Meet Drew Potter | Writer, Director, Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Drew Potter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Drew, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
I think the most difficult decision I’ve ever made was to “start”. I think anyone who decides to pursue anything they’re passionate about at some point has to deal with how hard that decision really is to make. There can be something you believed that you’re meant to do, something that you think you’d be good at, maybe even something you’ve even dreamed of. No matter what that thing is, I’ve always believed there’s this false sense of peace in the unknown, because as long as you’re not actually pursuing this passion, or dream or talent, you’ll never have to face the possibility of watching that dream die, finding out you’re not as good as you thought you would be, or realizing you’re maybe not meant to do this thing. So by “starting” you open yourself up to the possibility of failing and I think that alone hinders so many of us from trying, because we fear putting our all into something and it failing and how painful it would be. But I’ve always believed there’s beauty on the other side of fear, not just in accomplishment but in the things you could learn about yourself during the process, the people you comes across, the lessons you learn, the list goes on. So for me, taking that leap of faith and starting that pursuit of something I’m passionate about was by far the most difficult decision I’ve ever made but one I’m glad I did, regardless of the outcome.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a writer, creator and actor currently in production of a web series to be soon released as well as other projects in pre-production. One of the things I try to do with my writing is to tell untold stories. I feel like the world is too big and broad for us to watch reimaginations of the same concepts over and over. There are so many different topics that I think we’d all do good to see in the film industry and make that a point in my writing, first asking myself “has this story been told?” and then deciding if it’s something that should be told or if previously told further explored. I would definitely say the road here hasn’t been as easy one, as it took a lot of self learning combined with self belief to get where I am today. Not being formally schooled in screenwriting yet deciding to pursue it can be scary and is something it took me years to really get into. This time was spent reading, studying, watching videos, reaching out to my mentor, etc. but most importantly not quitting no matter how difficult things got. Where I am now is a direct result not being afraid to dream big and dig deep in the pursuit of something I always envisioned myself doing and that pursuit, that willingness to fail and overcome failure is a lesson that I’ll always cherish and take with me in every aspect of my life moving forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay so, it does depend on the friend and what they’re into. Luckily for me, Atlanta has everything.

For some social fun with good vibes we could anywhere from Top Golf, Painted Pin or The Battery. For more chill vibes we could hit Fellaship, Cam Newton’s cigar lounge and restaurant, or chose from the variety of lounges in and around Atlanta, from larger sports to smaller ones like Venetian (outside of ATL but not a far drive). I love small local bars so a place like Juicy’s Joint is great to me. If they like sports we could always go watch a Hawks game, maybe the Falcons on a good week. Food and drink wise, for more a sporty fun time we could hit sports bars like Twin Peaks or STATS, but since my friends like brunch, I’d definitely recommend somewhere like Suite Food Lounge or 10th & Piedmont. This is just a start though, because I could go on and on !

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This question is so difficult because there are so many people I could give a shoutout to as there are so many who’ve been just instrumental in everything I’ve done. If I had to narrow it down, I would give this shoutout to three women. First my mother, Doris Potter who has always helped me to master my approach of everything I pursue, striving for excellence and having a “no quit” mentality. The second would be my mentor “MB” who is an amazing talent currently working in the TV & Film Industry, who saw something I posted on twitter and reached out to me asking about my interest in screenwriting and helping me take those first steps and guiding me to great resources to help me learn how to and eventually write my own pieces. The third would be my girlfriend, Aaliyah who without there’d be no “Post Grad” the series I’m currently shooting, From the moment I had the idea, she’s been an advisor, a co-producer, a co-director, a confidant, and my biggest fan, who wouldn’t allow me to quit no matter how hard things have been in the pursuit of this dream.

Website: twitter.com/postgrad_

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Twitter: twitter.com/yalljust_myfans

Other: instagram.com/postgrad_series Email: 2201productions@gmail.com

Image Credits
-The Milas Touch -Joshdiditt