Meet Brandy Austin: Screenwriter

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

Hi Brandy, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always known where my happy place was and it was always when I was being creative. I’ve enjoyed writing stories all my life, which now has propelled me into being a storyteller through film, photography and most of all, creative writing. I feel like it’s always been in me. Everything I’ve done has led me to what I do now. For me, being a Screenwriter means I’ll never work a day in my life. I can’t think of a better motivation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never considered being a Screenwriter when growing up. I didn’t know it to be an option. I just knew I enjoyed writing. It wasn’t until about 15 years after I’d written my first novel that I realized that it indeed was an option, of sorts. The struggle has been in feeling like I’ll actually have a chance as a Black woman pursuing a career in a White, male dominated industry. After creating work that included expressing voices of people of color and the LGBTQIA community, I decided it was time to expand into penetrating Hollywood. I used the time of staying home to invest in my writing. I managed to adapt my novel, The Other Man, into a series, and knocked out a 55 page pilot. I then took another project series and polished the pilot. I’m currently working on additional projects that I intend to see on screen one day. It’s all about determination and perseverance. Don’t stop until you like the results.

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?
I’d say that though things are still closed amid COVID-19, we’d pick up food from places like Slutty Vegan, Roc South Cuisine, or Cultivate Foods. Spend time lounging in Piedmont Park or rent bikes and enjoy the Atlanta Beltline. Enjoy sweets from Kupcakerie. At night, catch a comedy show, movie in Buckhead or head to East Atlanta Village to take in the culture!