Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Cheyenne.
Victoria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m an indigenous documentary and narrative filmmaker and I also work in post-production at Comedy Central and I am completely in love with the work that I do.
I grew up in Brookhaven in Atlanta, Georgia surrounded by a booming entertainment scene in film and television. I was fascinated by the worlds of production and post-production and dove headfirst into any set that I could get on. I quickly found the Atlanta film community to be a tight-knit and passionate grouping of hard workers who were so often eager to mentor and educate.
I participated in the PA Academy taught by Linda Burns which was a fantastic way to get a foot in the door and learn how to hustle on set. In Atlanta, I worked as a set production assistant in television and used my free time to continue learning new editing software and editing local independent short films. I’m continuing to learn and grow but have many life teachers along the way to thank for getting me to where I am today.
Today, I work for Comedy Central which during this time has allowed me to work remotely and travel across the United States (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Montana, etc.) while also, working on my own documentary projects. I’m constantly on the search for stories to tell. I am particularly fascinated by stories of identity, family dynamics, and cultural heritage. Every step in the journey is to honor my relations and heritage through my art.
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?
As a woman working in post-production, I’ve often struggled to be taken seriously and have constantly surprised people with the knowledge I have in my field. I’ve worked hard and continue working every day to learn more. As an editor, my universe is built on technical knowledge and the field of programs that I need to know continues to grow with time.
A former professor of mine once had a meaningful talk with me and shared that he thought I “had it” and would succeed in this industry but that I should know that I should expect to always be underestimated and remember that I’d often have to be three times more skilled and qualified than the man applying for the same position as me.
It’s something that always stuck with me and as unfair as I may find it – it had driven me to work as hard as I can for myself to reach my aspirations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an emerging Bolivian-American documentary & narrative filmmaker. I also, work in the world of post-production as a post-production assistant at Comedy Central and a freelance narrative film editor.
I’m passionate about telling diverse stories of personal experience and supporting stories of female identity. I’ve been living nomadically for the last 5-months by working remotely and traveling around the western United States developing documentary material. I believe that the power in telling stories comes from connection and my single goal as a filmmaker is to create art that makes people feel that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences. If anything that I produce can reach any singular person and make them feel seen then I’ve succeeded.
My directorial narrative debut film “Carry That Weight” will make its premiere later this summer after a lengthy post-production process and I’m currently in development for a feature documentary that I am thrilled to watch come to life.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned the power of showing one’s gratitude and deep appreciation for everyone in the creative process.
As someone who works in post-production while also producing my own films, I am continually grateful for anyone who is thinking of the other people who helped make the massive wheel turn. This industry is entirely about collaboration and teamwork.
There are so many incredible people with who I’ve had the privilege to work and who have made my work reach its greater potential.
For my short film “Carry That Weight,” I collaborated with my incredible director of photography Kyle Bloom who brought in a beautiful visual perspective from my words on the page, as well as, a fantastic post-sound designer in Jon Violette who developed a soundscape and atmosphere to develop an auditory emotional experience.
Additionally, my incredible assistant director Carly Jennion allowed me to focus on bringing performances to life while keeping the production running efficiently and fostering an amazing production environment. My entire cast was a privilege to work with, especially, the amazing experience of working on such a vulnerable personal piece with my lead actor Brooke Kessler.
There are an endless number of people who have been my support, inspiration, and educators in the process and their impact is always on the forefront of my mind.
Contact Info:
- Email: victoriacheyennefilm@gmail.com
- Website: victoriacheyenne.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odditiescollective/
Image Credits:
Behind the Scenes Photography by Mia Teresa
