Conversations with Heather Shapiro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Shapiro.

Hi Heather, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The being a filmmaker part is the easiest to explain. As a kid, I would always put on plays and badger any friend or relative into acting or holding a microphone or freezing a giant sphere of peas for a gag (random but true!). My mom’s favorite description of me was, “Heather’s always making a big production of everything”. I think she’s relieved I got into filmmaking where I can channel all that intense energy. Storytelling has always been at the core of how I interact with and interpret the world and my experience.

As to how I got to where I am now, that’s a whole lotta stumbling toward a goal, veering left, falling over, or bushwacking off course. That’s hella vague I know. I went to James Hubert Blake HS in Silver Spring MD, where I was in the TV production department and that’s really where I fell in love not just with the ART of filmmaking but all the (and this is going to sound nerdy) logistics. I’m a lifelong theater kid so you know I was in the musicals, fall plays, and sweating some Shakespeare. My dream school was UCLA and when I didn’t get in, I was DEVASTATED. I did get into UC Berkeley and from then on I was like, “Ok. So f*ck plans. Just go towards something and see where you’re taken”. And when I was offered opportunities, I just took them, good or bad. I worked on a documentary in France for almost a year, I went to Guatemala for a month and worked on a doc there, and then I ended up living in Uruguay for eight years.

Los Angeles terrified me. It’s so big, so many people, and I was afraid of being lost in the vastness of it all. When I studied abroad in Montevideo, Uruguay I got a peak into a really tiny film production world and decided, “Yeah, I’m going to start here. A country that most people haven’t heard of, that’s not known for film, and where I have NO connections”. I figured, at best I’ll make a name for myself and at the worst, I’ll make a fool of myself. And pretty much that’s what I was able to do. Also… boys… But let’s leave that for another day. I worked as a PA on TONS of commercials there (lots of our favorite American products film their commercials abroad where it’s cheaper- Sunkist Tuna, Starbucks, Cheetos, PlaystationGames, one time I was in charge of Star Wars light sabers), and worked my way up to a type of creative producer, I did improv (in Spanish!), and eventually did Standup (again… En español).

That’s when I conceived of my show EL KIMBERLEY PROYECT. A mock-vlog filmed by the acerbic Facundo following Kimberley a valley girl who decides to study abroad in Montevideo Uruguay because of a “fuzzfeed” article. Her family loses all their money in a bitcoin downturn and she has to move in with two locals, Tina and Kari. Kimberley ends up sharing a room with two cats and their litter boxes.

As I edited the show over the next several years, I used the trailer to get pretty much every job I ever got. It showcased my writing, directing, editing, and producing skills. It was also a key part of my application to Harold Ramis Film School at Second City in Chicago. After eight years in Uruguay, what finally got me back home was getting into clown school.

Going back to school after so long working in the industry further crystallized my goals. Bonus, I met my future husband and creative partner, Preston Jeter. Two-for-one special.

Second City put a phrase to my general approach to life… “Yes, and”. Which I’m sure a lot of your readers are familiar with. I was just yes-ANDing sh*t… And as we all know, some improv scenes SMOKE and some kinda fizzle out or bomb. I can definitely say my journey to today mirrors that general improv experience.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ugh No. And I think that would be the answer for most people. The film industry has no clear road, unlike other industries. I feel like the first 10 years are just figuring out how it all works and then once you do, it’s finding your place. And depending on who you are (and who you know), it’s either easier or more difficult to wriggle in.

I’d say the biggest personal struggle has been my health. I have endometriosis and for years it’s definitely knocked me on my ass. I’ve had to sit out some innings and recoup before jumping back in. It’s felt like a lot of stops and starts- there’s also a lot of psychological sh*t you have to navigate with a chronic illness. Right now, I’m in a really great place so I can work without needing to catch my breath.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
El Kimberley Proyect, my digital series premiering on FUNNY OR DIE on Roku is the project I’m most proud of. It’s got some great jokes and characters, but mostly I’m impressed that I finished it.

And personally, I’m most proud of learning Spanish despite my professor telling me I was the worst student in her class. She’d be so proud of me now… I should e-mail her.

I’m a comedic filmmaker. I write, direct, produce, and I’m also an actor. But I consider myself a writer-director-producer first, performer second. I’m not KNOWN in the sense of I have zero fame. But among my peers, I think I’m known for being able to roll with the punches and always having a tide-to-go pen. I spill a lot. Currently, I’m working as a story producer for the docu-series De La Calle which is coming out in 2023 and I’m in pre-production for my first feature called Lonesome Town which co-directing with Preston Lane Jeter

What sets me apart? I’m absolutely shameless about my psychological pathology and will make jokes about it. And I think my eight years abroad gave me a different perspective of the United States.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
It’s worth the effort to make sure everyone you’re working with is comfortable. If people know you’re looking out for their health and safety, everyone is much more willing to show up for you or the project in a different way.

I think a lot of us (in the entertainment industry) had this feeling before the pandemic but didn’t feel empowered to demand this kind of environment and now we should.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heathershapiro.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elkimberleyproyect/

Image Credits
BTS music video shoot – Erik Kollasch Short Film and Series Promo Material Designed by Aude Li Sing Instagram Post – Alessandra Quest