Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Wing
Hi Breanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Maine, where my childhood was shaped by nature hikes, survival classes, and learning to live in harmony with nature. Mainers are resourceful, resilient, and deeply connected to their environment—values that have shaped me as a filmmaker and storyteller. I’ve always believed that you can get anywhere FROM anywhere, and that philosophy has guided me through every step of my career.
My journey in filmmaking started at 14. I directed my first documentary, which supported awareness & fundraising for a new local humane society. A few years later, I co-directed “Eye to Eye,” a film addressing the illegal bushmeat trade in Cameroon. In college, I studied Production Design and drafting, which led to internships on blockbuster sets, including two Marvel films. That hands-on experience quickly led to my first job out of college on “Django Unchained”. From there, I moved through the industry, working in the art department, assisting a producer, director, and casting director—soaking up as much as I could, from script development to construction to the team sport that is set life.
Stepping in front of the camera, I trained at Los Angeles studios, including Lesly Kahn & Co., Upright Citizens Brigade, and The Groundlings, which led to supporting roles in projects by Quentin Tarantino, Adam McKay, and Aaron Sorkin.
My latest project, a documentary about Lumberjills, combines everything I love: history, sports, gender equality, and the environment.
It started as a way to highlight the incredible strength of Maine women, inspired by my sister-in-law, an axe thrower. But as I immersed myself in this world, I realized it was so much bigger. Across the country, I found women who embody the same grit and resilience I grew up admiring—mothers, daughters, career women, and elite athletes competing in a sport that’s long been tied to the American spirit. Their stories, combined with the legacy of Lumberjills throughout history, have expanded the scope of this project beyond what I ever imagined.
Beyond filmmaking, I serve on the board of the Cinematography for Actors Institute and the Executive Advisory Council for The Maine Forest and Logging Museum. When I’m not filming, I’m likely running, making pottery, hiking, or swimming.
I want to tell stories that challenge perceptions and connect people. Film is a powerful and beautiful medium—one that can entertain, spark curiosity, and encourage a deeper connection to the outdoors.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The film industry is unpredictable, and working across different roles—art department, production, acting, and now directing—has meant constantly adapting, learning, and proving myself in new ways. I remind myself not to compare my journey to others, but that’s hard!
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating an industry that often thrives on who you know. Coming from Maine, I didn’t have built-in connections in Hollywood, so I had to create opportunities for myself. That meant saying “yes” a lot—to jobs, to learning new skills, to taking risks. Taking the leap…
Transitioning into directing has been another shift—from supporting other people’s visions to bringing my own to life. It’s one thing to help build a world as an art department coordinator; it’s another to step up and say, “This is the story I want to tell.” Funding a documentary comes with its own challenges, but the more I connect with people who believe in this project, the more I see how important it is to amplify stories that have been overlooked—stories of strength, resilience, and history that deserve to be told.
I keep reminding myself to keep going even when the road isn’t clear. If I don’t know how to do something, I learn.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a filmmaker, and I love adventure and adrenaline. The intensity of production probably scratches that itch just as much as when I’m surfing, flying trapeze, and rock climbing. My work blends history, sports, and environmental themes, often centering around stories that challenge perceptions and highlight resilience. I started in the film industry working behind the scenes—production design, coordinating, assisting producers and directors—before stepping in front of the camera as an actress and ultimately stepping into my own as a director.
Right now, I’m fundraising for a documentary I’m directing about Lumberjills. It follows female athletes in the world of timber sports while exploring their historical legacy. This project combines everything I love—nature, athleticism, conservation, and challenging perceptions and assumptions.
If you’d like to support the project and help us continue documenting these extraordinary athletes, visit www.axewomenfilm.com to learn more and donate. This isn’t just a film—it’s a movement that highlights women’s contributions to forestry and timber sports while sparking important conversations about gender, culture, and our relationship with the land.
I think what sets me apart is my curiosity and obsessiveness. My journey has never been linear—I’ve followed opportunities that excited me, even when they led me into unfamiliar territory. Whether it was working in Cameroon on a documentary about endangered primates, training in improv, or working with filmmakers I admire, I try to embrace the unknown.
I’m most proud of the fact that, while I’ve worked hard to build a career around projects that excite me—stories that are important, entertaining, and engaging—I’ve also surrounded myself with kind people. Some industries can be cutthroat, but every set, team, and collaborator I’ve worked with, including my current documentary team, has been incredibly kind. Kindness should never be undervalued or underestimated—a high tide raises all ships. I also want to continue telling stories that spark important cultural conversations.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Sometimes, done is better than perfect. And having a well-rounded, balanced life—getting enough sleep, water, and sunlight—is one of the healthiest things I can do for myself. I’ve learned not to spend so much time on my phone and to make time to breathe fresh air, go outside, move my body, and have fun. Eating healthy and exercising aren’t just good habits; they’re essential for creativity, clarity, and overall well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breannawing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breanna_wing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/axewomenfilm/
- Other: https://www.axewomenfilm.com
Image Credits
Sean Kara, Arthur Wing, Indeana Underhill
