filmmaking, before I became involved with the Garden State Film Festival, I started as an actress. After years of gaining on-set experience in front of the camera, I came upon the opportunity to handle the post-production of a sweet short film I had acted in with my son. It was the only film my son had ever acted in, so I saw it as the most precious of (beautifully shot) home movies. When the director moved on to other projects before even a rough edit had been assembled, I asked for the chance to finish the film and preserve the work my boy and I had done together. Thankfully, the director agreed. It was from then my love began for the creative process that happened on the other side of the camera. I have since produced several films, won awards at numerous prestigious festivals, I am Vice Chair of the Garden State Film Festival and am currently in development with two feature films.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh my goodness, no! Nothing worth doing is ever easy. And there is no set path to success. But I feel like we need to take obstacles we encounter and learn from them. Sometimes obstacles are actually a blessing in disguise; leading you away from wasn’t meant for you and towards a better outcome. Other times they are challenges we need to overcome to grow and become better.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Every day is different for me, which I love! Some days I’m taking meetings getting my next film off the ground, other days I’m promoting another which is currently doing festivals. I spend countless hours screening films for the Garden State Film Festival. I attend as many film festivals as I can in person; I love to travel, but also I feel that is important for a filmmaker to show up to represent their project. Not only does the audience love meeting the artists in attendance, but it’s a great opportunity to meet and network with your fellow filmmakers! So many projects (in my personal experience, as well as countless others) are born out of connections made at film festivals. Whether you’re looking to crew up for your next shoot, or if you’re looking to get hired yourself, those personal connections are so important! And, because of my experience on both sides of the festival scene, a lot of my filmmaker friends also come to me for festival advice, whether it’s which festivals are right for their film when to submit, what to say in their cover letter, how to get the most out of FilmFreeway, what to do (and what not to do!) once they’re accepted…
What does success mean to you?
Oh, that’s a good question. Of course, there’s the feeling of success that comes from being recognized as someone who excels in your field. Money and awards feel great, but I wouldn’t say those define my success. I think for me, success is a bit of moving target because I keep making my goals bigger. I don’t ever want to become complacent – I’ll always be striving to be a better version of myself, both personally and professionally. So, I suppose for me, success would be doing what I love and doing it well, finding a work/life balance, being thankful, and dreaming – never stop dreaming. Oh, and winning an Oscar.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sospfilms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheatherbritt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHeatherBritt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHeatherBritt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theheatherbritt
Image Credits
John Vito, Tom Zapcic, Andrei Jackemets, SOS Productions
