We recently had the chance to connect with August Broussard and have shared our conversation below.
August, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been taking sporadic classes at Circus (Cirque) School— trapeze and aerial silks. It’s extremely humbling but very fun .
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a freelance and indie filmmaker based in Los Angeles, but I’ve previously lived in Seattle and Florida. While I love every aspect of the filmmaking process, my passion is creating stories through writing and directing. My focus is to tell grounded, raw stories that center queer individuals and people whose voices don’t often make it to the screen. Much of my inspiration comes from the people I’ve met and loved in my own life, and I want to give their experiences the space they deserve. I primarily work in horror, but tend to involve comedy and coming-of-age.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
The Adult World really likes to put a block on creativity under the guise of “Will this make money?” and “Is this sustainable in the long run?” I’ve met a lot of artists who start to get stuck when they get into that mindset of perfection, and I am absolutely those artists. The best advice I’ve heard recently was from Kevin Smith. He was speaking at an anniversary screening of his movie, Dogma, and trust me— he loves to talk. He said that the most powerful artist is the one who can share their experience and make someone say, “I’ve never had the words to describe that, but you just did.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This is funny because my friend and I were recently talking about AI and creativity, and how AI can’t truly have an original perspective because it hasn’t lived through anything. It doesn’t have any experience. For me, a lot of my suffering came from being bullied, which led to doubt and self-hatred. As hard as that was, it also taught me empathy, resilience, and how to see the world in a more neutral way. Success alone never could have given me that.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In the film industry, I think what’s really connecting with people right now are original, risky ideas that feel human and grounded. Indie films with fresh voices and stories are proving that authenticity resonates more universally than profitability, especially for communities that have been underrepresented on screen. Being in Hollywood as a filmmaker, while extremely beneficial, is difficult because it’s surrounded with ego. After being here for a year, I’ve had to reground myself and remember why I wanted to create in the first place, and how it has very little to do with myself.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
I feel very hypocritical for this, and it’s such a Virgo thing to do, but I need to take my own advice. I’ve been dimming my creativity by worrying too much about marketability and profitability instead of just making things that inspire me. I’m trying to let go of ‘Will this sell?’ and return to creating for the joy of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.augustvbroussard.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/augustvbroussard
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@augustcinema
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@avvitch
