Meet Trevor Browning | Director & Writer

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

Hi Trevor, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me, there are two key moments in my life when I chose to become an artist. Both were moments of recognition. The first was about halfway through High School when I realized everyone I ever knew was accepting that “the fun was almost over.” They were unsubscribing to the creativity that had made being a kid so fun and looking for something “realistic” to hang their hat on for the next lifetime. I tried to do the same and realized I had a really hard time doing that. It became evident to me that I had this dream of creating things: something I learned from filming dumb videos with my friends and acting in school plays. I knew that I wanted to do that for the rest of my life — make things, good or bad no matter what.

The second was right before I graduated High School. By then, I knew I wanted to create but i didn’t think I was good enough to call myself an artist. Having grown up in Kentucky, I went to a program called “Governor’s School for the Arts.” I was accepted as a drama student and spent the better part of that summer learning everything I never knew about the theatre: from scene work to Shakespeare and so on. Being around all of these up and coming artists I felt small: it didn’t matter that we were all in the same shoes, when I looked in the mirror every morning all I saw was a public school, farm town arts wannabe. It was around the beginning of the program and all the students from all different walks of life were huddled in this room and someone with a microphone said:

“You are enough.”

I can’t remember exactly who said it was first, but the message was echoed throughout the next three weeks and after awhile, I started to believe it. It’s as important today as it was for me then that these rising artists receive this affirmation: one person, if not many, reminding them that they are enough for this work and this world.

Once I realized that, one: it was a possibility to live this life, and two: I was good enough to do it — I was off and I never looked back.

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.
It was definitely never easy — but eventually, you get to a point in life or your career where you can look back and take stock of your defining moments. I’m not going to pretend at 26 that I’m versed in life — Sanford Meisner once said it takes 20+ years to become an actor and I think this can apply to great many things. But what I can do is look back at the life I’ve lived so far and realize how much my medium has impacted it. Places I’ve been, people I’ve met, and things I’ve made — it always goes back to art. And exploring this is always a good feeling.

I think one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is, no matter what, there is always an audience for something. When you’re thinking about whether or not you want to make something, the first voice in your head is always going to tell you “nobody is gonna like that’ or “nobody is gonna buy that.” Save that voice for the editing process, and when that voice comes back, argue with it. Compromise with it, maybe — but never let it win. No matter how obscure or weird you think your idea is, there’s always someone out there itching to say the same things but never knew how — or better yet, didn’t know others had the same thoughts or feelings. Or maybe you don’t think your story or painting or whatever it is will reach someone — but it’s important to realize that it always will. Sometimes in many different ways.

What I want people to know about me is that I’m always trying to make the movies and plays that I always wanted to see.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely hit The High. I live and operate by coffee shops, so the great coffee shop tour of Atlanta would begin there: Dancing Goats is stop number one. Silver Skillet is a must. We’ll see something at the Plaza (or, better yet, pull up to the Starlight Drive-In). I have my ideas, although, whenever someone comes to town I take it as an excuse to be an at-home tourist. We’ll hit all the spots.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would be in remiss if I didn’t take a couple of lines to thank my Mom and Dad for always cheering me on, even if they weren’t too crazy about this whole arts thing in the early, early days. They came around and always grabbed a front row seat and were always the first to stand at every curtain call (even if nobody else was doing it). I always be grateful that I had and continue to have a system of support from them and consider myself lucky for that.

I mentioned before how grateful I am for my experience at Kentucky GSA, but personally I have to thank the team there, the drama staff including Bo List and Bill Caise, and everyone I met along they way that taught me the ins and outs of theatre and reminded me everyday that I could do it.

Lastly, I’ll thank Erin Neupauer — my artistic partner in crime — who threw my name into the hat for this. “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid!”

Instagram: @thatbrownieguy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-browning-mfa-55a68827a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trevorbrowningactor/

Other: Second Hand Henry Films Instagram: @henrymakingmovies
“People Eater” Film Instagram: @peopleeaterfilm
“People Eater” Indiegogo: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/people-eater-a-short-film/x/37334149#/