Meet Julie Bersani of Black Poppy Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Bersani.

Hi Julie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My life as a creative producer began in grade school when I would organize my friends to rehearse a script I had written that was remarkably similar to the story of the little orphan Annie. In high school, I wanted to direct and so I directed my elementary school’s production of, you guessed it, “Annie.” Apparently, I loved that show. While at NYU, I produced a production of the musical John and Jen at a small theatre near Greenwich Village. And then after I graduated I produced my first film project on location at a summer camp in Ohio. I got to where I am today by trying new, intimidating things; by staying curious and open to learning; and by overcoming fears associated with perfectionism to embrace the opportunity to try, fail, and grow.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back on my career growth and development, I can see that everything was unfolding in perfect timing. I can see the lessons that I was meant to learn along the way and the relationships that I was meant to nurture. Of course, when you are in it, it doesn’t always feel like you are on the right path. It can feel difficult and frustrating like you’re not doing enough and like your progress is impossibly slow. But I’ve made a habit of looking back with gratitude for what I’ve been able to accomplish and looking forward with faith that the future will provide more expansive opportunities. We all know that your mindset is essential to your success and to your ability to enjoy and appreciate that success. And so I practice keeping a positive mindset, especially when confronting challenges.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Black Poppy Productions is a full-service production company that specializes in identifying, developing, and producing uniquely told stories that value imagination and representation. We are committed to creating opportunities for stories and storytellers that have been historically underrepresented in entertainment. Recent films include Dylan & Zoey, the directorial debut of Matt Sauter, which released in select theaters and on VOD on 11/11/22; Land of Gold, the directorial debut of Nardeep Khurmi, which premiered at Tribeca 2022; and Back to Lyla, the sophomore feature from America Young, now available on VOD.

We recently released an online class, Making a Movie from Script to Screen. This comprehensive crash course in producing is designed to build confidence in first-time filmmakers. Course videos teach you to break down your script; schedule your shoot; create your budget; nail prep, casting, and crewing up; and sail through production, post and wrap. The course also includes production templates for your call sheet, production report, budget, schedule, and cost reports. We will also be releasing monthly content to answer member questions beginning in January 2023. We are very excited to be expanding into the educational space and creating a space for communal growth and support.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I started making short films in 2013 and I learned everything by trial and error. I had always hoped that I would find a mentor to help me grow as a producer and to share knowledge and resources as I leaped from project to project, each growing slightly in size. I never found that. And so it took me almost a decade to build my business.

I want to cut out some of the guesswork for people who may be having a similar experience. I want to give them the information that they need to succeed. I want to create a community of support that they can turn to when they experience growing pains. Making a Movie from Script to Screen is designed to do exactly this. For more information, visit www.blackpoppyproductions.com/class

Pricing:

• $549 for class membership

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackpoppyproductions.com
• Instagram: @blackpoppyproductions