Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Messmer.
Meg, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Midland, Michigan. (Yes, the same one that had a terrible flood this year.) There’s something about growing up with that midwest work ethic, honesty and authenticity that makes it relevant to my journey to become a successful multi-hyphenate creator. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an actor. If it were up to me, I would’ve skipped college and headed straight to Los Angeles to claim my fortune. Yeah… right.
Instead, I headed to college (on a full-ride leadership scholarship mind you) to get a theatre degree. I was so impatient that I finished in three years with a BFA in Theatre, a minor in philosophy and communications, I had starred in my first independent feature film, I had traveled to both LA and NY between semesters to figure out which one made sense and I got scouted in class at Jeff Daniel’s theatre where they cast me in a play where I immediately got my Equity card. (In theatre, that’s what makes you a “professional actor.” Kinda like a SAG card). Oh, and did I mention I was chosen as valedictorian of my class? That was pretty cool too. I should stop here and say that I have a stubborn, determined spirit. Did you get that much already?
So I headed to New York because I had a degree in theatre and that’s where theatre mattered. But I knew NO ONE. I couldn’t cast in anything and I started to get depressed and frustrated and on the verge of giving up. Until I didn’t. I met a fellow actor and together we decided that we could use our resources to have a play written for us so that we would star in. And so, that’s what we did. Come to find out… that’s called “producing.”
When I moved to Los Angeles, I didn’t want to be the classic actress-who-waitresses, so I interned at three different production companies before getting my first assistant job for the Head of Production at FremantleMedia. While there, I went to night school at the professional UCLA producer’s program, trying to understand where I fit. I wrote and produced on the nights and weekends. I moved up and then moved over to working at a very prolific management company and then shortly after, I went out on my own. I made my first feature film, one of my series got picked up, I made an even bigger film and then… I started calling myself a producer. I moved to Atlanta to focus on writing and creating. I created a show with some killer talented women and we are creating it now.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never been a straight line for me. There are jagged turns and a lot of squiggle ups and downs and learning bumps along the way. But because of that, I learned so much that I like to pass on to new multi-hyphenates that are interested in expanding. Learning the “business” of being an actor was not something I learned with my four-year degree. Learning to self-produce out of necessity was kinda like shooting in the dark. I have definitely implemented the “fake-it-til-you-make-it” strategy with my first big feature films.
I’ve also experienced extreme sexism in this male-dominated industry. I’ve had to learn when to show up and when to keep quiet. I’ve learned what makes something sellable and what should be shelved until you can make it the way you want to. I’ve learned the one thing that gives creators the biggest advantage in this industry.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a producer, creator, actor and coach. It’s easier to say, “mulit-hyphenate.” My business is multifaceted. As an actor, I specialize in TV/film and commercials. I’m so proud to have had so much success in the commercial market. My first year in GA, I booked my first audition, which led to 13 commercials, voiceovers, a six-figure income and becoming the face of an international brand.
As a producer, I have worked with A-list stars, with budgets ranging from $20,000 to $12 million, box office films, Sundance films and small independent passion projects. I lean towards projects that move the needle, have a mission and purpose and strive to give a different perspective to their audience. Shortly after moving to Atlanta, I teamed up with 3rd Shift Media and started my own production arm called New South Independent with my partner Gabrielle Pickle. We focus on gathering IP from the Southeast. We believe there are undiscovered voices and stories here that will define the next generation of entertainment.
I also currently have a passion project called Intersection, which is a dark comedy series about gentrification in Atlanta. This one is near and dear to my heart because it is based on my experiences and the many experiences of real people in Atlanta. I created it and wrote it with a writer’s room because I knew it couldn’t be written without many voices. My team is Muretta Moss, Jennica Hill, Karen Ceesay and Jacinte Blankenship. We hoped to shoot it in March, but Covid-19 changed that. We will get dates on the table as soon as this passes and I’m so excited about the future of this series. Follow us on Instagram: @gentrificationtheshow
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I had a fantastic childhood so it’s hard to pick one. I am the 3rd of four children, all born within five years. We are very close. The first memory that comes to mind is how my oldest sister would write, direct and produce the rest of us in productions that we would then perform for my parents. One of my first memories of wanting to perform was watching Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin’s comedy act. I would imitate him and make everybody laugh.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.megmessmer.com,
- Email: meg.messmer@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megmessmer/, @gentrificationtheshow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.messmer
Image Credit:
Jordana Dale
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