Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Dreifuss.
Hi Kathryn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I’ve always loved watching movies. I wanted to be part of the team that created them, not just watch from the outside. In middle school, I started my own YouTube channel, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I didn’t want to be in front of the camera; I wanted to be behind it, shaping the visuals and telling the stories. Once I got to high school and could take the Digital Media class, everything clicked. I spent my time creating hype videos for the sports teams, making informational videos for the school, and taking photos whenever I could. I also interned back home in Mississippi, where I created a variety of videos for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. That experience made me feel like I wasn’t just learning, I was contributing to my own community, and that meant a lot.
The summer going into my senior year of high school, I participated in the Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) Rising Star program. I took both a film and photography class that taught me the basic foundations I needed, but it also opened my eyes to how much more there was to explore. After finishing the program and working on multiple projects throughout high school, it became clear that this was the path I wanted to follow. I decided to attend SCAD to earn my BFA in Film and Television, along with a minor in Photography, so I could keep growing in both areas.
Now, as a senior at SCAD, I can say I’ve learned so much from my professors, my classmates, and from being on sets. Every project has taught me something new, and each experience has pushed me closer to the kind of filmmaker and photographer I want to become.
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?
It’s been a pretty smooth journey overall, with my family, friends, and community supporting me the whole way. But even with the support, there are always challenges that you will have to face.
For me, the biggest challenge was going from a small town to a big city. I had always dreamed of living in a city, so I was excited to go to college in one. But actually leaving the small town I’d grown up in was harder than I expected. It took a minute to realize everything was changing. Still, I adapted quickly, and now I genuinely love Atlanta and everything I’ve been able to experience here.
Another challenge was meeting so many creative people at school and wondering if I was good enough. SCAD is full of extremely talented students, and it’s easy to compare yourself at first. But learning that I am good enough, and that I’ll continue to grow, has been a really important part of my time here. I’ve worked with people who are not only talented but also quick to encourage and collaborate. It reminded me that we’re all still learning and trying to become our best selves, and that’s what makes the environment so inspiring.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a filmmaker. I mainly work as a director, but I’ve taken on a lot of different roles on set: camera assistant, grip, production assistant, and more. I think it’s really cool to be able to jump into any position because it gives me the chance to learn how every department works and what it takes to keep a set running. I focus mostly on narrative dramas, and right now I’m wrapping up my senior capstone, which I finished filming in October.
I’m also a photographer, and sports photography is where I thrive the most. I love the energy and speed of it. But I also enjoy getting chances to work in other styles because every new experience teaches me something different and helps me grow.
Out of everything I’ve done, I’m most proud of my senior capstone. It’s such a special project to me. It stands out because it’s a Native American story told by a Native American filmmaker, and that representation means a lot. I’m also proud of how much I’ve learned from every project I’ve been a part of, whether it was a film or a photo shoot. Each one has pushed me to be better and has shaped the kind of artist I’m becoming.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Instagram and TikTok are honestly some of the best tools for me. I’ve learned so much just from scrolling. I get tons of videos about film set etiquette, what different crew positions actually do, how the industry works, and even photography and photo-shoot techniques. There’s so much information out there, and those apps make it easy to find quick tips or new ideas that I can apply right away.
I also do my best when I’m surrounded by people who push me to be better and vice versa. The people around me play a huge role in my confidence and the kind of work I create. When you surround yourself with people who are motivated, supportive, and passionate about what they do, it makes you want to level up. It becomes a space where everyone is growing together, and that makes a big difference in staying confident and showing up as your best self.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katd_photo.vid/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.dreifuss
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-dreifuss-299800293/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/whispersfromthewoods.film/
