Check Out Allison Pittel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Pittel.

Hi Allison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I fell in love with movies at a very young age. My birthday is November 1st – right after Halloween – so it became a tradition to end the day with a classic horror film. I spent my childhood watching Hitchcock, Romero, and Arnold, and knew I wanted to make movies. I got involved in community and school theater, and when I went to school at the University of Michigan, I joined a German theater troupe. I moved to New York City and enrolled in a two- year conservatory program at the Neighborhood Playhouse, where I learned Meisner technique under James Brill. At this time, COVID had hit, so the entire program was taught over zoom! It was certainly and interesting experience! After graduating, I began auditioning, and eventually worked on a proof of concept for a Zombie horror film produced by the same team that created the box-office indie hit “Terrifier.” I worked on several films with this company, and ultimately booked the lead in Screamboat, a horror re-imagining of Disney’s Steamboat Willie. The film enjoyed a wide theatrical release, and is nominated for a Fangoria Chainsaw award for best public domain horror film.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I entered the industry at a tumultuous time- it was 2020 and multiple productions were shutdown, and would remain that way for years. Auditions went from being in person to online, forcing actors to adapt to a skill set normally reserved for producers. Shortly after, both the actors and writers guilds went on strike, further hindering productions. Currently, the industry is facing new unknown challenges, Artificial intelligence being one of them. It’s an unprecedented time, but its important to keep going! Acting class has always been important to me. It’s allowed me to work on my craft in a way that is totally freeing and ultimately very personal. Its been an excellent way to not only strengthen my community but strengthen my own self worth. It allows me to feel in control of the uncontrollable, as long as I’m working on myself and deepening my own understanding of what it means to be an artist.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m not an “overnight success” and have worked a ton of different jobs over the years – both in front of and behind the camera, but also in food service, hospitality, sales, marketing, and retail. I love working in the independent film space because its so collaborative. Everyone has a specific role, but sometimes you just need to do what ever it takes to get the job done. Many of us have side gigs to get by, and have to hustle like hell to make get the project to the finish line. People talk about the “one big break,” the gig that changes your life completely, and it’s a very romantic idea. But really for most of us, it’s about the dozens of little breaks along the way that make a career. These are the jobs that give you the resilience and the confidence to do the best work. On more than one production, I’d shoot at night while working my day job during the day. Sometimes this is what you have to do, because that’s how much you love it.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family and friends have been a huge support! I wouldn’t have had to courage to try and follow my passions without their support. I also thank my acting teacher Jim Brill for helping me discover my artistic identity, as well as the production company Fuzz on the lens for their unwavering belief in me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @allisonpittel

Image Credits
sklaerenn Lorand
Akira Shimoda
J. Demetrie