We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittney Michelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brittney, why did you pursue a creative career?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a storyteller. It’s not anything I remember being taught or forced to do. It was just always apart of me, innately. When I was a little girl I’d create, direct (my younger brother), produce, and act in my own little scenes for friends and family for fun. As I got a little older, I started writing my own short stories. I ventured away from my creative side in college, but it didn’t take long afterwards for me to venture back to it – starting with books and then moving on to scripts shortly after. Creativity is apart of who I am. I couldn’t escape it if I tried.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I moved to Atlanta to pursue my filmmaking dreams 3 years after earning my Biomedical Sciences degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan — a degree I knew would not be put to use shortly after graduating. My heart just wasn’t in it, and I knew that if I didn’t take a leap of faith to pursue purpose that I’d end up regretting it in the long run. I arrived in Atlanta with no job, a small savings, and a BIG dream. My past 5 years in Atlanta have been so fulfilling. I’ve learned so much about myself, God, and the way I want to show up in the world.
My ultimate passion is screenwriting, and I eventually hope to move into directing. I have written two books, Epiphanies Within: When Mediocre Living is No Longer Enough (self help), and my favorite of the two (I know I shouldn’t pick favs) — my novel – When Hearts Collide. I also help aspiring writers outline their book ideas and self publish their work through my company, BM Webster Publishing.
By day, I am the Executive Director of Production for a marketing and production agency called Urban Content Studios. I’m really proud of this role, because I started at UCS as a freelance writer back when I was still working in Corporate America. I juggled both positions and pushed myself extremely hard until I was offered a retainer position as a Creative Content Director. Two years later I was promoted to ED of Production and in this position I’m able to put other Black creatives in positions to get paid for their talents, and that above all is what’s most rewarding. The journey was not at all easy. Long nights, early mornings… sometimes being charged with tasks that I literally had NO idea how to complete! — But, it’s really taught me how to bet on myself, my skillset, and my ability to make things happen.
I want the world to know that when you trust in your vision, know that no matter how hard life gets – your breakthrough is coming if you don’t give up. Though it all, make sure you take care of yourself – mind, body, and soul. Don’t neglect your SELF. You only get one you.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow, so when my friends come to Atlanta I always take them to Atlanta Breakfast Club. I don’t care if the wait is 2 hours, we’re staying! Haha! We’d probably go to Stone Mountain for a hike or a walk down the Beltline. Followed by lemon pepper wet wing at JR Crickets or my favorite Hibachi restaurant. I love the touristy spots too – the aquarium, the zoo, Ponce City Market.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout Shaun Mathis (@filmmaker_shaunmathis) He taught me so much about the technical side of screenwriting and really helped me elevate my writing to the next level.
Website: itsbrittneymichelle.com. bmwebsterpublishing.com
Instagram: andbrittneysaid
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-michelle-webster-7667a677/