Meet Haley Breese | Educator & Filmmaker

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

Hi Haley, what is the most important factor behind your success?
When it comes to my success, I equate most of it to my support network. My fiancé has been a constant pillar of encouragement and strength, never hesitating to support even my wildest ideas. He has spent countless late nights helping me build, create, and prepare projects. His unwavering belief in my work has been invaluable.
I also owe much of my humble success to the other half of my support network–my family. My mom, especially, has been my go-to for late-night chats when I’m unsure about the next step. Her ability to provide clear and honest feedback has been something that shaped almost all of my projects. Knowing I can rely on her for genuine advice has made all the difference.
While success can certainly be achieved independently, having a strong support network has helped my journey and made it infinitely more meaningful.

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.
What sets me apart from others is that I never shy away from saying yes when the opportunity presents itself. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like being told that something can’t be done. Resilience and creative problem-solving are at the core of who I am. This mindset has taken me professionally to places I never thought I would be. For example, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but my career truly transformed when I stepped out of my comfort zone and accepted the challenge of building a film and animation program for middle school students. That decision set off a domino effect, inspiring me to pursue my Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television—a decision that continues to shape my journey.

One of my proudest accomplishments is earning my Master of Fine Arts Degree in Film and Television. My time at Savannah College of Art and Design solidified the importance of my “say yes” mentality. I connected with incredible, creative individuals who pushed me to excel. Along the way, I faced challenges that required me to grow. While I have a natural inclination to take on everything, I learned that it’s okay to say no when necessary. It’s impossible to do it all, and I discovered that my ability to solve creative problems is a skill I should reserve for projects and people who truly value the craft, but each step has reaffirmed that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend from out of town came to visit, I’d start the day with breakfast at Collin’s Quarter on Bull Street. We’d enjoy a homemade chai latte and the Swine Time Bene, a perfect way to kick off the morning. From there, we’d take a short walk to explore the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the historic Colonial Park Cemetery–because you can’t visit Savannah without checking out a cemetery.

Next, we’d make our way to Broughton Street to browse some unique shops while I pointed out spots where films were shot. Afterward, we’d head to Forsyth Park to soak in the scenery and check out the work of talented independent artists showcasing their creations.

For lunch, we’d stop at Starland Yard, where we could grab some delicious bites from the rotating lineup of local food trucks. To wrap up the day, we’d end the night at Alley Cat Lounge, sipping on one of my favorite drinks, the “Birds of Paradise.”

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In addition to my Fiancé and Mom, several others have been instrumental in my journey and deserve a shout-out.

The first is Alex Newton—a friend, mentor, and professor—who had a profound impact on my development as a filmmaker. Before attending Savannah College of Art and Design, I had never received formal instruction in editing. My journey with editing began at age 12 when I discovered Windows Movie Maker on my first computer, and I continued to refine my skills over the years. However, it was Professor Newton who truly peeled back the curtain on editing theory, showing me how intricate and important the craft truly is. His guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my work, and without him, my documentary, “Failure to Fail”, would not be what it is today.

The second person I’d like to shout-out is Mackenzie Rosario. As a fellow film graduate, Mackenzie and I constantly pushed each other to exceed expectations and reach new creative heights. She has been a tremendous support for my creative endeavors and even played a special role in helping my fiancé plan his marriage proposal. Her friendship and encouragement have made a lasting impact on both my personal and professional journey.

Website: https://www.hpbreese.com

Instagram: @haleybrz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-breese-418449274/