Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Kearns
Hi Katrina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From an early age, I’ve had a passion for storytelling and an eye for composition and color. As a kid, and thanks to my father, I always had a camera in my hand. This love of capturing a moment and story telling evolved throughout college to a love of filmmaking. I didn’t know anyone in the film industry, so I started dming crew members on instagram and applying for positions as a PA. During my early college years I was able to get on big music videos and commercial sets as a PA. Getting the first job was tough, but after I made initial connection on my first set I was often recommended to others. From there, I worked up the AD ranks to a 1st AD and in the last two years have started to transition over to Producing. I started with hard work, a willingness to learn and some truly amazing mentors.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been the smoothest road for me. I grew up going to Churchill, a school for kids with disabilities, as I have savvier dyslexia and adhd, as well as strabismus in my left eye due to 8th and 9th nerve damage I suffered as an infant. The film industry is not always an accommodating place, and often times, I have felt called out for my disabilities. However, I believe that it is because of my disabilities, not inspire of, that I have been able to prevail. I’m a creative problem solver, a listener, and a doer.
While most set experiences are amazing, there have been some hostile and toxic work environments. When face with these challenges I’ve buckled down, done the work and tried to be as communicative and solution base as possible.
As a producer I try to create a working experience for my crew that is safe, supportive and collaborative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work hard and put collaboration and creativity above everything. I’m most proud of the crews I’ve gotten to work with.
As an 1st AD or Producer, I got above and beyond to make sure my crew is taken care of…whether that means accommodations, creative support, logistical planning and problem solving-it’s about the support I can provide.
Recently, a film I was the Associate Producer and 1st Assistant Director for, “I Feel Fine” premiered at Sunscreen Film Festival, in Saint Petersburg, Fl. I absolutely adore my directors, Hailey and Austin Spicer. They have inspiring heart, drive and vision when it comes to filmmaking. Additionally, I have the best producing team behind me. John C. Hall and Pamela Renall are the warmest and hardest working producers in the game. Together, they have an amazing production company, Retinue Media. They too strive to create a supportive environment to create real cinema in. I’m forever grateful to be a part of a team with them and am looking forward to future projects together.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is hiking into Havasupai and Mooney falls with my family. The red rock face of the canyon is awe striking, the Havasupai people are resilient and beautiful, and the cold crystal water is unmatched in its ability to help your soul feel refreshed and content. I love the out doors, my family, and taking photos with my father. So much of who I am is attributed to my mum and a dad. Their compassion, adventurous spirit and drive to be of service inspires me everyday.
My twin brother, Alex, is also truly an out doors man. His love of hiking, animals, and sharing stories of us the trails all these years later solidifies this memory as one that will go down in the books for a life time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinasbug/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13750355/
